Listed below are a number of symptoms associated with depression. Not everyone who is depressed will experience every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time.

>feelings of helplessness and hopelessness 
> feeling useless, inadequate, bad 
>self hatred, constant questioning of thoughts and actions, an overwhelming need for reassurance 
>being vulnerable and "over-sensitive" 
> feeling guilty 
> a loss of energy and motivation, that makes even the simplest tasks or decision seem difficult 
self harm
>loss or gain in weight
>ficulty with getting off to sleep, or (less frequently) and excessive desire to sleep 
> agitation and restlessness
>loss of sex drive
>finding it impossible to concentrate for any length of time, forgetfulness. A sense of unreality.
>physical aches and pains, sometimes with the fear that you are seriously ill.

In severe depression, these feelings may also include:

1.suicidal ideas
2.failure to eat or drink
3.delusions and/or hallucinations

In many instances the symptoms of depression may be masked. Mens's depression is often masked by alcohol or drugs, or by the socially acceptable habit of working excessively long hours.

In older people depressive symptoms are often missed and symptoms are dismissed as a normal part of aging. Often older people are reluctant to discuss feelings of hopelessness, sadness, loss or interest in normally pleasurable activities or extremely prolonged grief after a loss.