Sadness fades away, eventually. A depression puts you down always. It doesn't let you to think straight.

That depends on how you are living your life? Drinking, Drugs, Excluding yourself from others(including family), If this is the case seek professional help.

Depression is a medical condition. You just can't decide to go out, have fun and forget the sadness. It is more complex. When something like that happens, you need medical attention.

TRUE depression doesn't go away on it's own. If you've been feeling depressed for several weeks, it's probably time to see a doctor.

ALTHOUGH it is often classed as 'mental illness', clinical depression often has as many physical symptoms as mental. The feelings or emotions that are depression symptoms actually begin to cause the physical effects. How this happens is a vital part of understanding depression and the symptoms that come with it. If you are depressed at the moment some of the following symptoms may sound familiar: You feel miserable and sad. You feel exhausted a lot of the time with no energy . You feel as if even the smallest tasks are sometimes impossible. You seldom enjoy the things that you used to enjoy-you may be off sex or food or may 'comfort eat' to excess. You feel very anxious sometimes. You don't want to see people or are scared to be left alone. Social activity may feel hard or impossible. You find it difficult to think clearly. You feel like a failure and/or feel guilty a lot of the time. You feel a burden to others. You sometimes feel that life isn't worth living. You can see no future. There is a loss of hope. You feel all you've ever done is make mistakes and that's all that you ever will do. You feel irritable or angry more than usual. You feel you have no confidence. You spend a lot of time thinking about what has gone wrong, what will go wrong or what is wrong about yourself as a person. You may also feel guilty sometimes about being critical of others (or even thinking critically about them). You feel that life is unfair. You have difficulty sleeping or wake up very early in the morning and can't sleep again. You seem to dream all night long and sometimes have disturbing dreams. You feel that life has/is 'passing you by.' You may have physical aches and pains which appear to have no physical cause, such as back pain. everybody's experience is different.

What are some common symptoms of depression in youths? Sudden change in mood and behavior. The previously docile teen suddenly is confrontational. Rebellious behavior and even running away from home are common among depressed teens. Social isolation. The depressed adolescent withdraws from friends. Or it may be that friends withdraw from the depressed youth, noticing an undesirable change in his or her attitude and behavior. Diminished interest in almost all activities. The teen is unusually passive. Hobbies that were just recently considered intriguing are now perceived as boring. Notable change in eating habits. Many experts feel that disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating often coexist with (and may at times be caused by) depression. Sleep problems. The teen sleeps either too little or too much. Some develop confused sleeping habits, being up all night and sleeping throughout the day. Drop in academic performance. The depressed adolescent has problems getting along with teachers and peers, and grades begin to plummet. Soon the teen is reluctant to go to school at all. Risky or self-destructive acts. Behaviors that ‘cheat death’ may show that a youth has little interest in living. Self-mutilation (such as cutting the skin) may also be a symptom. Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt. The teen becomes highly self-critical, feeling like a complete failure, even though the facts may indicate otherwise. Psychosomatic problems. When no physical cause can be found, headaches, back pain, stomachaches, and similar problems may indicate underlying depression. Recurring thoughts of death or suicide. A preoccupation with morbid themes can point to depression. So can suicidal threats Taken from the Awake! Magazine September 8th, 2001 Issue

When you realize that the things you used to enjoy seem boring and you feel seperated from the rest of society....that would be a good indicator.

Only a depressed person would ask that question...I mean that nicely though. Depression: Feeling low and nothing that made you happy before makes you happy now

When your depressed you feel "empty with no feelings,you have crying spells,feel bored or nothing gives you pleasure,or thoughts of suiciude.If you have any of these symptoms you should call a health professional.

It varies from person to person but for me it was... -The fact that I have no life and cannot call up any of the people who were at once time my friends and in fact loath seeing them even though they are all nice people. -I have no energy to exercise and was once an exercise maniac. -I cry a lot and spend way to much time thinking about how my life will never amount of anything and about how no one would really care if I died (the second part is definitely true though save for my mom though, so that's not entirely in my head) -I'm CONSTANTLY freezing cold even when other people are very hot. -Constantly tired. -I do not have any friends, which I believe is pretty unusual for a person of my age. -I find myself forcing false emotions of happiness every time I am in a public situation or even (to tell the truth) on a message board and then feel extremely frustrated afterwords at all the acting I had to do and am very bitter. -I shock easily, if someone opens a door or I see anything not expected on the road as I'm the passenger I scream and get in a 'prepare for crash' position. Actually I'm not sure if that's associated with depression or if thats just my new weird thing, lol. -And I'm literally constantly tired, even though I can't sleep like a normal person does (I wake up after six hours even if I've gotten like 12 hours in three days, its weird) -And I do not enjoy food very much unless I get extremely hungry after a few days, and then I can enjoy it and eat a bunch of it. But other than that I simply do not care to eat. -I crave the feeling of intoxication, even though I don't enjoy it. -I have one and only one hobby. The internet. Anything I used to enjoy is lackluster now. -Things that used to stress me out don't anymore, because I've officially missed the boat and given up. Sometimes I do wonder if my "depression" is in fact a side effect of shitty life rather than the other way around. Erm, perhaps you can relate to some of that though? I wanted to put this instead of the copy/paste usual stuff because they're just so vague on those things that its really hard for a person to tell if they can relate or not.

When there is no joy in anything you do.

When life just seems pointless.

here is a good site to start with. It explains alot and has some self help test and ideas. I am sure everyone runns into bouts of depression it just matters how long they last or if you can shack them on your own. http://www.anti-depression-help.com/test/self_depression_test.php

You lose interest in things that used to turn you on..you want to be left alone..you feel tired all the time and often feel hopeless. :(

Well, I've been all my life. That's how I know.

You are me.

depression is something that does not occur over night by one action. It is a crying, not really under standing life thing that get worst by the days. My parents seperated and everything shot down hill from there but if it is a day in day out thing you need to see someone.

When all you wanna do is lay on the couch all alone and do nothing, wait thats being lazy. depression come in many form. Youll feel alone when you in a room full of people, the smallest thing can aggrivate you or make you cry for no reason, sever depression can give you thought of suicide. If you think your are suffing from depression chances are you are. It will go away, you just have to stick it out.

There are some indicators that may point to depression. They do not all have to be in place, but several will be: - lethargy, difficulty getting motivated for anything. - feelings of doom, sadness, or the "blues." - loss of appetite. - major change in sleep habits which could be either inability to sleep or wanting to stay in bed all the time. - physical fatigue or soreness all over that has no other explanation. - irritability. - rage. - suicidal thoughts. - inability to focus. See this page for a similar list and treatment possibilities: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_signs_types_diagnosis_treatment.htm Depression is treatable. People get better and lead very productive and fulfilling lives. All the best to you!

When you don't care rather you are alive or dead!

I was depressed twice in my life (dont be worried, i'm fine) once i couldnt speak or anything without breaking down crying uncontrollably the second time i just kind of did everything in a haze, not really noticing anything or caring about anything. I spent a lot of time thinking about my life and what I did in the past and where I want to go. I remember realizing I didn't want to go anywhere I just wanted to stop moving for a while and get back on track. neither time was really bad depression, the kind you need pills or something like that for, and it was only for a short period of time, but I felt terrible. why do you ask, do you think you or someone you know is depressed?

If you have reoccurring thoughts of suicide. You should be worried though. Depression can take a strong hold and last a lifetime. Use that negative energy to do something positive. (exercise more).

Everyone would give a different definition. You cannot say because we all get mild depression from time to time to a degree and some get it worse than others and in some people it may interfere with their lives more than in others. Depression is where you feel hopeless and like you are waiting for someone or something to take you out of it. If you feel like you have fallen into it then its a sign of depression itself you could argue and these negative thoughts can make it worse. But we all sometimes feel fed up and figity while we are waiting for the dawn after the darkness and new ideas to emmerge.

Recognizing your own 'red flags' is the first thing therapists try to teach someone who has depression(after they have been stabilized /treated for/ the depression) Everyone's 'red flags' are different and unique to their own moods.One flag will be different at different times,as we develop and grow personally. Look at the symptoms and stay self aware,you can see the starting signs when they begin,it takes time and practice,but it is possible(nothing happens without effort,even while depressed)