How to Beat Depression - The Foolproof, Guaranteed Method

You might already know someone in your family or in your circle of friends who have experienced some type of depression at one point or another. As a matter of fact, you may even have also wondered whether the feeling of being down and low that you have been experiencing lately is depression. What exactly is depression - more specifically, clinical depression?

Clinical depression is actually a serious illness which affects millions of people yearly. It would be best that you understand how clinical depression is diagnosed and what symptoms it has. This would be the first steps towards proper treatment.

Feeling sad or low from time to time is normal. All people feel his way every now and then, depending on the situations they are in. However, when these feelings of sadness start to become the only emotions that you are capable of having or experiencing or when a phase of being blue transforms into a black cloud that constantly hovers above your head, then you may already be suffering from depression.

Depression is essentially an illness, specifically, a type of mental disorder which could take over your mind and your body. It is normally not a mood which passes after a short period of time. People who experience depression are usually unable to get rid of their feelings of sadness easily. Depression could greatly influence the way an individual thinks and feels. It could also alter that individual's personality and his or her way of interacting with other people.

However, how can you distinguish clinical depression from normal feelings of sadness? It is all about the intensity of the feelings of sadness and how long the feelings have been experienced by the individual. Generally, the feelings which are associated with depression are a lot more intense compared to the regular moments of sadness that everyone feels every now and then. Depression can easily alter your character as well as your ability to handle reality. It could make it impossible for you to function properly.

The period of time which could determine that it is depression that is being experienced by an individual would be two weeks. Usually, normal feelings of sadness and being withdrawn would go away after a couple of days or around a week's time. However, if these feelings linger for longer than two weeks and progress to something much worse, then it could already be depression. Without proper treatment, depression could easily last for weeks, months and even years.

Fortunately, though, depression can be treated. With the use of the proper medication and therapy, almost 80 percent or more of those who experience depression get better. However, treatment could take time and usually involves some amount of trial and error, and so, patience is a must.

Everyone has a tendency to experience depression, to a point. Remember, though, that depression is not a sign of failure or weakness. If you think that you or possibly someone you know might be suffering from depression, then it would be very important to seek professional help at the soonest possible time.