How to Tell if You’re in A Funk or Actually Depressed

4. Memory loss and inability to focus

Memory impairment occurs in about 10% of people with severe depression.  When the brain is pre-occupied with negative thoughts of guilt, worry, shame and disappointment, it interferes with the brain’s ability to function when engaging in normal tasks.  This can lead to increased frustration for being unable to remember or complete these tasks.  People suffering from depression can often appear restless, uncoordinated and distracted.

5. Extreme fluctuations in appetite

Depending on the person depression can affect your appetite in many different ways.  Some people may find themselves eating more to compensate for a void or a loss, and others will avoid eating altogether.  Since depression can make you feel powerless and out of control, many try to exercise what control they do have over their eating habits.

6. Persistent feelings of hopelessness or despair

Depression can remove your ability to look at life objectively and cloud your outlook so that you don’t consider other resolutions and ways to rectify situations. Even small decisions such as what to have for lunch or what to wear can seem like monumental and impossible tasks.  Situations like this can intensify the depression since the sufferer loses faith in their ability to make a confident decision.