University of Florida

Coping with Depression

While people may appear okay on the outside, they can be battling a turmoil within themselves—depression. Unlike feeling the normal woes of life, depression does not stop.

Many factors—genetic, biological, environmental, and mental—can cause depression, but there are also many ways to help those suffering from depression.

Review the following signs or symptoms to help determine if you or someone you know is suffering from major depression. Note that many people will feel these ways from time to time, but a person with major depression would feel these symptoms non-stop for about two weeks. 

Signs or Symptoms of Depression

  • Feels sad or depressed when minor things don’t go his/her way
  • More irritable and cranky
  • Changes in sleeping patterns—too much or not enough
  • Does not feel, or has a hard time feeling, satisfied
  • Has low self-esteem, poor self-image
  • Appetite changes
  • Poor concentration, attention, and/or memory
  • Does not care to do activities he/she usually enjoys
  • Talks about death or suicide

If you may be suffering from depression, then visit your doctor or a mental health specialist for help. From counseling to medication, there are ways to treat depression.

Adapted and excerpted from:

G. Evan and H. Radunovich, Signs and Symptoms of Depression” (FCS2183), UF/IFAS Family, Youth and Community Sciences Department (rev. 04/2012).

H. Radunovich, Depression and Older Adults” (FC8848), UF/IFAS Family, Youth and Community Sciences Department (rev. 04/2012).

What is Depression?National Institute of Mental Health (Accessed 10/2014).

woman in park

Related Sites & Articles

Popular Stories