What Is Depression? The word "depression" may be confusing. It
is often incorrectly used to describe feelings that many people
experience when they are sad or under stress. This page will
discuss Clinical Depression (a mood disorder with specific,
emotionally painful symptoms). These symptoms are severe, last a
long time, and often return. Common Symptoms of Clinical
Depression: I feel sad or blue I have been crying lately I am
having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too
much There have been changes in my appetite I have been less
interested in pleasurable activities My self esteem has been
less than normal I have noticed trouble concentrating and
remembering I have less interest in sex than I used to I have
thoughts of my own death Clinical Depression affects people's
moods, their thinking, their behavior, and their bodies. People
with clinical depression are often unable to imagine an end to
their depression. Some people are often so affected by their
symptoms that they are unable to reac