Back Depression

For some young people, feelings of sadness and unhappiness outweigh their happy and excited emotions.

When you have depression, these sad feelings become overwhelming and long-lasting, affecting how you think, how you feel and what you do. These feelings can last for weeks, months or even longer.

Emotional symptoms of depression include:

  • feeling sad, down or empty for most of the day, nearly every day
  • loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities
  • becoming withdrawn from friends or family
  • feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • suicidal thoughts
  • crying for no reason.

Physical symptoms of depression include:

  • low energy, fatigue and reduced activity
  • insomnia or difficulty sleeping
  • loss of appetite or weight
  • increased sleep or appetite (atypical depression)
  • trouble concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
  • slowed body movements, thinking or speech
  • difficulty sitting still, pacing or hand-wringing
  • back pain or headaches
  • feeling sick and run down
  • digestive problems.

Symptoms of anxiety are also common in people with depression, as the 2 conditions often occur together.