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While everyone suffers an occasional bout with feeling down, depression is altogether different. There are different degrees of depression and oftentimes, those who suffer from it, don't even realize it. The most common reaction to depression is denial and many develop unhealthy behavioral patterns such as increased alcohol or drug use, overeating or overworking.

Even though they don't realize their depression, they know they don't feel right and go to different extremes in an attempt to self medicate. However, their attempt at self medication commonly causes other problems which can worsen their depression. These self medication attempts ultimately result in severe dysfunction at home and in the workplace. Furthermore, depression that is left untreated can quite possibly lead to suicide.

The symptoms of depression vary widely, but the most common symptoms include:

- withdrawal
- loss of interest
- change in eating/sleeping habits
- increased drug/alcohol use
- long lasting feelings of sadness
- erratic or unusual behavioral patterns

Common depression can be brought on by unfortunate circumstances, causing a big drop in mood. Most of the time, this type of depression can take care of itself once circumstances change for the better. However, extended periods of mild depression can lead to higher degrees resulting in eating and sleeping disorders.

Clinical depression or major depression, is a chronic state of low mood or sadness that has been ongoing. Typically, the symptoms develop relatively slow at first, escalating into a state of full-blown depression. If you notice uncharacteristic behavioral patterns in a friend or loved one, it could be a sign of clinical depression. In most cases, when left untreated, it will only increase. Nevertheless, most patients suffering depression will deny the fact so it may take some convincing to get them to acknowledge it.

Dysthimic disorder is a state of depression that is somewhat similar to clinical depression but the symptoms aren't quite as pronounced. They usually go through mood swings and experience extreme negativity and bouts of hopelessness.

Manic depression involves a mixture of symptoms including severe mood swings which generally happen instantly, going from one extreme to another. Those suffering from manic depression can be absolutely ecstatic and in a single moment, plummet into the depths of despair. Their emotions are quite extreme and their behavior very much reflects it. They are prone to emotional outbursts, causing

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