Most people experience depression, a very normal feeling. Clinical depression occurs when these feelings linger for long periods of time and can interfere with daily life. To have clinical depression, individuals must at least 5 of these symptoms: 1- a depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning; 2- fatigue or loss of energy almost every day; 3- feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day; 4- impaired concentration, indecisiveness; 5- insomnia (an inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day; 6- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day; 7- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death); 8- A sense of restlessness or being slowed down; 9- significant weight loss or weight gain.

 

There are several different types of depression including: major depression, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, psychotic depression, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, situational depression, and atypical depression.