If you think you may be suffering from depression, please consider the following. Everyday sadness or "The Blues" is not depression. Grief caused by the death of a family member or a close friend is not considered depression either. People affected with the blues or grief will probably suffer from short term symptoms of depression but they will usually continue to function normally and in a short time will recover without medical treatment. The kind of major depression which requires medical treatment affects a persons behaviour, bodily functions, thinking and mood. This depression of mood is nearly always in the form of worry, blue and sad moods and irritability is also common place. A distinct loss of interest in things or activities which once provided pleasure for a person may also be a sign of depression. Having constant negative thoughts about self, the present and future is common with depressed thinking. Difficulties with memory, decision making and concentration are also common in depressed people. As depression becomes more severe, hopelessness and worthlessness become more prominent. Suicidal thoughts usually develop when a depressed person feels that life is just no longer worth while living. A sense of dread that terrible things will happen or 'Anxiety', often coincides with depression. Specific fears relating to situations or 'Phobias' also often develop with depression. The depressed person may suffer from changes to their bodily functions in many ways. Changes in appetite and weight is common. Interference with good sleep patterns is also common with depressed people. Insomnia, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, waking very early without being able to get back to sleep are all common symptoms of depression. With some depressed people though, feeling like sleeping all day is also common. Despite the amount of sleep they get, feeling fatigued, lacking in energy and a lack of interest in sex is often the case. Unexplained pains, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation may also affect depressed people. The inability to function in day to day activities is also common place for the depressed. Changes in mood, bodily functions and thinking can make it extremely difficult for these people to cope. However, some depressed people may be able to continue to work and function somewhat normally by putting on a brave face to mask their true feelings, while others may cry continuously. Of course, the most severe type of depressed behaviour is suicide. If you have thoughts of self harm or suicide, please visit your doctor for professional care immediately. Most hospitals also have mental health teams, with crisis telephone help lines, which can be of great assistance for those suffering from major depressive symptoms. It's a good idea to find out how to access these services in your local area and keep the details in an easy to remember place. To finish off this article, I would like to urge those who think they may be suffering from depression to please seek the care of a doctor. Also, if you are related to someone or close to someone who you believe to be suffering from depression, do not wait. Seek the advice and care of medical professionals immediately. The good news is that these conditions can be treated. And please remember, despite what you might think when your depressed, your life is worth living and you can get better.

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