Depression-symptoms & types

Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. But true clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for an extended time.
Depression is a stress related illness. It is the most common mental illness. One in six women suffer and one in nine men. It is thought men are more reluctant to seek help or even admit they have depression.
Depression often centers around the lack of purpose in your life and the thought that it might even be better to end it. This is the point which is critical and could result in suicide.
Symptoms of Depression...
Can't make decisions
Wanting to cry
Lack of energy
Loss of appetite
Drinking too much
Loss of interest in sex
Not caring about your appearance
Can't concentrate
Lack of self confidence
Feeling isolated or lonely

The main types of depression include:

Major depression -- five or more symptoms listed above must be present for at least 2 weeks, but major depression tends to continue for at least 6 months. (Depression is classified as minor depression if less than five depressive symptoms are present for at least 2 weeks.)

Dysthymia -- a chronic, generally milder form of depression but lasts longer -- usually as long as two years.

Atypical depression -- depression accompanied by unusual symptoms, such as hallucinations (for example, hearing voices that are not really there) or delusions (irrational thoughts). Other common forms of depression include:

Postpartum depression -- many women feel somewhat down after having a baby, but true postpartum depression is rare.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) -- depressive symptoms occur one week prior to menstruation and disappear after you menstruate