Category - Depression

Depression: Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that can affect how an individual feels, thinks, and how they handle daily activities, whether it is sleeping, eating and working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. Some of the symptoms include:

Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimistic.
Irritability.
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
Decreased energy or fatigue.
Moving or talking slowly.
Feeling restless & having trouble sitting still.
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening & oversleeping.
Appetite & weight changes.
Thoughts of death or suicide & or suicide attempts.
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease with treatment.

Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Sometimes an individual can experience a few of the symptoms while others may experience several. The several persistent symptoms in addition to low mood are required for a diagnosis of major depression. With the severity and frequency of symptoms along with the duration will vary depending on the individual and their particular illness as well as the stage of the illness.