Everyone experiences depression at one time or another. Events happen in life, such as the loss of a job or a loved one, which are going to negatively impact an individual and create feelings of sadness and melancholy. This is normal and is a situation where the depressed state will last for a certain length of time and then dissipate. It is also not unusual to experience feelings of sadness sometimes during the day, as part of being human is having changes in mood.

But there are other forms of depression that are not a normal part of life and can be very damaging. If an individual is going through depression that has not been brought on by a certain event in his or her life and seems to hang on day after day, this is a different type of depression that can become disruptive to the depressed individual’s own life and to the lives of those around him or her. This type of major depression can last for as long as six months and can recur at different times.

Depression symptoms can include the following:

  • Feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
  • A loss of interest in hobbies and other activities that used to bring joy.
  • Fatigue or a feeling of not having enough energy.
  • Guilty feelings.
  • Inability to sleep or sleeping excessively.
  • A loss of appetite, causing a weight loss.
  • An increase in appetite, causing a gain in weight.
  • Feelings of agitation and/or restlessness.
  • Not being able to concentrate.
  • Experiencing negative thoughts.
  • Feeling angry and impatient with others.
  • Feelings of worthlessness.
  • Being overly critical of oneself.
  • Experiencing forgetfulness.
  • Thoughts of suicide.

There may also be physical symptoms that will accompany the emotional battering that will be experienced with depression. There may be muscle aches and pains, back pain, stomach upsets and headaches.

Women are more prone to having depressed states of mind than men, most likely due to hormonal changes in the body. A woman’s menstrual cycle can cause depressed feelings to surface, as can menopause and perimenopause, pregnancy and postpartum depression that may occur after the birth of a child.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that only occurs during one time of the year, usually in the winter months. It is the result of an increase in overcast and gloomy days and not as much sunlight as is experienced during the summer. Light therapy can greatly help this type of depressed state.

Bipolar Disorder is a condition where depression will alternate with extreme happiness and increased energy. An individual with this form of depression will experience extremes of emotions. Happy episodes can consist of impulsive behavior, talking rapidly, having high energy levels that interfere with sleep, and feeling hyperactive. The depressed episodes will be similar to what an individual experiences with major depression symptoms.

When depression is severe and thoughts of taking one’s life occur, treatment is necessary. For depression symptoms that are not as severe, there are still treatment options available to help with the feelings that accompany this condition. With the appropriate type of therapy, a person will be able to live a normal lifestyle and not be besieged with sadness.

Depression can be treated in various ways. Medication is often used, but other forms of therapy can also be beneficial in helping an individual with depression. Negative ways of thinking can be altered, so that the depressed individual will learn new ways of looking at life that can greatly benefit his or her mental and emotional well being.