Depression is a grave illness that affects day to day life and destroys families. It is a disorder that controls the mind and its functions causing loss of appetite, sleeplessness, mood swings, and a deep sense of despair.
The symptoms of depression are varied and the severity changes with time. And, according to experts depression can be an inherited disorder, or caused by life threatening illnesses, or stress. Other causes are certain diseases, medicines, drugs, alcohol, or mental illnesses. Women are seen to experience depression more than men and this is attributed to hormonal swings, menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-menopause, and post-menopause.
Common symptoms are:
1. An unshakeable sadness, anxiety, or emptiness.
2. Overwhelming hopelessness accompanied by pessimistic feelings.
3. Extreme guilt, feelings of helplessness, and no sense of self worth.
4. Loss of energy, a slowing down of metabolism, and activity levels. Being plagued by constant fatigue.
5. A sense of helplessness along with an increasing inability to focus and indecisiveness.
6. Loss of sound sleep and development of extreme insomnia.
7. Inexplicable weight loss or weight gain. Triggered by loss of appetite or eating binges.
8. Brooding and suicidal inclinations.
9. Irritability, short temper, as well as restlessness.
10. Physical afflictions like headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain for no particular reason.

If you experience any of the above along with a marked change in behavior, it is best consult your doctor ASAP. He will give you a thorough examination to rule out physical causes for depression as well as any underlying medical problems. Then if required he will recommend that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist
You could also help yourself by:
Erasing negativity from your mind, Cut out from you life terms like exhaustion, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Change your life by setting yourself a few goals. Try and relax, meditate, and enjoy music. Start new activities that absorb your time as well as interests. Go out and meet people and participate in group activities. Avoid the company of negative people. Make up your mind to enjoy a movie, ballgame, family outing, picnic, or trek. Be positive, self confident, and have faith in yourself. Faith is itself a great healer. Decide to change your world for the better.
However, follow your doctor's advice. Treatment can include: anti-depressant medicines, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. In extreme cases electroconvulsive therapy or light therapy are prescribed.
If your depression escalates or you are suicidal seek help from your family physician or health care provider. Do call a local health department, a community mental health center, or hospital or clinic. Someone will extend a helping hand and talk you through the crisis.
[/b]SOURCE [b] http://withealth..com

nice one......................... i have really grabbed something.
am i actually the first to comment?

Nice one OP, alot of people never realise that they are depressed and they need help

Two that I also found practically common though was part of older DSM but not current applicable DSM

1) Lack of personal hygiene ( they just become enemies with water) and cleanliness

One guy , I recently saw, he never takes a bath for no less than 3 months, and when he eventually does, everything has to stop, because he take his bath for the whole day. . His mother/ or family have to quickly clean his filthy room while he takes a bath. Meaning his room get a cleaning as much as his baths. Unbelievable, very bright student he was a medical student who dropped out on his 6th year, just 1 year before completion. He is currently studying Actual Science through distance education
He has been depressed for more than 10 years. Now Depressed with possible Schizophrenia. Impossible to assess, very aggressive and unfriendly type

2) They also like dark spaces ( their room curtains will always be closed, day and night, sunny or raining ). Dark is light for them.

Again people should realise that PTSD ( Post Traumatic STress disorder ), which is stress after a stressful event like death, highjacking etc. can trigger Depression. So if someone had PTSD, very likely they may lapse into depression.