depression

Depression is a serious medical illness; it's not something that you have made up in your head. It's more than just feeling "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. It's feeling "down" and "low" and "hopeless" for weeks at a time.

Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
Inappropriate, excessive feelings of guilt, worthlessness
A belief that we are helpless to change things for the better
A belief that our life and future is hopeless; pessimism
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed
Difficulty sleeping or increased need for sleep
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue and loss of energy
Thoughts of death or suicide
Clinical depression is the most severe form of depression, dysthymia is a less intense depression, post partum depression occurs after child birth ( this is usually temporary ), SAD is seasonal affective disorder which is believed to be related to reduced amount of sunlight, and bipolar depression ( this is the low following a manic high).

DEPRESSION

Signs and Symptoms