What Is Clinical Depression?
The word ‘depressed’ is a common everyday word. People might say “I’m depressed” when in fact they mean “I’m fed up” because I’ve had a row, failed an exam or lost my job”.
Clinical Depression is a mood disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks and behaves and can also have physical symptoms. It is an illness and you cannot just ‘snap’ out of it. Depression can become severe enough to affect a person’s quality of life.
Symptoms of Depression:
• Persistent sad or ‘empty’ mood
• Feelings of guilt / worthlessness
• Loss of Interest / pleasure
• Sleep disturbance
• Increase / decrease weight
• Physical slowing down / agitation
• Tiredness / loss of energy
• Inability to concentrate / Indecisiveness
• Suicidal thoughts
If you have had five or more of the above symptoms during the same two-week period, you may be suffering from depression and should seek professional help.