Symptoms of depression

* Loss of interest in normal daily activities
* Feeling sad, down or unhappy
* Feeling hopeless or worthless
* Crying spells for no apparent reason
* Problems sleeping
* Trouble focusing or concentrating
* Difficulty making decisions
* Unintentional weight gain or loss
* Irritability
* Restlessness
* Being easily annoyed
* Feeling fatigued or weak
* Feeling worthless
* Loss of interest in sex
* Thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
* Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
* Lapses in personal hygiene, such as not bathing as regularly
* Losing interest in activities or people

What is depression?
We all go through ups and downs in our mood. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. We’re down in the dumps for a short time, then gradually the painful feelings dissipate and we move on with our lives—often the wiser for the experience. But when the low mood persists, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun, it’s no longer normal. It’s depression.

Risk factors for depression:
* Loneliness
* Lack of social support
* Recent stressful life experiences
* Family history of depression
* Marital or relationship problems
* Financial strain
* Early childhood trauma or abuse
* Alcohol or drug abuse
* Unemployment or underemployment
* Health problems or chronic pain

Gender Differences in Depression
Men tend to act out their mood disorder while women typically turn it inward. Depression symptoms in men and women can be radically different, leading to lack of understanding and correct diagnosis. Based on the latest research findings here are some of the prime differences between male and female depression (of course not everyone will have the same symptoms, and almost certainly not all of them, this is just a rough guide):

Symptoms in women
* Tendency to self-blame
* Feels sad, apathetic, worthless
* Feels anxious, frightened
* Sleeps to much
* Difficulty maintaining boundaries
* Guilt
* Problems with success
* Assumes low status
* Self-medicates through food
* Withdrawal

Symptoms in men
* Blames others
* Anger, irritability, ego inflation
* Feels suspicious, guarded
* Creates conflict
* Restlessness and agitation
* Compulsiveness
* Sleeps too little
* Becomes controlling
* Shame (eg. sex performance)
* Fear of failure
* Becomes over status-conscious
* Self-medicates through alcohol
* Over use of internet/TV/email

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