Fatigue or consistent lower energy levels

One typical sign of depression is fatigue. People sometimes have decreased energy levels and can feel drowsy in the morning, wishing they could stay in bed and watch TV rather than reporting to work.

While they frequently assume that stress is what causes weariness, depression can also be the root of fatigue. Contrary to normal exhaustion, depression-related fatigue can also result in attention issues, irritability, and apathy. The Director of the Clinical Research Program at Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Maurizio FavaTrusted Source, notes that people with depression frequently experience nonrestorative sleep, which means that they still feel sluggish even after having a full night's rest.

However, it can be difficult to determine whether the exhaustion is due to depression because numerous physical illnesses, such as infections and viruses, can also cause fatigue. While normal fatigue is a symptom of this mental disease, depression can also cause additional symptoms including sadness, hopelessness, and anhedonia (a lack of enjoyment in daily activities).