Wednesday, April 29, 2009 @3:56 AM
Major depression is a disabling condition which adversely affects a person's family, work or school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health.
Depressed people may be preoccupied with, or ruminate over, thoughts and feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt or regret, helplessness, hopelessness, and self hatred.
Other symptoms include poor concentration and memory, withdrawal from social situations and activities, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Insomnia is common: in the typical pattern, a person wakes very early and is unable to get back to sleep.
Family and friends may notice that the person's behavior is either agitated or lethargic.
Most exhibit a loss of interest in school and a decline in academic performance.
They may be described as clingy, demanding, dependent, or insecure.