Early Signs of Depression: Initial Stages & Treatments

It’s important to understand that depression is a disease and not a character flaw or weakness. The ones who have depression understand the pain it causes, and the impact it can have on the mind and body. However, seeking timely treatment can help you manage the condition and recover. 

In this article, we will walk you through various aspects of depression that primarily include an overview of depression, its types and stages, common signs and symptoms, along with causes and treatment steps.

What is Depression?

As per experts, depression is a mental disorder wherein the individual starts feeling a sense of despair about everything in life. They are constantly gripped by this feeling and are unable to enjoy life to the fullest.

Feeling sad on account of certain events in life is natural as a human emotion; however, if the individual starts feeling lonely and depressed for too long (weeks/months/years), it signifies clinical depression.

Types & Stages of Depression

Depression is one of the leading factors for heart disease and dementia, and its onset may be triggered due to multiple reasons. Before we jump to the segment detailing the early signs of depression, let us first learn about the different types and stages of depression:

The four most common types of the disorder include the following:

• Major Depression
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (earlier known as Dysthymia)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD]

Major Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)

It’s the most common form of depression with other names like – Clinical depression, Unipolar depression, etc. If someone is feeling low or is showing a loss of interest in activities (which they liked before) for nearly two weeks, it’s a sign that they suffer from clinical depression. In moments of depression, other areas like work, social relationships, too start getting affected.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

In this type, the feelings of despair, low mood, etc. last for nearly two years but don't reach the peak of major depression. Individuals who suffer from Persistent Depressive Disorder function normally every day, but there’s always a lack of energy, enthusiasm present in them.

Bipolar Disorder

For individuals who suffer from this depression, it’s a roller-coaster ride. They show both a series of depressive episodes along with moments of high energy, high self-esteem, etc. and few moments of normalcy. The abrupt peak in feelings may often lead to self-destruct for such individuals and is followed by a period of depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD]

As the name indicates, this type of depression follows a seasonal pattern. It mostly triggers during the winter season and gradually subsides with the ending of the season. If you’re wondering whether you suffer from SAD or not, look for signs like – lack of energy, considerable weight gain, unusual cravings for carbohydrates, etc.

Having found the answer to the most pressing question – how to know if you are depressed, it’s time to move on to the next segment and learn what are the early signs of depression and what depression feels like.

Common Early Signs & Symptoms of Depression

Depression can look very different from person to person. While some symptoms are widely recognised, others are subtle and easy to miss. Recognising both the obvious and hidden signs is key to early intervention and effective treatment.

Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms

These symptoms affect how you feel and think, often making everyday life feel overwhelming or joyless.

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Negative self-talk and critical inner dialogue
• Poor concentration, memory issues, or indecisiveness
• Increased pessimism or “depressive realism” – seeing things more negatively than usual

Physical Symptoms and Body-Related Changes

Depression doesn't just affect your mood—it impacts your physical health too:

• Fatigue or loss of energy, even after adequate rest
• Appetite or weight changes like significant weight gain or loss, often due to eating too much or too little
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
• Digestive issues without a clear medical cause
• Low sex drive or sexual dysfunction, due to low energy, self-esteem, or loss of pleasure

Behavioural Symptoms and Lifestyle Changes

Changes in day-to-day behaviour can be early signs that something deeper is going on:

• Social withdrawal like avoiding friends, family, or social interactions
• Neglect of personal care including reduced interest in grooming or hygiene
• Substance misuse such as using alcohol or drugs to cope with negative emotions
• Reckless or escapist behaviour like gambling, risky sex, or excessive spending
• Disinterest in work, school, or relationships – a drop in performance or effort across responsibilities
• Avoidance and procrastination, even for basic tasks or routines

Hidden or Atypical Depression Signs

Some symptoms can go unnoticed or be mistaken for personality traits or temporary stress:

• Forced happiness (also called “smiling depression”) – putting on a cheerful exterior to hide internal struggles
• Sudden personality changes, like becoming unusually quiet or overly reactive
• Overcompensating with productivity or humour like staying excessively busy or joking constantly to avoid facing emotions
• Heightened sensitivity to criticism, where neutral feedback feels personal and overwhelming
• Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected – a lack of reaction even in situations that typically provoke emotion
• Masking emotions to avoid burdening others such as prioritising others' comfort over your own mental health
• Struggles with intimacy or emotional closeness
• Unexplained physical ailments, such as chronic headaches, digestive issues, or muscle pain without medical explanation.

How Depression Manifests Across Age Groups and Genders

Depression doesn't look the same in everyone. It can vary significantly depending on age, gender, and life stage—sometimes making it harder to recognise. Understanding these variations can help identify symptoms earlier and seek the right support.

Depression in Men

Men may not always display the classic symptoms of depression, such as sadness or crying. Instead, they often show:

• Irritability or anger
• Risk-taking behaviours like reckless driving, substance use, or gambling
• Emotional withdrawal or becoming unusually quiet
• Difficulty expressing emotions or asking for help

Because of societal expectations around masculinity, many men may not seek treatment, making early identification crucial.

Depression in Women

Women are nearly twice as likely to experience depression as men, and hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can play a role. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
• Excessive guilt or self-criticism
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Heightened emotional sensitivity or crying spells

Women are generally more likely to seek help, but they may still downplay their symptoms due to stigma or caregiving responsibilities.

Depression in Adolescents

In teens, depression can be mistaken for mood swings or “normal teenage behaviour.” But if the symptoms persist, it may be clinical depression. Look for:

• Irritability or anger instead of sadness
• Drop in academic performance
• Social withdrawal or avoidance of activities
• Increased sensitivity to criticism or failure

Teens might also engage in risky behaviours or struggle with identity, making supportive intervention essential.

Depression in Older Adults

Depression in seniors often gets overlooked, as symptoms can mimic other age-related concerns. Instead of talking about low mood, older adults may show:

• Memory loss or confusion
• Frequent physical complaints, such as body aches or fatigue
• Lack of interest in social or physical activities
• Neglect of personal hygiene or medications

Since older adults may view depression as a “normal part of ageing,” family members and caregivers play a vital role in spotting the signs.

Causes of Depression

Depression doesn't have a single root cause. It’s usually the result of a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Understanding these causes can help individuals and caregivers recognize patterns, seek timely help, and begin effective treatment.

Heredity

As per medical research, depression can be passed on between generations. So, if anyone in your family has ever faced depression and you’re feeling lonely and depressed, chances are that you’re suffering from depression, too. However, that’s not always the case. Even if no one in your family had depression, it may still be triggered due to various other factors. It’s worth remembering that genetics is just one of the risk factors. 

Brain Chemistry

A few neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) inside our brain are responsible for transmitting information between nerve cells, while some neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, control our mood. So, if you’re feeling low, chances are that the count of these brain chemicals might be lower or they are not effective enough.

Hormonal Imbalance, Stress or Alcoholism

Mental stress, alcohol and drug consumption, or hormonal imbalance can considerably impact your mood, draining out your energy for no apparent reason and make you feel lethargic.

Psychosocial and Environmental Triggers

Trauma, ongoing relationship issues, grief, unemployment, or even major life transitions can be powerful psychological stressors. When left unaddressed, these external triggers may lead to a deep sense of helplessness or prolonged sadness that evolves into clinical depression.

Medical Conditions and Chronic Illness

Ongoing physical health issues like chronic pain, cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease can also lead to or worsen depression. This is often due to the emotional toll of managing illness alongside biochemical changes in the brain.

Depression vs Anxiety: Understanding the Differences and Similarities

Depression and anxiety are two distinct mental health conditions, but they often occur together and share a deep biological connection. In fact, research indicates that nearly 50% of individuals diagnosed with major depression also experience symptoms of anxiety. This overlap can make it difficult to tell one condition from the other, especially in the early stages.

Both conditions can cause irritability, fatigue, changes in sleep, and a general sense of being overwhelmed. You might struggle with persistent negative thoughts, racing thoughts, or physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or restlessness. This can lead to confusion: Is it anxiety triggering your depression, or depression that’s causing your anxiety?

Common Symptoms in Both Depression and Anxiety

Some symptoms are frequently seen in both depression and anxiety, which can make distinguishing between the two conditions challenging:

• Difficulty concentrating or staying focused
• Sleep disruptions, including insomnia or oversleeping
• Unexplained physical pains such as headaches or body aches
• Irritability or sudden anger outbursts
• Low energy and persistent fatigue
• Negative thinking patterns, such as self-criticism or worst-case scenario thinking

If you notice a combination of these symptoms, it may indicate one or both conditions — and seeking professional guidance is key to understanding and managing them effectively.

How Depression and Anxiety Differ

While depression often feels like a slowing down of the mind and body, anxiety is more like a constant state of overdrive. Here's how you might differentiate:

• Depression without anxiety: You may feel emotionally and physically drained, disconnected, unmotivated, and uninterested in things you once enjoyed. Everything feels heavy, and the future may seem hopeless.
• Depression with anxiety: You might still feel down or hopeless but with the added weight of constant worry, restlessness, and physical tension. Your mind might race with intrusive thoughts or worst-case scenarios, keeping you in a heightened state of alertness.

The Link Between Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety can be a precursor to depression, especially if prolonged worry begins to interfere with sleep, work, or relationships. Similarly, depression can cause anxiety by instilling fear about the future, self-worth, or your ability to recover. These two conditions can feed off each other, creating a cycle that’s hard to break without intervention.

How to Support a Loved One With Depression

It is not uncommon among many individuals to have come across a friend or a loved one who is going through depression. If you notice early signs of depression in someone you know, there are a few things you should do, which could help ease that person out of their depressed state. 

Be a Good Listener

Individuals who are going through depression would tend to isolate themselves and not be keen on socialising. In such cases, approach the person and let them know that you are here for them and would like to hear them out. 

Doing so will help the person open up and share what’s troubling them, ultimately taking some stress off. 

Be Patient

Depression comes in various forms and can be unpredictable at times. If someone you know is experiencing severe bouts of depression, easing them out of it is always going to be a long-term process. 

It requires you to be patient and consistently lend out a helping hand as the individual goes through a recovery process. 

Don’t Hesitate to Seek Professional Help

A mistake most people make is that they take too long to realise that a friend or loved one requires professional help to get out of depression. Even if you feel that your support is proving beneficial, never disregard the opportunity to seek help. 

When to Seek Professional Help for Depression

Everyone experiences low moments, but when those feelings persist or start interfering with daily life, it may be time to reach out for help. Depression is a medical condition, not a personal failing—and just like any other health issue, it deserves professional attention. Recognising when to move beyond self-help can make all the difference in recovery.

Consider seeking professional support if:

• Your symptoms last longer than two weeks
• Daily functioning (work, relationships, sleep) is significantly affected
• You experience persistent hopelessness, panic, or suicidal thoughts
• You're using alcohol or substances to cope
• You've tried self-help but haven't seen improvement

Treatment for Depression

Depression isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition, and treatment approaches should be personalised based on severity, symptoms, and individual needs. Here are the most effective ways to treat and manage depression:

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

Psychotherapy is often the first-line treatment for mild to moderate depression and plays a vital role in long-term recovery. Several therapeutic modalities can help individuals identify and shift negative thought patterns, understand emotional triggers, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Commonly used approaches include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe distorted thoughts and replace them with more balanced, realistic ones.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving relationships and social functioning, especially useful for depression linked to grief or relationship conflicts.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious patterns and past experiences that contribute to emotional pain.
• Group Therapy: Offers shared support, helping individuals realise they are not alone in their struggles.

Medication (Antidepressants)

For moderate to severe depression, medications may be recommended either alone or in combination with therapy. Antidepressants help correct chemical imbalances in the brain that affect mood and emotions. Types of commonly prescribed antidepressants include:

• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram
• SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and MAOIs, are usually prescribed when other options aren’t effective

It’s essential to consult a psychiatrist for proper diagnosis and prescription, as medications can take a few weeks to show results and may involve side effects or dosage adjustments.

Healthy Diet and Nutritional Support

A nutritious diet supports brain function and emotional well-being. Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants. If necessary, a doctor may recommend supplements to address nutritional deficiencies that could contribute to depression.

Practical Self-Help Tips for Coping With Depression

While professional treatment is important, incorporating simple, consistent habits into your daily life can significantly support your mental health journey. Here are small but powerful changes you can start right away:

• Set a daily routine: Structure helps reduce unpredictability and gives a sense of control.
• Break tasks into small goals: Completing even simple tasks builds confidence and motivation.
• Stay physically active: Exercise boosts mood by releasing feel-good chemicals like endorphins.
• Practice mindfulness or meditation: These help calm racing thoughts and lower anxiety levels.
• Stay socially connected: Talk to friends or family regularly, even if it's just a short call.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine: Both can intensify symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Inpatient Hospitalisation for Depression

In cases of severe depression, especially when there’s a risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or an inability to function in daily life, hospitalisation may be necessary. Inpatient care offers a safe, structured environment with 24/7 support from mental health professionals.

At Cadabam’s Hospitals, our inpatient programs for depression include:

• Continuous medical supervision
• Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
• Evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT
• Holistic support through mindfulness, yoga, and family therapy
• Personalised recovery planning and post-discharge support

If symptoms feel overwhelming or previous treatments haven’t worked, hospital-based treatment can offer the intensive care needed to stabilise and heal.

Get Expert Help for Depression at Cadabam’s Hospitals

We use our 30+ years of expertise to ensure that you get the treatment you need and deserve. Our multispecialty team of psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, and physicians continually works with you and your family members to ensure a well-rounded and holistic depression treatment. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced professionals, and strong community support, we offer world-class evidence-based treatment. As pioneers in private behavioural healthcare services, we pride ourselves on our renowned psychotherapy,  pharmacotherapy, and community-based treatment for depression.

Our programs help you or your loved one recover by using the top therapeutic interventions used worldwide. Our high-quality and comfortable facilities, qualified mental health professionals, caregiver support plans, post-diagnostic support, post-care support, and crisis intervention ensure that all your needs are met.

If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam’s Hospitals can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage their depression. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 97414 76476. You can even email us at info@cadabamshospitals.com.

FAQs 

What are the signs of depression?

Loss of interest, hopelessness, change in appetite, low mood, lack of concentration, poor energy level, change in sleeping habits, persistent sadness, social withdrawal, and extreme change in moods are some of the common signs of depression.

Do I have signs of depression?

Self-diagnosis is a big “no”. So, if you ever feel something is wrong, instead of looking for symptoms so that you can self-diagnose, you must get in touch with a professional and seek their intervention. 

What to do if you have signs of depression?

Find a good professional and get their help. Early intervention can make a big difference in helping you control your symptoms. At Cadabam’s Hospitals, we have a multi-speciality team of mental health professionals who specialise in depression. Connect with us today and get the needed help.

How to spot signs of depression in someone?

Understand that a person going through depression may not necessarily show any evident symptoms. However, that said, there are still some signs that you can look for. Like, their behaviour has changed lately, they don’t hang around with people as much as they used to, they look tired and low most of the time, they get irritated easily, they are often restless, and they have lost or gained weight. If you suspect someone is going through depression, encourage them to seek professional help.

What are the signs when depression is dangerous?

Whenever you discover something is not right and you’re not feeling well mentally, it’s usually recommended that you take proper measures. Don’t wait for things to deteriorate; don’t wait for signs to become “dangerous”. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can ensure your mental well-being.