1. Persistent Sadness: Feelings of profound sadness that persist for weeks or months, often triggered by traumatic events, loss, genetic predisposition, or chemical imbalances in the brain.
2. Loss of Interest: A lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, caused by chemical imbalances, life stressors, trauma, or alterations in brain structure and function.
3. Fatigue and Low Energy: Persistent feelings of fatigue and low energy levels, influenced by disrupted sleep patterns, altered neurotransmitter levels, hormonal imbalances, or chronic stress.
4. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleeping patterns resulting from disruptions in circadian rhythms, stress-induced hyperarousal, changes in neurotransmitter levels, or comorbid medical conditions.
5. Changes in Appetite or Weight: Significant changes in appetite or weight, often linked to altered serotonin levels, emotional eating patterns, metabolic dysregulation, or psychosocial stressors triggering maladaptive coping mechanisms.
6. Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness: Overwhelming feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-blame stemming from distorted thought patterns, negative life events, unresolved trauma, or societal pressures to meet unrealistic standards.
7. Difficulty Concentrating: Impaired ability to concentrate, make decisions, or focus on tasks due to altered neurotransmitter levels, cognitive deficits, rumination, or persistent stress interfering with neural networks.
8. Irritability or Restlessness: Heightened irritability, agitation, or restlessness resulting from imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, unresolved conflicts, chronic stress, or emotional dysregulation.
9. Physical Aches and Pains: Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle pains, or digestive issues triggered by stress-induced inflammation, altered pain perception, somatization, or psychosomatic responses to emotional distress.
10. Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior: Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, influenced by complex interactions between genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, trauma history, neurobiological factors, and inadequate coping mechanisms.