The symptoms of depression are really very difficult to understand. This is because you will never come to know if you do not remain patient and attentive. The depressed person will never ask for help. Whether of any type, depression has some common symptoms experienced by all patients. These include feelings of sadness, Hopelessness, sleepless nights, worthlessness, high degree of irritability and overreaction to some situations. You feel that you are not worth living in this world and do not want to go out and socialize. You may also bring down the productivity at work.

There are several different types of depression (mood disorders that include depressive symptoms):

Major depression is a change in mood that lasts for weeks or months. It is one of the most severe types of depression. It usually involves a low or irritable mood and/or a loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities.

Dysthymia is less severe than major depression but usually goes on for a longer period, often several years. There are usually periods of feeling fairly normal between episodes of low mood. The symptoms usually do not completely disrupt one's normal activities.

Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression, usually severe, alternating with episodes of extreme elation called mania.

Causes

Improper sleeping patterns are both the cause and consequence of depression. So why does depression cause insomnia? The answer lies in the fact that people suffering from depression have a difficult time controlling the different mood and sleep hormones. The hormones you need to improve mood and energy are not the same ones you need to help you sleep.

Long-term High Stress Level In this situation, the patient is depressed but can't quite put their finger on the cause, the "I'm depressed but I don't know why" condition. Imagine running a video tape of your life, reviewing the past 18 months. Look at the stress you've been under, the amount of responsibility, the number of pressures, and the number of hassles. In actual clinical practice, this cause of depression is seen more often than sudden loss. This type of depression creeps up on you. When this type of depression is experienced, the patient offers comments such as: "I don't know what's wrong!" "I don't know how I feel." "My feelings are numb."

Physiological Symptoms of Depression

Many depressed people can actually feel a change in their bodies. For some it is a churning feeling, particularly in agitated depression. Others experience a sensation of heaviness with lethargy and even physical pain. Some have difficulty digesting food.

One thing common to almost every form of depressive illness is treatability. The approach may vary depending upon the nature and severity of the illness but the prognosis is usually excellent - so long as the sufferers are prepared to take an active part in their own treatment. In fact most types of therapy are based upon the client's own choices and participation.