The following list is provided to make it easier to know if you or someone you love is suffering from depression.

Emotional reactions. This is the easiest one in that you feel depressed most of the day. This is a no brainer, especially if you feel this way nearly every day, or feel sad or empty or others tell you that this you do.

Symptoms: feel sad, feels empty or lacks feelings of all kinds, tired ("everything is an effort")... nervous or restless, angry and grouchy (especially in kids), irritable, overreacts to criticism... bored, apathetic, "nothing is enjoyable," feels socially abandoned and/or has less interest in relationships, sex, food, drink, music, current events.

Physical changes. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day is probably the most common symptom in depression. It is one of the most common symptoms that I see in my practice. There are many reasons that you could be fatigued other than depression, but most depressed people have fatigue as part of their illness.

The second most important symptom is early morning awakening. If you are waking up at 2 to 4 AM on a regular basis one of your first thoughts should be to consider the possibility that you are depressed. Most people with depression feel extremely tired insomnia or have hypersomnia nearly every day.

One also needs to be alert to weight issues, either gaining or losing weight. The part of the brain that controls appetite is almost invariably affected. If you have a significant weight loss when not dieting or your appetite is decreased, or if you have an increased appetite and have a significant weight gain, you should consider the possibility of depression.

Symptoms -- difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively, awaking early... hyperactivity or sluggishness, diurnal moods (worse in the morning)... low sex drive, loss of appetite, weight loss or gain, indigestion, constipation, headaches, dizziness, pain, and other somatic problems or complaints.

Attitudes and motivation. A depressed mood is a major change from your normal mood. Typically relationships with your friends, family, job or school take a significant impact by the change in your mood.

A markedly decreased interest in all, or almost all, your activities most of the day, nearly every day is a strong indicator of depression. It is as if there is nothing in life gives you any pleasure anymore.

Symptoms: low self-concept, lack of self-confidence and motivation, pessimistic or hopeless, feel helpless or like a failure, expects the worst... self-critical, guilt, self-blaming, "People would hate me if they really knew me"... suicidal thoughts, "I wish I had never been born."

Behavioral excesses. Some experts believe that you can't be depressed unless you have thoughts of wanting to take your life. You may or may not have a specific plan for committing suicide but you feel that it would just be better for all involved, especially yourself, if you just weren't here anymore.

Symptoms -- complaints about money, job, housing, noise, poor memory, confusion, loneliness, lack of care and love... acting out (adolescents), running away from home, rebellious, aggressive... obsessed with guilt and concern about doing wrong, about being irresponsible, about the welfare of others, and about "I can't make up my mind anymore"... crying... suicidal threats or attempts.

Behavioral deficits. You lose the enthusiasm to be with people and talk with family and friends. Depression is one of the more common reasons for sexual dysfunction.

Symptoms -- socially withdrawn, doesn't talk, indecisive, can't work regularly, difficulty communicating, slower speech and gait... loss of appetite, weight change, stays in bed... less sexual activity, poor personal grooming, and doing less for fun.

Lack of skills. Another very common pattern is a significant negative change in your thought processes. If you have feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day or have a diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day, then your body may be giving you a huge clue that you may be depressed.

Symptoms -- poor social skills, frequently whiny or boring, critical, lack of humor... indecisive, poor planning for future and unable to see "solutions."

Doctors Miss Half of Depressed Patients -- Are You One of Them?

How Do You Know If You're Depressed?