How can you tell if you have depression?

I suggest consulting a professional if you can afford it. I know that some people can’t afford it, so self-diagnosis is all they have, but I don’t recommend it unless it’s your only option. Professionals aren’t infallible, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t more qualified than the average person. It’s common for people to have certain symptoms of depression, but have another illness instead of depression, or have depression AND another illness at the same time, and the proper treatment can differ depending on your circumstances. It’s also possible that you don’t have an illness, but are being affected by external factors. Plus, many factors including personal biases and insecurities can skew your judgement when it comes to diagnosing yourself. If you absolutely have to self-diagnose, do research first. Here’s a list of depression symptoms and warning signs. It’s not a guide on self-diagnosing, but if you’re interested in knowing more about depression, it’s a start.