Many people worldwide suffer from depression, and although unfortunately many women and men suffer from the problem in silence, there are signs of depression which can be detected by family, friends and co-workers. A common misconception is that depression is sadness or a low mood that can be dealt with through a change in routine or scenery and that it is something that, if left alone, will simply pass like a bad mood. One of the signs of depression is sadness, but it occurs at such a degree and intensity that it does not go away. In fact, this mood can be described more accurately as lethargy rather than sadness, because one of the signs of depression is a lack of energy and interest, rather than just sadness or fear.

Signs of depression include persistent feelings or hopelessness and helplessness. The person may feel that there is no point in going on living. This is distinct from general sadness, in that people who are merely sad over a certain event may express a desire to do something in the future or try to find a purpose for their suffering and the negative event. One of the signs of depression is that a persona cannot be consoled and does not find such hope or a desire to plan for the future.

Other signs of depression include a keen feeling of worthlessness and low self-esteem. These feelings are usually unjustified and are exaggerated. For instance, a minor setback will seem like a failure of the person as a human being, and they may feel that they cannot continue with their lives as the result of a single negative event. Obsessing about a negative event is another one of the major signs of depression, and the person may have unjustified feelings of guilt that do not find relief. As with their other negative emotions, they are unable to be consoled over the event, no matter what is said to them.

A lack of interest in activities that once provided pleasure is another of the signs of depression. In addition, the depressed person may withdraw from friends or social functions. This may be abrupt or gradual, but it is almost always noticeable. The depressed person usually sleeps much or more less than usually and has an extreme change in appetite, and will either eat more or less. They may experience increased sensitivity to noise and lose their awareness of time. Personal hygiene may suffer as the depressed person does not feel motivated to take proper care of himself or herself. One of the most common and disturbing signs of depression is recurring feelings and thoughts about suicide. If these feelings are intense, the depressed person may be in need of hospitalization.

One need not have all of these signs of depression to be diagnosed with the problem, but usually the majority of symptoms are there. There are many treatments available to depressed people depending on the severity of the condition. Many patients are given medication and undergo a course of therapy, while some patients are hospitalized temporarily for clinical depression, especially if they have persistent suicidal feelings or are aggressive.