What are some noticeable behavior changes in people with depression and anxiety?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Depression and anxiety share several overlapping symptoms, including changes in appetite, reduced energy and motivation, and declines in work performance. While these conditions are distinct, their similar signs can make it difficult to tell them apart without a closer look at your overall mental and physical health.

If you're noticing these symptoms in yourself, don't guess your way through it. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you better understand what may be going on and guide you toward the right next steps—whether that's self-care, lifestyle adjustments, or speaking with a healthcare professional. Early clarity leads to better outcomes, so take a few minutes today to gain insight into your health.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if behavior changes signal depression Learn what your symptoms could mean See if depression fits your experience Find OTC options for mood-related symptoms Find a depression specialist near you Understand medically proven self-care for depression Check serious causes of depressive behaviors

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Explanation

The following behaviors and characteristics are commonly observed in people with depression.

Decline in motivation

Motivation and concentration decrease, making it difficult to work or study. Additionally, you may become less talkative and your interactions with others decrease. You also lose interest in things that you previously found interesting.

Sleep disorder

Over 80% of people with depression report sleep disorders. Typical cases include early morning awakening, where one wakes up early in the morning, and middle-of-the-night awakening, where one wakes up in the middle of the night. On the other hand, there are also plenty of cases where people are sleeping much more than usual.

Changes in eating habits

Some people experience a decrease in appetite that leads to unintentional weight loss. At the same time, some people experience overeating and unintentional weight gain.

Suicide attempt

As many as 2/3 of people with depression consider suicide while a sobering 10-15% actually commit suicide. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, consider taking a free symptom checker test to better understand what you may be going through and when to seek professional help.

(References)

Simon GE, Moise N, Mohr DC. Management of Depression in Adults: A Review. JAMA. 2024 Jul 9;332(2):141-152. doi: 10.1001/jama.2024.5756. Erratum in: JAMA. 2024 Sep 16. doi: 10.1001/jama.2024.18427. PMID: 38856993.
Szuhany KL, Simon NM. Anxiety Disorders: A Review. JAMA. 2022 Dec 27;328(24):2431-2445. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.22744. PMID: 36573969.

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