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Depression is a disease that seems to mark the lives of millions of people across the world. If you suffer from five or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks at a time, you likely are suffering major depression.
Depression will also cause impaired social functioning and on the job difficulties. Symptoms cannot be the result of an outside agency such as drugs or a physical ailment. And the symptoms must persist for more than two months after the death of a close friend or relative.
Depression is the most common emotional problem in the U.S. and is an important source of disability for both men and women. It is associated with emotional and physical distress, with dysfunction at work and in personal relations, and in extreme cases with suicide. About one forth of all persons in the U.S. will experience some form of depression in their lifetime. 
Symptoms of Depression
- A depressed mood
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
- Greatly diminished pleasure in most or all activities
- A reduced ability to think or concentrate
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Large weight losses or gains
- Fatigue or a loss of energy
- An observable slowing or speeding up of common activities
- Ongoing feelings of sadness or irritability
- Not caring about people and things
- Lack of motivation
- Fatigue, loss of energy and lack of interest in work, sex, religion, hobbies and activities
- Low self esteem accompanied by self-criticism and feelings of guilt, shame,
worthlessness and helplessness
- Trouble falling asleep, early awakening or sleeping too much
- Trouble thinking or concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
- Anxiety, fears, tension, uncertainty and indecisiveness
- Rebelliousness, antisocial behavior, and risky sexual behavior in children and
adolescents
 Many people who have depression experience it primarily in the winter months. This is called seasonal affective disorder and may be related to a lack of sunlight. Depression can also be exacerbated during the holiday season. This may be related to unrealistic expectations regarding family traditions and increased interaction with multiple family members. It may be triggered by the lack of significant loved ones with whom to celebrate the holidays.
Depression can be effectively treated. Symptom reduction, restoring function and preventing depressive relapse are the major objectives of treatment. Treatments include antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. Studies have shown that coadministration of medication and counseling is more effective than either one alone.
MOOD DISORDERS - BI-POLAR MANIC DEPRESSIVE
Bi-Polar Disorder Manic Depression is usually called bipolar disease in psychiatric circles and is a disease of opposites. The sufferer may experience the highest highs and the lowest lows in a recurring cycle.
The highs are not just pleasant feel good thoughts, but are a progression towards a a hard, out-of-control, edgy high. The worst family tragedy cannot destroy their manic happiness. This manic edge soon may develop into irritability, paranoia and even open hostility.
The flip side of the coin is the depression. It can be diagnosed using the same standards used for major depression. There is a feeling of worthlessness, loss of concentration, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, withdrawal from friends and family and thoughts of suicide or death.
The information provided here is general in nature and should not substitute for the care and advice of a licensed health care provider.
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