What are the symptoms of mild depression? Is mild depression severe

The symptoms of mild depression mainly include low mood, decreased interest, lack of energy, sleep disorders, and changes in appetite. Mild depression is usually not severe, but timely intervention is needed to avoid worsening of the condition.

1. Low mood

Low mood is the core symptom of mild depression, characterized by feelings of sadness, emptiness, or despair lasting for more than two weeks. Patients often feel that life has lost its meaning, lose interest in daily activities, and may cry for no reason. This emotion often intensifies in the morning and slightly eases in the evening, but the overall emotional tone remains low.

2. Decreased interest

Decreased interest is manifested as a loss of interest in activities that one was previously passionate about, including work, socializing, hobbies, etc. Patients may avoid social situations, reduce contact with family and friends, and even show indifference towards intimate relationships. This kind of change is usually noticed by those around them first, and the patient may not be aware of this change themselves.

3. Lack of energy

Lack of energy is manifested as persistent fatigue, which is difficult to alleviate even after rest. Patients often feel heavy and require extra effort to complete simple tasks. There may be a decrease in work efficiency, procrastination in household chores, and in severe cases, it may be difficult to maintain personal hygiene.

4. Sleep disorders

Sleep disorders manifest in various ways in mild depression, including difficulty falling asleep, early awakening, shallow sleep, or excessive sleep. Although some patients sleep for a long time, they still feel tired after waking up. Sleep problems can further exacerbate daytime fatigue and emotional issues, forming a vicious cycle.

5. Changes in appetite

Changes in appetite may manifest as decreased appetite or overeating, often accompanied by significant fluctuations in weight. Some patients lose interest in food and eat mechanically; Other patients relieve emotional stress through eating and prefer high sugar and high-fat foods. This change may further affect the physical health condition. Mild depression patients can improve their symptoms through regular sleep, moderate exercise, social support, and other methods. It is recommended to maintain 7-8 hours of sleep per day, engage in walking, yoga, and exercise, and have at least 3 face-to-face conversations with family and friends per week. Pay attention to balanced nutrition in diet and consume more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks without improvement, or if suicidal thoughts occur, professional psychological help should be sought immediately. Early intervention can effectively prevent the condition from developing into moderate or severe depression.