Clinical depression is a problematic and grave medical illness in which people are negatively affected by the way they feel the way they think as well as act. Those having clinical depression are not able to function normally. These individuals tend to lose interest in all the activities that they used to enjoy at one point of time. They tend to feel sad and hopeless for long periods of time.

Clinical depression is not similar to feelings of sadness or general depression that tend to go away in a few days. This condition can seriously affect the body, thoughts, and mood and behavior patterns in individuals. It can lead to changes in the eating habits of individuals and can also change the way people think, work and interact with others.

Those suffering from clinical depression do not feel like themselves and they cannot just make themselves feel better. This condition can last for a few weeks or as long as years. Those suffering from this condition may even contemplate or attempt suicide. Individuals of all genders, ages, cultures, ethnicities and religions may suffer from this condition.

There are various types as well as levels in clinical depression. Psychologists, counselor and other mental health professionals are trained to identify and treat this condition. With the correct treatment people tend to feel better in several months. Those having clinical depression tend to experience insomnia and sleep disturbances like oversleeping or waking up much earlier than normal time. They also tend to experience changes in their appetite which may include overeating as well as under eating.

Fatigue and decreased energy along with headache, stomach ache and other digestive problems may also be experienced. These physical problems may not respond to treatment. Behavioral changes that are often observed in clinical depression include loss of interest in activities that individuals enjoyed doing or derived pleasure from. People suffering from this condition may also find it difficult to concentrate and may neglect their personal appearance and responsibilities.

Individuals suffering from clinical depression also tend to persistently feel sad or empty. Those suffering from this condition also tend to cry for no apparent reason and also tend to feel agitated, irritated and anxious. The types of clinical depression include major depression dysthymia which is less intense and bipolar disorder in which period of depression tends to alternate with period of elation.

When the feelings of depression that cause changes in the functioning last for more than two weeks it is termed as clinical depression. The causes of this problem may be quite complex and may include genetic factors along with environmental and psychological factors. Financial problems, big changes in life, family concerns, and academic demands can also result in depression in cases where biological vulnerability exists.

Individuals having low self esteem or those who have a pessimistic streak are particularly vulnerable to this problem. A number of individuals who are depressed tend to try drugs or alcohol to escape depression. In other cases substance abuse itself may result in depression. In United States around 12% of women tend to suffer from depression while 7% of men suffer from this problem. Seeking medical help and support from professionals and loved ones can help individuals suffering from clinical depression to recover from this problem.