Depressive symptoms are changes in emotions, thoughts, the body and behavior, such as a persistently low mood, loss of interest and motivation, and reduced energy, that a person experiences over an extended period. The presence of these symptoms does not amount to a diagnosis on its own; a diagnosis is made through a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified health professional.
Emergency note: If a person has thoughts of harming themselves, or if there is an immediate danger, the 112 Emergency Call Center in Türkiye can be contacted or the nearest hospital emergency department can be visited; whenever possible, it is important that the person is not left alone. This article does not provide a diagnosis and is not a substitute for emergency help.
What is depression, and how does it differ from passing sadness?
According to NIMH, everyone feels sad or low sometimes and these feelings usually pass; depression is different and can cause symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks and handles daily activities. A Turkish Ministry of Health document states that when sadness and pessimism persist and begin to affect daily life, this may be depression. The WHO reports that an estimated 5.2% of adults had depression in 2023.
In which areas can depressive symptoms appear?
Sources list symptoms in different groups; the summary below is based on the lists in NIMH, the NHS and the Turkish Ministry of Health document. Not every symptom needs to be present in every person.
In the emotional area
- A persistently sad, anxious or “empty” mood
- Hopelessness, pessimism and helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness, or feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- Reduced interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
In the area of thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
- Viewing oneself, others and the future negatively; seeing oneself as a burden to others
- Thoughts of death or self-harm (in this case, the emergency note above and the section “When can psychological support be considered?” can be consulted)
In the body
- Fatigue, reduced energy, or feeling slowed down
- Difficulty falling asleep, waking too early or sleeping too much; changes in appetite and weight
- Aches and pains, headaches or digestive complaints without a clear physical cause
In behavior
- Withdrawing from friends and social settings, neglecting hobbies and interests
- Difficulties at home, at work or in family life; needing much more effort to complete daily tasks
How long should symptoms last before a professional evaluation is considered?
NIMH and the WHO cite symptoms lasting most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks as a criterion for a depression diagnosis. The NHS likewise advises seeing a doctor if symptoms have continued most of the day, every day, for more than two weeks; the Turkish Ministry of Health document mentions the family physician or a psychiatry outpatient clinic for people who have had most of the symptoms for the past 15 days. These time frames should be read not as a personal diagnostic criterion but as guiding information for considering an evaluation.
Symptom severity also varies from person to person. According to the NHS, depression in adults is classified as milder or more severe based on the frequency and intensity of symptoms, their duration and their impact on daily life. The Turkish Ministry of Health document notes that severity can fluctuate over time, and NIMH emphasizes that people with fewer symptoms can also benefit from support.
How can depressive symptoms arise?
Symptoms can arise in connection with life events, losses, long periods of stress, relational difficulties, or without any obvious cause. The Turkish Ministry of Health document states that depression does not depend on a single cause and that life events, personality structure and changes in the brain are believed to play a role together. Symptoms can also turn into a cycle: as energy and motivation decline, activities decrease, and reduced activity can reinforce hopelessness and a sense of failure.
The person often evaluates themselves critically, withdraws and may struggle to meet daily responsibilities. This can leave the person feeling even more alone and inadequate.
How are depressive symptoms addressed in psychotherapy?
In psychotherapy, the aim is to understand together when the symptoms began, which situations they are linked to and how they affect daily life. The WHO lists behavioral activation, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and problem-solving therapy among the psychological interventions used for depression. In the cognitive behavioral therapy approach, negative thought patterns and cycles that develop when a person reduces their activities are addressed, and work such as behavioral activation may be used. In the psychodynamic psychotherapy approach, more room is given to losses, relationship patterns and the relationship the person has with themselves.
Which approach is suitable is determined in the first evaluation according to the person’s needs; for this session, see What is covered in the first session? NIMH notes that a treatment plan may include psychotherapy, medication or both; the evaluation of medication belongs to the psychiatrist.
Common misconceptions about depressive symptoms
- “Depression is a personality weakness.” A Turkish Ministry of Health document states that depression is not a figment of the imagination but a health condition that needs to be evaluated; the WHO also lists stigma toward mental disorders among the barriers to effective care.
- “Depressive symptoms only appear after a sad event.” Symptoms can follow a loss or a difficult event, but they can also appear without any obvious cause.
- “Depression is only an emotional condition.” Physical symptoms such as fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and aches and pains may also accompany it.
- “Talking about suicide increases suicidal thoughts.” According to an announcement by a provincial health directorate of the Turkish Ministry of Health, talking about suicide does not, contrary to popular belief, encourage suicidal thoughts; asking the person directly and speaking with empathy is important.
When can psychological support be considered?
Psychological support can be considered if symptoms have continued for more than two weeks or are affecting functioning and relationships; for general criteria, see When can psychological support be considered? A person can consult a family physician or a psychiatry outpatient clinic.
If a person has thoughts of harming themselves or ending their life, they do not need to carry these alone; telling someone they trust and contacting a health facility is recommended. If there is an immediate danger, contacting the 112 Emergency Call Center in Türkiye or going to the nearest hospital emergency department is recommended; whenever possible, it is important that the person is not left alone. The WHO likewise advises contacting emergency services or a crisis line in case of immediate danger. This article does not provide a diagnosis and is not a substitute for emergency help.
Expert note
In clinical work, depressive symptoms are not reduced to a checklist; when the symptoms began, which life events and relationships they are connected to, how the person looks at themselves and how daily functioning is affected are considered together. For this reason, similar complaints may carry different meanings in two people.
A perspective that draws on cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic theories considers thoughts, emotions, behaviors and relationship patterns together. Which approach, or which combination, is suitable usually becomes clear only after an evaluation process; whether medication is needed is for the psychiatrist to evaluate. The information in this article does not replace that evaluation.
Clinical Psychologist Özgün Emre Yaylacı
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between depressive symptoms and passing sadness?
Sadness is a natural part of life and often eases in connection with an event. With depressive symptoms, a low mood and lack of motivation may last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and may affect daily functioning. A professional evaluation makes the distinction.
Are depressive symptoms a diagnosis on their own?
No. The presence of symptoms does not amount to a diagnosis; a diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified health professional. NIMH notes that this evaluation may also include an examination and tests to rule out medical causes.
Are depression, burnout and grief the same thing?
No, but complaints such as fatigue, loss of interest and low mood can appear in all three, so they can be confused with one another. Telling them apart requires looking at the context and details of the symptoms. For more information, see What Is Burnout and How Is It Addressed in Psychotherapy? and How Are Grief and Loss Addressed?
Can depressive symptoms be addressed in psychotherapy?
It is possible to work with people who have depressive symptoms in psychotherapy. NIMH and the WHO mention cognitive behavioral therapy among the psychological approaches used for depression. The suitability of an approach is determined by the person’s needs, reason for seeking help and clinical evaluation.
Is medication needed for depressive symptoms?
The evaluation of medication belongs to the psychiatrist; psychologists do not recommend medication. What a plan includes is determined together with a health professional according to the person’s situation.
Sources
This article is intended for general information; the following sources were consulted during its preparation (Turkish-language sources are marked, the others are in English):
- NIMH (US National Institute of Mental Health): Depression
- WHO (World Health Organization): Depressive disorder (depression)
- NHS (UK National Health Service): Clinical depression – Symptoms
- T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı (Turkish Ministry of Health): Depresyon Nedir? (patient information document, in Turkish)
- T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı, Giresun İl Sağlık Müdürlüğü (Turkish Ministry of Health, Giresun Provincial Health Directorate): Hangi Durumlarda 112 Aranmalıdır? (in Turkish)
- T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı, Adana İl Sağlık Müdürlüğü (Turkish Ministry of Health, Adana Provincial Health Directorate): 10 Eylül Dünya İntiharı Önleme Günü (in Turkish)
This article was prepared by Clinical Psychologist Özgün Emre Yaylacı. Last updated: October 23, 2026. The content is for general information only and does not constitute diagnosis, treatment or personal guidance.
