Unipolar Depression is defined as “depression without a history of mania.” Throughout ones life, living with depression can be detrimental to everyday functioning. Daily tasks become overwhelming challenges. Small efforts like getting out of bed in the morning are extremely difficult and sometimes do not happen for sufferers of unipolar depression. Though depression symptoms are variable with each case, they often affect the following five areas of functioning: emotional, motivational, behavioral, cognitive, and physical.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/takeonestep/depression/video-ch_01_vid.html?bandwidth=_hi&filetype=mov 

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Emotional Symptoms:

A depressed person’s emotions may range from sad, to anxious, to angry depending on the case. Feelings of “emptiness” or “humiliated” may occur and the sufferer may lose the sense of humor he once had. Crying spells are also typical.

Motivational Symptoms:

Lack of motivation, initiation, and spontaneity often occur in depressed persons. They often prefer being left alone and unbothered by life’s daily tasks.  In order to escape from the challenges of life, suicidal thinking may occur in depression persons. Approximately 6-15% of depressed people actually commit suicide, however, more than 25% make a suicide attempt.

Behavioral Symptoms:

Behavior among people with depression can be described as unproductive and uninvolved. They often speak slower and softer than the average person.

Cognitive Symptoms:

Depression sufferers often see themselves as unappealing and undesirable, and they rarely give themselves credit for any achievement. They often think that their intelligence is inadequate. It is also common for sufferers to believe that no improvement will ever be made to their dreary lives.  Negative thoughts will envelope the depressed person’s entire thought process, leading to distraction and forgetfulness.

Physical Symptoms:

The physical symptoms of depression are headaches, constipation, dizzy spells, and general pain. Medical symptoms of depression may be confused for other medical ailments.  Lack of appetite, fatigue, and insomnia are also common.