Depression is much more than just passing sadness that

most of us experience from time to time.

While feeling “blue” or “down in the dumps” in response to setbacks,

losses and other adverse life events can be normal, one should pay attention to

these feelings when they become prolonged or disabling enough to

interfere with daily routine, individual functioning or relationships with others.

DEPRESSION - OVERVIEW

Some people have likened the experience of clinical depression to that of “being trapped in perpetual darkness”; others describe it as a distressing time when their minds could only conjure the most desolate thoughts. Frequently, intense, unremitting feelings of worthlessness and helplessness overwhelm the person. He/she also experiences a sense of hopelessness that these feelings will never change. On the other hand, there are others, who instead of feeling sad, experience apathy and slowing of their thoughts. Not uncommonly, anxiety is also an accompanying symptom. There is also increasing evidence that untreated depression takes a considerable toll on physical health.

Depression is not a sign of personal weakness or excessive emotion. People with a depressive illness cannot merely decide not to feel depressed and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks to months, even years.

DEPRESSION - SYMPTOMS

Although depressive symptoms can vary from person to person, there are some common signs and symptoms.  These include:

• Loss of interest in daily activities or inability to experience pleasure from hobbies, social activities or sex

• Inability to sleep as well, or sleeping too much

• Loss of appetite or increased hunger (with or without accompanying weight changes)

• Feeling restless, slowed down and easily tired

• Decreased ability to concentrate, finding difficulty managing tasks easily completed in the past or indecisiveness

• Increased negative, demoralizing thoughts

• Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Increased irritability or easy frustration

• Thoughts that life is meaningless or not worth living

• Suicidal ideation or thoughts of self harm (Seek help immediately, without delay, if this is the case)


If you experience any of the above for more than 2 weeks, and these feelings are disrupting your usual life, you may be clinically depressed.

Find a Psychiatrist

Expert Author:

Dr Marcus Tan, Nobel Psychological Wellness Clinic