While feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life, when emotions such as apathy and despair take hold and just won't go away, depression may be the cause. More than just the temporary "blues," the lows of major depression make it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did.  Check through this list:  (based on your last few weeks, evaluate the following)

• Do you feel helpless about improving your situation?  Like nothing will ever get better?
• Have you lost interest in or the ability to enjoy former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex?
• Have you experienced significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month?
• Have you found it difficult to sleep? or are you consistently oversleeping?
• Have you been feeling either “keyed up” and restless or sluggish and physically slowed down?
• Have you been feeling fatigued and physically drained, where even small tasks are exhausting or take significantly longer than usual?

If you answered “Yes” to most of these questions, you may be suffering from depression. With treatment, you can feel better. Learning how to spot the signs of depression is the first step to understanding and overcoming it.

Will my depression go away?  What is “clinical 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.

There’s a vast difference between “feeling depressed” and suffering from clinical depression, which involves changes in body chemistry which require medication to re-balance. The despondency of clinical depression is unrelenting and overwhelming. Some people describe it as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. They can't escape their unhappiness and despair. However, some people with clinical depression don't feel sad at all. Instead, they feel lifeless and empty. In this apathetic state, they are unable to experience pleasure. Even when participating in activities they used to enjoy, they feel as if they're just going through the motions. The signs and symptoms vary from person to person, and they may wax and wane in severity over time.

• Self-loathing: Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Harsh criticism of perceived faults and mistakes.
• Concentration problems: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
• Irritability: Easily annoyed or frustrated. Lashing out in anger or snapping at others.
• Aches and pains: New or worse physical symptoms, including headaches, backaches, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, and aching joints.

People suffering from depression often show distorted thinking. Everything looks bleak to them, and they hold extremely negative views about themselves, their situation, and the future. Trapped in their pessimism, they obsess over their problems and blow them out of proportion.  If you believe your depression might be clinical in nature, talk with your doctor about the possibility of being tested and evaluated for treatment with medication. Within 6 weeks, you will likely feel significantly better.