How Do I Know If I Have Depression? Here Are The 9 Signs

Have you ever wondered…

Why do I feel tired all the time - even after sleeping?
Why do simple things feel like so much effort?
Why do I feel low even though I'm praying and doing “all the right things”?
What does Islam say about depression?

You might have asked yourself: “How do I know if this is sadness — or if I actually have depression?”

Approximately 332 million people live with depression -  making it one of the most common mental illnesses in the world. So many people suffer with depression but many of us are unaware of the actual signs and symptoms. Doctors often use a simple questionnaire called the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire), which lists nine key signs used to identify depression.

These nine signs aren’t there to label or diagnose you — they help to name what’s happening so that healing can begin. Below, we’ll walk through each of them and discuss what Islam has to say about depression.

1. Persistent Sadness or Low Mood

This is the most recognised sign of depression: a heavy sadness that lingers most of the time. It’s not about one bad day or a moment of grief — it’s an ongoing feeling that doesn’t seem to go away.

Sometimes you cry for no reason; other times, you feel numb or empty, like your emotions have shut down completely. You may wonder why you feel this way as there may not be anything obvious going wrong in your life. 

Outwardly, you may still smile, go to work, or look after your family. People may even perceive you as a high achiever. Inside, you feel drained. Many Muslim women describe this as “carrying something heavy that no one else can see.”

This sadness does not mean you are ungrateful or have low iman. Over decades, Prophet Yaqub (AS) grieved so deeply for Yusuf (AS) that his eyes turned white with sorrow. Allah recorded his tears in the Quran to show us that grief and faith can live together.

If your sadness is present for most days over a period of at least two weeks, and it feels overwhelming or affects how you function in the day — that’s more than sadness. That’s a sign your emotional system needs care.

2. Loss of Interest or Pleasure (Anhedonia)

Depression often steals your ability to enjoy what you once loved. You might notice that activities that used to feel fulfilling — reading Qur’an, socialising, drawing or going for walks — now feel like chores.

This isn’t a lack of gratitude; it’s called anhedonia, where the brain’s “reward system” becomes muted. You may stop joining gatherings, cancel plans last minute, or simply stop caring about things you once found meaningful.

It can even touch your spiritual life. You might still pray, but it feels mechanical or distant. You love Allah — but your heart feels disconnected. Please remember, Allah still accepts your worship even when it feels empty. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.” (Al-Bukhari)

So if you’re just showing up — that counts. Depression dims the emotional spark, but your effort still reaches Him and we pray it's all accepted and rewarded by Him.

3. Disturbed Sleep (Sleeping Too Much or Too Little)

Depression can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm. For some, it means insomnia — lying awake for hours - unable to get to sleep, waking up in the night, or rising before dawn unable to go back to sleep. For others, it means sleeping too much — long hours in bed yet still waking up tired.

You might notice a new pattern: sleeping through alarms, napping repeatedly, or spending whole weekends under the duvet because being awake feels too hard.

Sleep is supposed to be a mercy — “And We made your sleep a means of rest” (Quran 78:9) — but when depression takes hold, that mercy becomes disrupted.

If your sleep routine has changed significantly and rest no longer restores you, your body is waving a red flag that something deeper is wrong.

4. Change in appetite or weight

Depression affects the appetite centre in the brain. Some people lose all interest in food; others overeat to self-soothe aka 'emotional eating'.

You might go all day without eating because nothing appeals — or find yourself snacking late at night just to fill the emptiness. Either way, your relationship with food feels different from normal.

For some, this leads to noticeable weight loss; for others, gradual weight gain or an inability to lose weight. Both can bring guilt or shame, but neither is your fault. It’s your body’s way of coping with emotional distress.

If you’ve noticed clear changes in appetite or weight that you can’t explain otherwise, consider it one of the body’s signs that depression may be present. 

5. Fatigue or loss of energy

Depression often brings a deep exhaustion that rest doesn’t fix - it’s more than tiredness after a long day.

You might wake up already weary, move slowly, or find that small tasks take enormous effort. Brushing your hair, preparing food, or replying to messages might feel impossible.

This happens because depression keeps the body’s stress system switched on, using energy constantly. The result: your body runs on empty.

If you find yourself saying, “I’m tired all the time” — even on restful days — please don’t dismiss it as laziness. It’s your body’s way of saying it’s overwhelmed and needs help.

6. Agitation or slowing down

Depression can affect how you move and react.

For some, it shows up as agitation — you feel restless, fidgety, irritable, or unable to relax. You might pace the room, tap your fingers, or feel constantly on edge.

For others, it brings slowing down — walking, speaking, and even thinking feels slower. People may notice that you seem “not yourself.” You might sit in one place for hours, lost in thought.

Both restlessness and slowness are physical signs that depression is impacting your nervous system. Islam teaches moderation — wasatiyyah — and when your body swings to extremes, it’s a call for gentleness, not judgement.

7. Poor concentration

Have you been reading the same sentence again and again, unable to absorb it? Forgotten simple things like where you put your keys, or what you were about to do?

Poor concentration is a common, frustrating sign of depression. You may feel as though you have 'brain-fog' and making even small decisions - feels like too much.

You may struggle at work or while studying. Even choosing what to cook for dinner can feel overwhelming. This isn’t because you're lazy, procrastinating or don't care — it’s because your mind is overloaded.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “The strong person is not the one who can overpower others, but the one who controls himself when angry.” (Al- Bukhari)

In the same way, strength in depression isn’t about doing more — it’s about pausing, noticing your limits, and treating yourself with patience.

Your clarity will return in time. For now, take tasks one step at a time and reduce pressure where you can.

8. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Depression can distort the way you see yourself. You might feel like a burden to others, replay past mistakes, or constantly apologise. You may think, “I should be grateful — what's wrong with me?”

This guilt is not from Allah. It’s from the illness. Our Creator is Ar-Rahman, the Most Merciful — He never wants you to punish yourself.

Feeling worthless doesn’t mean you are worthless. You are still the same soul Allah created with purpose. When you catch these thoughts, remind yourself:

“My feelings are not facts. Allah still sees value in me.”

Even if you can’t believe that yet, keep reminding yourself — belief often occurs through repetition.

9. Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

When depression deepens, some people begin to feel that life has no point. You may think, “I wish I could just disappear,” or “Everyone would be better off without me.”

If these thoughts have visited you, please pause here and take them seriously. This is not weakness; it’s a sign of pain that’s gone too far to manage alone.

Islam teaches that life is sacred. Seeking help is part of tawakkul — trusting Allah while using the means He provides. Speak to someone you trust today, or contact your GP (doctor) or local emergency service.

If you ever feel unsafe with your thoughts, you can also call Samaritans (116 123 UK) or your country’s equivalent crisis line. You do not have to face this alone.

Remember: wanting the pain to stop is human; wanting to live without suffering is hope — and hope is the first step to healing.

Depression in Islam and Science

As you can see from above, depression is not just “in your mind,” and it’s also not because your iman has weakened. It is a clinical medical condition that affects the body and mind together. Depression is a disease and our beloved Prophet ﷺ said:

“Every disease has a cure" (Muslim)

Our job is to find and make use of that cure. Alhamdulillah there are many types of researched and effective cures for depression that are easily available to us all.

When we combine modern science, psychology and wisdom from the Sunnah - healing becomes holistic and more powerful. 

Can you spot any of these signs in yourself?

Recognising these signs is not about diagnosing yourself — it’s about understanding that what you feel has a name, and that help exists.

In my course, 4 Steps to Heal Depression with Science and Sunnah, I explore each of these signs in depth — what’s happening in your body and what the Prophet ﷺ modelled through emotional regulation, compassion and honesty. Most importantly, how to gently begin lightening the weight of depression.

Healing isn’t instant, but it is possible — one step, one breath, one dua at a time.

Two Gentle Steps You Can Take Today

1. Acknowledge what’s happening.
   Say to yourself: “I recognise these signs in myself — and that’s okay.” Naming it is the first act of mercy.

2. Take one small action - Ask Allah for ease.
   Even if all you can muster is “Ya Allah, help me,” that’s enough. Remember...

   “Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” (Quran 94:6)