If you or someone you know is suffering from Depression:

Major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression, unipolar depression, clinical depression, or simply depression, is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a pervasive low mood, loss of interest in a person's usual activities and diminished ability to experience pleasure. The diagnosis is made if a person has suffered one or more major depressive episodes. The onset is usually in early- to mid-adulthood. Diagnosis is based on the patient's self-reported experiences and observed behavior; there is no laboratory test for major depression. The course varies widely: it can be a once-in-a-lifetime event or have multiple recurrences; it can appear either gradually or suddenly; and can either last for a few months or be a life-long disorder.

Although the term "depression" is commonly used by laypeople to describe a temporary depressed mood, when a person may feel sad or "down", major depression is a serious and often disabling condition that can significantly affect a person's work, family and school life, sleeping and eating habits, general health and ability to enjoy life.[1] Depression is a major risk factor for suicide; in addition, people with depression suffer from higher mortality from other causes.[2] Clinical depression may be isolated or be a secondary result of a primary condition such as bipolar disorder or chronic pain. When specific treatment is indicated, it usually consists of psychotherapy and antidepressants.

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