The difference between depression and clinical depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad or “down in the dumps.” A person can’t just “snap out of it.” Depression is a medical disorder just like arthritis or high blood pressure. And it can last for months without treatment.
Symptoms may vary from person to person, but people with clinical depression will have at least some, or perhaps all these symptoms.
Beware these symptoms
- Feeling sad, anxious or empty
- Loss of interest in things that normally make one happy
- Sleep disorders, such as too much, too little disturbed sleep
- Constantly feeling tired or exhausted
- Feeling depressed even during good times
- Not feeling useful or needed
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- When simple things seem to take great effort
- Pervasive and constant negative thoughts
- Persistent restlessness and irritability
- Thoughts of suicide
Early treatment is key
The most common approaches for treating depression are psychotherapy (also called “talk therapy” or counseling), antidepressant medication, or a combination of the two.