by Leah Wilson

Created on: December 23, 2008

Depression is a sad state marked by significant levels of sadness, lack of energy, low self-worth, guilt, or related symptoms (Abnormal Psychology). It is also common in the elderly, because they feel they have already experienced much of the high points and good times of their lives. However, this illness can strike almost any age. Every year, 5 to 10% of adults in North America suffer from depression. Women are about twice as likely to experience episodes of depression as men.

Here are some symptoms of depression:

*change in appetite-

Usually there is a decrease in appetite, but some may in fact have an increased appetite and eat very unhealthily. Well, this is also another way of neglecting to take proper care of one's self. So is inadequate bathing and poor teeth and gum care.

*Disturbed sleep

A person who is depressed usually has interrupted sleep or may, in fact, not sleep much at all. However, just because a person has insomnia, it does not necessarily mean he or she is experiencing a bout of depression. A good doctor or psychiatrist should decide what is causing insomnia in a client.

*Oversleeping

A depressed person, depending on his or her schedule as well, may oversleep or find himself sleeping most of the day. This oversleeping, can make a person feel even worse and contribute to disturbed night sleep.

*Anxiety
Sometimes anxiety accompanies depression. In the mildest forms of depression, a person may only need a light/mild dosage of antidepressant medication. Many times, doctors fail to realize anxiety is usually a symptom that goes hand in hand with depression.

*Feeling sad and hopeless

Every day is stressful or us with our usual work, chores, or school. However, for a person suffering from depression, making it through the day can be overwhelming and extra difficult. Feelings of despair or anxiety don't make it any easier, either. Clinical depression involves more than feeling down, because brain chemicals are often out of balance. Many people report feeling that they are all alone in the world.

*Fatigue

Most depressed people report feeling tired most of the time regardless of getting rest and sleep. This may also be one reason why they talk and move slower than others, a problem called psychomotor retardation.

*Loss of interest in most activities

Depressed people usually lose motivation and often cease to participate in their normal activities. Some withdraw from social and family events, wanting nothing but to be left alone.

*Difficulty in concentration

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