Depression is a disorder that affects your thoughts, moods, feelings, behavior and even your physical health. People used to think it was "all in your head" and that if you really tried, you could just "get over it." However, doctors now know that depression is a very real medical condition and is not something you can treat on your own.

The two most obvious symptoms of depression are a loss of interest in daily activities previously enjoyed and a depressed mood.

In addition, for a doctor or other health professional to diagnose depression, most of the following signs and symptoms also must be present for at least two weeks.

• Sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping. Waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
• Impaired thinking or concentration or problems with memory.
• Changes in weight.
• Being restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed.
• Fatigue or slowing of body movements.
• You may feel weariness and lack of energy nearly every day; as tired in the morning as the night before; or like you're doing everything in slow motion, or speak in a slow, monotonous tone.
• Low self-esteem. You feel worthless and have excessive guilt.
• Thoughts of death. You have a persistent negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying or suicide.

People of all ages, races and gender, suffer from depression. With proper treatment, most people with serious depression improve, often within weeks, and can return to normal daily activities. Remember, you are not alone. Speak to someone. Get help.

Source: MayoClinic.com