depression

• behavioural characteristics of depression

  activity levels - low levels of energy, lethargic and in extreme cases can't get out of bed

  sleep -disruption of sleep (insomnia or hypersomnia) , appetite increase or decrease

  aggression and self harm - anger either at self or others that can lead to self harm, verbal aggression such as ending a relationship or quitting a job
• emotional characteristics of depression

  lowered mood - feeling worthless or empty

  lowered self-esteem - a sense of self loathing, hating themselves
• cognitive characteristics of depression

  poor concentration - unable to stick to a task or finding it hard to make decisions

  dwelling on the negative - pay more attention to the negative aspects of a situation and ignore the positives

  absolutist thinking - see a situation as all bad or all good, 'black and white thinking'