Hi there,

I have had enough episodes of depression that I started and "early warning signs" list. It is helpful to have one and refer back to it. For me, the first symptom is a feeling of loneliness. I don't feel like being around people. Even answering the phone is a challenge. Eventually I lose interest in things I ordinarily like. I feel overwhelmingly fatigued. In fact, the amount of caffeine intake usually increases as I try to keep myself awake.
Everyone is different but if you pay close attention, I am sure you will start to see some patterns forming.
The best thing I have found is to start exercising more to try and pull myself out of it. It is the last thing that I feel like doing but I force myself, even if it is merely a walk. I have managed to bypass a few episodes by doing this.
It is good to talk with others about depression. I have found that talking about it makes it easier to cope. Good luck to you.