Depression is very common in humans. It can be a perfectly natural response to a traumatic event or crisis (often called "reactive" depression) or it can be more serious, with unknown causes. Some of it is self-limiting and goes away on its own. Other forms and degrees of depression can be physiological in nature or more severe, and require medications and/or the help of a trained therapist or doctor to get relief or resolution.

Depression is insidious, as it sometimes masks itself as things such as fatigue, sleeping more than normal, insomnia, angry outbursts, anxiety, etc. Before assuming you or anyone else has true depression, it is vital to have a thorough physical exam by a doctor to rule out any physical causes and to assess the situation. Certain allergies and over-the-counter medications can cause people to become depressed. The following questions are simply a guide to perhaps the ten most common symptoms of depression. When answering yes or no, it is important that you ask yourself if it applies to you never, rarely, just sometimes, or all of the time. The more frequently it applies, the greater the chance of it being a problem that needs investigating by a professional such as your doctor.

1. I have a hopeless feeling about my future.
2. I have lost interest in hobbies and other social activities.
3. I worry about things and brood over them.
4. I feel very sad and blue.
5. I have thoughts of suicide or "ending it all."
6. I do not have very much appetite.
7. I cry easily, many times without knowing why.
8. I feel very tired and fatigued, with little energy.
9. I have a difficult time sleeping or getting to sleep at night.
10. I generally have no interest in much of anything these days.

There are many longer surveys such as the "Beck Inventory," but if a person answered true to any of these (especially # 4 and 5) or several of these, even if they only happen "just sometimes," that is an indication that there is probably some depression going on which needs to be evaluated, and helped by the many methods available these days. Everyone has good days and bad days where they feel blue or sad or "bummed out." Depression goes beyond that, and hopefully the above questions and information makes that clear. It is not something to let continue without seeking help or getting a professional evaluation. Reach out to friends, family, your doctor, clergy, or if necessary, go to the hospital ER and tell the doctors there how you feel (especially if you feel suicidal!). Depression is no fun, but it is also common and very treatable.