Understanding Depression: 10 Signs and Symptoms, and When to Seek Support

Key Takeaways:

• Depression involves persistent low mood, emptiness, or loss of interest that goes beyond everyday fluctuations.

  
  

• It can appear in different forms, including major depression, bipolar depression, or postnatal depression.

  
  

• Symptoms can be emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioural, from fatigue and difficulty concentrating to changes in sleep, appetite, and motivation.

  
  

• Depression is highly treatable, and effective support is available.

Depression is a serious but very treatable mental health condition.

We all Experience Low Mood

Low mood is something we all experience. Stress, loss, disappointment, or simply the weight of everyday life can leave us feeling flat or discouraged. For many people, these feelings pass naturally. But for others, low mood becomes persistent, heavy, and disruptive, shaping daily life in ways that go far beyond temporary sadness. The important thing to remember is that depression is highly treatable with the right support.

Understanding Depression: What is Depression?

Depression is not just 'feeling sad', it’s a complex mental health condition that affects how we think, feel, and function. At its core, depression often involves a persistent sense of emptiness, hopelessness, or emotional numbness. Many people also experience overwhelming fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a loss of motivation. It’s common for depression to affect behaviour too. You might withdraw from others, lose interest in activities you once enjoyed, or notice changes in appetite and sleep.

Depression is very common, affecting millions globally. Around 1 in 6 people in the UK experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms.

There is no single cause. Research points to an interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. For example, neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) such as serotonin and dopamine play a key role in mood regulation, and disruptions in these systems can contribute to depressive symptoms. Furthermore, unhelpful thinking patterns like rumination or harsh self-criticism can also intensify depression.

Depression is not a personal failing or a sign of weakness. It is a real, treatable condition that benefits from understanding, compassion, and evidence‑based support.

Feeling low is part of being human. But when low mood becomes persistent, overwhelming, or begins to interfere with daily life, it may signal a mood disorder and reaching out for help can make a meaningful difference.

Around 1 in 6 people in the UK experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms.

Types of Depression

Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone. It can show up in many forms, shaped by different patterns of mood, energy, thinking, and behaviour. While depressive disorders share a core experience of persistent low mood or loss of interest, they differ in how these difficulties unfold. For some, depression feels like a constant heaviness. For others, it appears in cycles, follows major life events, or is accompanied by changes in sleep, appetite, or motivation.

Although depressive disorders vary in how they appear, they share a common thread: a persistent low mood or loss of interest that becomes difficult to shift and begins to affect daily life.

Understanding these variations helps people make sense of their own experiences and opens the door to support that is better tailored to what they’re going through.

Some of common types of depression include:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) — Persistent low mood, loss of interest, reduced motivation, and physical symptoms such as fatigue.

  
  

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) — Longer‑lasting but often less intense symptoms.

  
  

• Bipolar Disorder — Alternating episodes of depression (lows) and mania (highs).

  
  

• Postnatal/Postpartum Depression — Depression occurring after childbirth.

  
  

• Depression with psychotic features — Severe depression accompanied by hallucinations or delusions.

  
  

Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone it can show up in many forms.

Common Symptoms of Depression

While the symptoms of depression can differ from person to person, there are several signs that many people commonly experience. Symptoms of depressive disorders may include:

1. Persistent Sadness — Feeling low or hopeless for extended periods, sometimes without a clear reason.
   

2. Feelings of Emptiness — Feeling empty inside, or a sense of dread or despair.

   
   

3. Loss of Interest — Losing enjoyment in hobbies, socialising, or previously enjoyable activities.

   
   

4. Loss of Motivation — Feeling unmotivated to take part in hobbies, socialising, or previously enjoyable activities.

   
   

5. Feelings of Worthlessness — Excessive self-criticism or guilt. You may unfairly believe that things are your fault.

   
   

6. Fatigue — Low energy or feeling exhausted, even after rest.

   
   

7. Difficulty Concentrating — Struggling to focus and make decisions.

   
   

8. Changes in Appetite — Eating significantly more or less than usual.

   
   

9. Sleep Disturbances — Insomnia or excessive sleeping.

   
   

10. Physical Symptoms — Symptoms often manifest physically such as aches, pains, or digestive issues.

    
    

11. Irritability — Increased sensitivity or frustration.

    
    

12. Thoughts of self-harm or suicide — Thoughts may be passive or intrusive.

Depression can affect anyone and seeking support can literally change your life.

10 Signs you may be Struggling with Depression

When low mood becomes overwhelming or persistent, and begins to affect your ability to move through daily life as you usually would, it may be a sign that additional support could help. The following signs may indicate that you’re struggling with depression:

1. Feeling sad or empty most of the time.

   
   

2. Losing interest in hobbies or social activities.

   
   

3. Withdrawing from friends or family.

   
   

4. Feeling hopeless or excessively guilty.

   
   

5. Struggling to concentrate or make decisions.

   
   

6. Experiencing frequent fatigue or low energy.

   
   

7. Noticing changes in appetite or weight.

   
   

8. Sleeping too much or too little.

   
   

9. Experiencing unexplained physical discomfort.

   
   

10. Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.*

When to Seek Support

It’s natural to experience low moods from time to time. But when sadness, emptiness, or overwhelm persist, and begin to affect your relationships, work, or overall wellbeing, seeking support can be an important step toward recovery.

Depression is highly treatable. Speaking with your GP can be a helpful starting point. If you’re considering private therapy, it’s important to check the therapist’s qualifications and experience. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported by the person you choose to work with.

There are many evidence-based therapies available for depression.

*Suicide Prevention

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it’s important to reach out for help immediately. These thoughts can feel frightening or isolating, but support is available, and you do not have to face them alone. If you’re in the UK, mental health services and helplines can offer immediate assistance. There are mental health services below which may help.

Therapeutic Approaches for Depression

Several evidence‑based therapies can help reduce depressive symptoms and support recovery:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Helps identify and work through unhelpful thought patterns.

  
  

• Behavioural Activation – Encourages re-engagement with meaningful activities to counter withdrawal and low motivation.

  
  

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Supports individuals in making room for difficult emotions while taking steps toward valued actions.

Mental Health Services for Depression

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you care about, reaching out for support can be a meaningful step toward feeling better. Across the UK, a range of trusted mental health organisations offer guidance, emotional support, and routes into professional care. National charities provide listening services, crisis support, and accessible mental health information, while NHS services can help you access urgent or ongoing treatment. Speaking with your GP is often the starting point for therapy, but if you need more immediate support, the following professional services may be helpful:

• Mind – Offers mental health support, including talking therapies and crisis helplines. Visit Mind or call 0300 102 1234.

  
  

• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK – Call 0800 689 5652 (6pm–midnight daily).

  
  

• Samaritans – Provides 24/7 emotional support. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

  
  

• Shout – Confidential 24/7 text service. Text SHOUT to 85258.

  
  

• NHS 111 – For urgent mental health support, call 111 and select the mental health option. Visit NHS Mental Health Services.

Final Thoughts

Depression is highly treatable, and support is available. Whether you’re navigating occasional low moods or more persistent feelings of emptiness, recognising what you’re experiencing and learning ways to respond to it is an important step toward feeling better. Reaching out for help isn’t only an act of care for yourself, it can also create space for others to seek support, as your willingness to take that first step may offer someone else the hope they’ve been waiting for.

Stefan Dalton is a researcher in psychology and clinical neuroscience at Brunel University of London and a CBT therapist. He has authored peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognised journals, and his work focuses on brain functions and developing new CBT techniques.