major depression symptoms
In major depression, the most prominent symptom is a severe and persistent low mood, profound sadness, or a sense of despair. The mood can sometimes appear as irritability. Or the person suffering major depression may not be able to enjoy activities that are usually enjoyable.
In addition, according to the DSM-5 -- a manual used to diagnose mental health conditions -- you may have other symptoms with major depression. Those symptoms might include: Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day.
People who have many episodes of major depression may also have periods of persistent but milder depressed mood. During a major depressive episode, thinking can get out of step with reality. The person has psychotic symptoms such as false beliefs (delusions) or false perceptions (hallucinations). Some people who have episodes of major depression also have episodes of relatively high energy or irritability.