Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in activities and things that were enjoyable in the past. Depression also negatively affects appetite, sleep quality, ability to focus, and energy levels. Recognizing the mental and physical symptoms of the disorder can help one seek a diagnosis as soon as possible. So, here are a few key things to know about the condition:

Symptoms
Here are some of the typical signs of depression:

Insomnia: Arguably, the most common symptom of depression is poor sleep quality. As a result of the inability to sleep well, the disorder tends to cause a lack of energy and fatigue. This lack of restful sleep and insomnia is often brought on by the effects of persistent stress on hormonal and chemical balances within the brain.

Feelings of hopelessness: When dealing with depression, one may feel hopeless often. This is characterized by feelings of a lack of purpose and an inability to find joy. Additionally, this symptom can worsen due to feelings of worthlessness and self-pity. Additionally, depression can trigger inappropriate feelings of guilt. Due to these reasons, those with the disorder may prefer to stay by themselves. However, loneliness and self-isolation may also worsen the symptoms. So, upon noticing this sign in themselves or others, one should seek professional help, diagnosis, and management options.

Loss of interest: This is another clear sign of the disorder, as it can make one lose their fondness and intrigue for things that they used to love in the past. So, for instance, one who was earlier enthusiastic about playing the piano and looked forward to playing it every day may no longer have the motivation, desire, and drive to do so when dealing with depression. Additionally, the lack of sleep and energy can worsen this symptom, making one feel increasingly disinterested in activities they enjoyed earlier.

Some of the other signs of depression are anxiety and increased irritability.

Diagnosis
Upon noticing any of the abovementioned signs, one can consult a mental health professional. The doctor may recommend certain tests to diagnose clinical depression. Here are some of the most common tests or questionnaires:

• Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
• Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)
• Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
• Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)
• Major Depression Inventory (MDI)
• Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)
• Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)
• Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD)

Some of the key diagnostic criteria for these tests include experiencing symptoms like diminished interest or pleasure, depressed mood, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation, feelings of hopelessness or guilt, fatigue or loss of energy, and reduced ability to focus.

Management techniques
Here are a few management techniques that can help alleviate the feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loneliness associated with the disorder:

Following a routine: Having a daily routine in place can keep one busy and their mind occupied as much as possible. Additionally, the disorder can make one lose track of their daily sleep patterns and other tasks. So, one may tend to sleep during the day and stay up all night. Here, creating and following a fixed routine helps one sleep and wake up on time, alleviating sleeping issues as well as restoring energy. Additionally, having a routine can help improve eating habits, making one prepare food and eat on time. This checklist of daily tasks can help one eat well, sleep better, and feel energized, relieving some of the symptoms of the disorder.

Engaging in social activities: It is common to avoid doing or experiencing things that seem frightening; however, such activities can sometimes help. So, if, as a result of the disorder, one constantly avoids people and conversations, engaging in social interactions can help relieve feelings of loneliness. Sometimes, socializing can improve mood and help one share their feelings, making them feel less alone in their journey. Facing such fears can be a management technique for mental health disorders. 

Expressing oneself in writing: Creating and maintaining a daily journal can also relieve certain symptoms of depression. For instance, one can address as well as relieve their stress by writing about stressful things in their journal and discussing their thoughts, fears, feelings, concerns, moments of happiness, and other things going on in their lives. Writing can help one be honest about their thoughts, making the activity one of the best ways to cope with uncomfortable feelings.

Upon noticing the common symptoms of the disorder, it is important to consult a mental health professional to seek a diagnosis and appropriate management options.