Clinical Depression Symptoms

Although saddness is an emotion experienced by all individuals at some point in life, clinical depression may be diagnosed when the sad feelings continue for an abnormal amount of time and your daily life is interrupted by your depression.¹ Three types of clinical depression include major depression, dysthymia (defined as chronic depression that doesn't impair day-to-day function), and bipolar disorder.² Symptoms of clinical depression include: a depressed mood for most of the day (almost every day), continual decreased pleasure or interest in activities, significant weight loss, repeated insomnia or an increased need for sleep, recurrent unusual fatigue, repeated thoughts of death, and a consistent inability to think or concentrate.³ A diagnosis of clinical depression may be made if five or more symptoms are present during a two-week time period.³

Fast Facts:

• Symptoms such as agitation or delayed reaction times may be more easily noticed by others.³
• Medications and psychotherapy can help you or others to overcome clinical depression.³
• Self-help questionaires are available online to help you determine if you may be suffering from clinical depression.⁴

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