Of course we all feel "blue" from time to time. The loss of a loved one, an illness, and everyday disappointments can make anyone feel overwhelmingly sad. But sometimes, feeling "down" can be serious. If the feeling lasts for more than a few weeks and significantly interferes with everyday activities like sleeping, eating, socializing or simply enjoying aspects of life, you may be suffering from clinical depression -- a term that will be defined a bit latter. Like other illnesses, clinical depression should be taken seriously. Depression is a real, treatable illness that is not "just something you have to live with." It has many components and it effects people differently depending on an number of things, including age and gender. The way depression feels to you, and how it effects you, is what's important.
What is Clinical Depression? 
Officially defined, clinical depression consists of (1) a sad, anxious or empty mood that lasts for 2 weeks or more; and/or (2) a loss of interest or pleasure in most activities you once enjoyed -- along with some of all of the following additional symptoms:
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in sleep habits (such as not being able to sleep or sleeping too much)
- Significant change in weight and/or appetite
- Fatigue, loss of energy, or feeling "slowed down"
- Unusual agitation, restlessness, or irritability,
- and sometimes, thoughts of death or suicide.
It might seem odd, but many people who experience depression also feel symptoms of anxiety. You can feel both things at the same time and symptoms such as nervousness, agitation and worry can co-occur with depression, causing you to feel worse or more confused. Many types of therapy -- including medication therapy -- can help with both.
What Causes Depression?
Although there are many theories about what causes depression, its exact cause is truly unknown. It is generally believed that both biological and social factors play a role. Some research has shown that depression may be related to an imbalance in serotonin, a naturally occurring substance in the brain that acts as a messenger between nerve cells. It also seems that having a family history of depression may increase the risk of developing this illness.
True too, life's difficulties can trigger or worsen the symptoms of depression and not all depressions include a chemical imbalance or require medication therapy. Whatever the cause, it's important to remember that having depression is not your fault, nor is it a problem you have to live with. You can recover and help is available.
What Are The Treatment Options?
While there are many different treatment options available to you, the two most common are psychotherapy (also known as "talk therapy") and medication therapy (where antidepressant drugs are used). For many people, both types of therapy need to occur at the same time. Your doctor may refer you to a psychotherapist and, conversely, your psychotherapist may refer you to a doctor or a nurse practitioner. Whatever your choice in therapies are, be sure that each knows about the other as the treatment of depression is best approached with collaboration between you and those you enlist to help you.
How Long Does It Take To Get Better?
Clinical depression is not like a headache or a cold; it does not go away in a few days and there is no way to state what a "typical" course of treatment will look like or how long it will last. And although treatment may not help everyone, many people report that it not only reduces the symptoms of depression and helps them to feel better, but it also helps ease symptoms associated with physical illness and improves personal well-being.
For More Information on Clinical Depression
Check out the following resources and learn all you can. Information often helps us feel more powerful and when we understand something, we tend to feel better equipped to help ourselves. But remember, you don't have to "go it alone."
The National Foundation for Depressive Illness, Inc.
www.depression.org
American Psychiatric Association
www.psych.org
National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association
www.ndmda.org
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