Depression, according to Mind, is a low mood that causes us to feel sad, hopeless, or miserable about life; these feelings last for a long time, and usually affect our everyday life.

Psychological symptoms include:

• Feeling upset or tearful

• Finding no pleasure in life or the things you usually enjoy

• Feeling isolated and unable to relate to others

• Experiencing a sense of unreality

• Finding yourself unable to concentrate

• Feeling hopeless, empty, or numb

Physical symptoms include:

• Losing interest in sex

• Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much

• Physical aches and pains with no cause

• Feeling tired all the time

• Moving very slowly

• Having no appetite and losing weight, or eating too much and gaining weight

However, while there are many signs and symptoms, everyone’s experience of depression will vary. As a general rule of thumb, mental health experts advise that you visit your GP if you experience symptoms of depression for most of the day, every day, for more than two weeks.

You can find out more information – including a series of approved self-care tips – on the Mind website.

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This is why depression makes people feel so tired all the time