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Feeling down or getting the blues is a common
reaction to many life experiences. After a few days, often after talking things
out with a good friend or family member, we start to feel ourselves
again.
Clinical depression is very different.
Unlike the blues, clinical depression lingers and doesn’t go away no matter
how hard you try to make it do so. Clinical depression is not a weakness. It is an illness
that can last for months or years if left untreated.
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The five most common symptoms of depression reported by people
participating in the past several National Depression Screening Days were:
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difficulty doing things done in the past,
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feeling hopeless about the future,
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difficulty in making decisions,
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feeling worthless and not needed, and
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no longer enjoying once enjoyable activities.
A more detailed list of symptoms would include:
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persistent, sad, anxious or empty mood
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feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
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restlessness or irritability
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feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
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loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities
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decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue
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difficulty concentrating or making decisions
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inability to sleep or oversleeping
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changes in appetite or weight
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unexplained aches and pains
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thoughts of death or suicide
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There are several types of depression:
is the most common type of depression and is characterized by at least
five of the major symptoms of depression listed above.
- Dysthymia is a
milder form of depression that lasts two years or more. It is the second
most common type of depression but because people with Dysthymia may only
have two or three symptoms, it may be overlooked and go undiagnosed and
untreated.
- Bipolar depression
is the depressive phase of manic-depressive illness, in which there are both
extreme highs and extreme lows. Bipolar depression symptoms are similar to
those of major depression, with certain variations such as excessive sleep
and increase in appetite.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
is a type of depression that follows seasonal rhythms, with symptoms
occurring in the winter months and diminishing in spring and summer. Current
research indicates that the absence of sunlight triggers a biochemical
reaction that may cause symptoms such as loss of energy, decreased activity,
sadness, excessive eating and sleeping.
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