Not everyone can acknowledge or verbalize the sense of feeling depressed. One of the first signs of depression is an obvious lack of attention to one's appearance. Depression can lead to loss of motivation, drive and ambition. Decision-making becomes an endeavour in itself and normal activities are burdensome. Social interaction becomes a difficult task, and the depressed person often prefers solitude.
Sleep disturbance is a common feature.
Initial insomnia or trouble falling asleep and multiple waking throughout the night are other features. Food loses its taste and appetite decreases. Appetite can also increase. Loss of energy and fatigue are also common. If a person experiences a combination of these symptoms for a period of 2 to 3 weeks with no change, a doctor should be consulted.