An individual with depression may exhibit unusual and uncharacteristic behaviors. A common behavior is recklessness. An individual may engage in compulsive behaviors such as gambling, drinking, and dangerous activities that they otherwise would not have taken part in.
Lack of interest in normal activities is also a sign of depression. When a person loses all interest in activities that they previously enjoyed such as hobbies, socializing, and sex, they may be exhibiting a sign of depression. An individual with the disorder will often pass up the opportunity to partake in an activity and instead choose to stay home or spend time alone.
While depression is a mental health issue, the disorder may manifest itself in physical symptoms. A person with depression may often complain about various aches and pains that did not previously exist. Headaches and stomach pains are the most frequent physical issues described in depression risk factors.
Sleep disorders are a symptom in themselves, as well as a possible cause for some of the physical symptoms. Those with depression will often suffer from insomnia or hypersomnia. Those with insomnia may find it difficult to get to sleep, wake up multiple times in the middle of the night, and wake up very early every day. Those experiencing hypersomnia will often oversleep, causing them to miss important events.
People dealing with depression often have a sense of self-loathing. This feeling is one of the depression risk factors, but may also be brought on by other symptoms. The desire to be alone, altered moods, and feeling of helplessness may cause an individual to feel that there is no hope for him or her. This can cause a sense of isolation which may lead an individual to have a negative self-image and feeling of worthlessness.