Contrary to what you may already believe, depression is not just sadness. We all have our ups and downs - while slogging through work or coming home to a messy house, you may feel down, and while helping your kids succeed in math or having a social outing with friends you may feel up. Depression is when your "downs" are really down, and your "ups" aren't quite so up. Depression has been described as "living in a black hole", where everything good and happy just gets sucked into oblivion.

Common symptoms may include:

Feeling miserable all the time
Never having any energy
Loss of interest in the things you once loved doing
Simple tasks seem impossible
Insomnia, OR sleeping more than usual
A change in appetite or weight change of more than 5% within a month
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Agitation, nervousness and anxiety, OR sluggishness and lethargy
Easily frustrated or agitated by little things
Inability to concentrate
Aches and pains, such as headaches, backaches, or aching joints

Many symptoms differ from person to person. Some people eat more when depressed, others may eat less. Some people may be nervous, fidgety and anxious all the time, while others may be melancholy and tearful for no apparent reason. Some people turn to drugs as a form of escapism. Some people may be bored with everything; while others may constantly be doing something, such as watching TV or playing videogames, without showing interest in any other available activities.
When depressed you may feel just simply feel bored all the time, lose interest in what you once loved doing, or sit around the house sulking all the time. Depression decreases work ethic and morale, and you may be less productive in the workplace. You may withdraw from social gatherings with friends, and even from your own family.

There is no one cause of depression, but rather many factors which contribute to it. Some risk factors include:

Genetics (a family history of depression)
Stressful conflicts, such as fights with family members or co-workers
Sexual, physical or emotional abuse
Death or illness of loved ones
Alcohol or drug abuse, or withdrawal from
Financial struggle
Milestone events, such as moving, changing jobs, getting married or divorced, graduating from college
Hormonal disorders

This article is in no way a substitute for professional help. Talk to your doctor if you think you are depressed.

Learn more about this author, Hannah Leichstein.
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