Feelings of sadness are a normal reaction to life’s problems or disappointments, but if sadness lasts longer than two weeks and affects your work, studies, or day-to-day activities, it may represent a medical condition called depression.

Depression is a serious mood disorder. It can take different forms, but is typically characterized by feelings of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. People with depression may describe feeling empty, angry, aggressive, or restless. Depression can begin at any age, although is most commonly diagnosed during the early adult years. Symptoms may start gradually over several weeks or months but can also appear suddenly.

Depression consists of several types of disorders, the most common of which are major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. There are also other, less common types of depression.

Major Depressive Disorder

This is also called major depression, and is diagnosed when a patient experiences at least five symptoms of depression for 2 weeks or more and these symptoms make it difficult for them to function normally at work, school, or in their daily activities. The symptoms are sadness most of the day, loss of pleasure or interest in activites, significant weight change, insomnia or excessive sleep, agitated movement or very slow movements, fatigue or loss of energy, feeling worthless or guilty, indecisiveness and loss of concentration, thoughts of death or suicide.

Get Help Immediately: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255 or 911, or go to the nearest hospital if you start thinking about hurting yourself or somebody else or if you hear strange voices that nobody else seems to hear.

Call a doctor if:

• You cry a lot for no reason.
• Your depression is starting to affect your school, your work, or your family life.
• If you think you are feeling depressed because of the medications you are taking – DO NOT stop taking them or start changing them without consulting with a doctor first.
• You think you drink too much or a loved one has told you that you drink too much, you feel guilty about how much you drink, or the first thing that you drink in the mornings is alcohol.