Symptoms vary depending on the person and the type/severity of the disorder. Keep in mind, also, that either having or lacking one or two of the following list of symptoms does not make one depressed or not depressed. When the symptoms are so numerous or severe that they get in the way of living a normal life, then one should consider seeking help.

Common symptoms of major depressive disorder are:

• Change in sleeping patterns—either insomnia or excessive oversleeping
• Change in appetite—lack of appetite or excessive overeating
• Irritability and overreaction to small things
• Inability to concentrate and/or restlessness
• Indecisiveness
• Impaired memory
• Lack of pleasure in things that were once enjoyable, and desire to be alone
• Lack of energy, fatigue and drowsiness, even after a good night’s sleep
• Extreme sadness that will not relent; crying for no reason or inability to cry at all
• Feelings of guilt, failure, low self-esteem, and/or worthlessness
• Little or no hope for the future; extreme negativity and pessimism
• Thoughts of death and suicide

Bipolar disorder is characterized by depressive and manic episodes, both of which last for several weeks at a time. A mixed episode is when the symptoms of both depression and mania are felt simultaneously every day for a week. Hypomanic episodes are less intense versions of regular manic episodes, with the definite absence of delusions, hallucinations, and psychotic symptoms.

The following are symptoms of mania:

• Elevated mood for at least one week
• Inflated self-esteem, resulting in feelings of perfection, power and importance
• Great bursts of energy despite little sleep
• Excessive and rapid talking; talking so fast that others cannot follow thought process
• Excited, racing thoughts
• Easily distracted
• Continuous involvement in potentially dangerous activities without regard for consequences
• Extreme periods of rebellion or irritability that interfere with life socially
• Hallucinations or delusions (in extreme cases)