Behavioural characteristics of depression

• Activity levels-Typically sufferers of depression have reduced levels of energy, making them lethargic. Which has a knock-on effect as sufferers tend to withdraw from work,education and social life. In extreme cases it can be so severe that sufferers cannot get out of bed.
• Disruption to sleep and eating behaviour-Depression is associated with changes to sleep behaviour. Sufferers may experience reduced sleep known as insomnia, including premature waking (waking up earlier than normal or sufferers have an increase need for sleep which is known as hypersomnia.Appetite and eating may have increased or decreased which could lead to weight gain or loss.The key messaging being that such behaviours are disrupted by depression
• Aggression and self-harm-Sufferers of depression are often irritable, and in some cases they can become

  verbally or physically aggressive. Which can have a serious knock-on effect in their life. For example, someone experience depression might display verbal aggression by ending a relationship or quitting a job.

  Depression can also lead to physical aggression directed against the self. This includes self harm, often in the form of cutting or suicide attempts.