Which mental health condition is characterized by feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and difficulty sleeping?

Depression is characterized by pervasive feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and significant changes in sleep patterns, among other symptoms. Individuals experiencing depression often feel a profound sense of despair and may struggle with negative thoughts about themselves and their circumstances. These feelings can lead to difficulties in various aspects of life, including an inability to engage in normal daily activities or maintain relationships.

In addition to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, depression frequently presents with insomnia or hypersomnia, which refers to sleeping too little or too much, respectively. This symptom can exacerbate the overall feeling of fatigue and make it even more challenging for someone to cope with their daily lives.

While anxiety also involves feelings of distress, they are generally more related to excessive worry and fear rather than hopelessness. Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that involves delusions and hallucinations, which are distinct from the emotional symptoms described. PTSD, while it can involve feelings of hopelessness following a traumatic event, primarily encompasses symptoms related to reliving the trauma, avoidance, and hyperarousal. Thus, the specific combination of hopelessness, worthlessness, and sleep difficulties aligns very closely with the defining characteristics of depression.