The following are lists of the usual symptoms that would lead to either a diagnosis of depression or manic depression:

Symptoms of Depression:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that you once enjoyed, including sex
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.
• Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
• Decreased energy. fatigue, being “slowed down”
• Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
• Restlessness, irritability
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
  
  

There are different types of depression and these can run from mildly depressed to what’s called major depression. Depression can also be referred to as uni-polar depression. Major depression: is a most serious type of depression. Many people with a major depression find they cannot continue to function normally. They may find their behaviors affecting their work and their relationships.

Manic depression or bi-polar disorder could include episodes of depression as well as episodes of mania. The list below describes some of symptoms of mania:

Symptoms of Mania:

• Inappropriate elation
• Inappropriate irritability
• Severe insomnia
• Grandiose notions
• Increased talking
• Disconnected and racing thoughts
• Increased sexual desire
• Markedly increased energy
• Poor judgment
• Inappropriate social behavior
  
  

Depending upon the person and their symptoms often the best form of treatment can be a combination of medication and psychotherapy, though this is a decision that should be made together with your treating physician or psychotherapist.

This is a brief overview of depression and manic depression and should not be used to diagnose yourself or someone else. Only a licensed medical doctor or mental health treatment provider can actually diagnose mental health problems. If you are concerned about someone or yourself, please seek help from your physician, mental health clinic or mental health provider.