Symptoms of Clinical Depression Symptoms of clinical depression (or major depressive disorder) can be widely varied, both between people and in the same person. In fact, one person may have many different symptoms that seem unrelated, but all stem from depression . There are two types of symptoms of major depression : mental and physical: Mental Symptoms of Depression The most common mental symptom is excessive sadness. This can be difficult to recognize in another person, but easy to recognize in yourself. If you’ve been feeling sad for more than a few weeks (especially if there hasn’t been a traumatic event in your life), you should talk to your doctor. This pervasive sadness is one of the characteristic qualities of someone suffering from major depressive disorder. Related to this are feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. Other people may find that they don’t feel sad, but are consistently irritable or easily annoyed. Another characteristic of many people suffering from

Dysthymia Depression comes in many different forms, one known as Dysthymia , also known as Persistent Depressive Disorder ( PDD ). Dysthymia is less severe and has fewer symptoms than  major depression . Although dysthymia is a milder form, symptoms can last for a long time, sometimes years. Since the effects of this form of depression last a long time, an individual experiences serious challenges in daily life. People suffering from dysthymia can also go through short periods of major depression . What Causes  Dysthymia Experts are divided over what exactly causes dysthymia. Many believe that genetics play a role; however, there is controversy as to how big that role. Many of those receiving treatment for chronic depression have reported no cases of other family members who have suffered from the disease as well. It is commonly accepted that changes in brain chemistry are involved. It is also believed that chronic illness, life stress and some medications also contribute. Dysth

Depression in Pregnancy: Antenatal/Prenatal Depression  Antenatal depression, a.k.a. prenatal depression, can make your pregnancy a living nightmare. Feelings of guilt, fatigue, irritability and inability to connect with the life growing inside you can emotionally and physically draining. But take this to heart. You're not weird, or a bad person, because you feel this way. You're not going out of your mind, even though you may feel like you are. And you're definitely not alone. According to statistics, about 20 percent of pregnant women suffer from antenatal (or prenatal) depression. Antenatal (Prenatal) Depression Symptoms It's common to experience a lot of changes in mood, eating habits, sleep and energy levels during pregnancy. But when these changes alter your daily life, and last for more than two weeks, it may be signs of antenatal depression. Symptoms of prenatal depression include: Memory problems Feeling numb emotionally Irritability- bordering on anger i