Major Depressive Disorder, or clinical depression, is a common but serious mental illness that negatively impacts how we think, act, and feel.
It is different from loss, grief, or bereavement. The death of a loved one, end of a relationship, loss of a job are all difficult experiences during which you are meant to feel sad, it is only natural, and part of the process. Grief and depression can co-exist. However, when grief and depression co-occur, the grief can be more severe and long-lasting. Distinguishing between grief and depression is important as it can help people in getting the support or treatment they need.
• Feeling sad or being low for a prolonged period of time (at least 2 weeks continuously)
• Having a loss of interest in activities one previously enjoyed
• Change in appetite which results in weight loss or gain and is unrelated to dieting
• Sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping
• Increased fatigue and loss of energy
• Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, making decisions
• Thoughts of suicide or death
Read More
