context: Most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times. It's a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or injured self-esteem. But when these feelings become overwhelming, cause physical symptoms, and last for long periods of time, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life. var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; World Health Organization: " Depression. "; Mayo Clinic: " Depression. "; American Psychiatric Association: " What Is Depression? "; Anxiety and Depression Association of America: " Understand the Facts: Depression. "; Getty; Comstock Images;i Stock/ Getty Images Plus; Thinkstock; Audio Jungle; Rike; Vanessa Clara Ann Vokey; Somos/ Veer; Katarzyna Bialasiewicz; funduck [ MUSIC PLAYING] if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } That's when it's time to seek medical help. Your regular doctor is a good place to start. They can test you for depression and help manage your symptoms. If your depression goes untreated, it may get worse and last for months, even years. It can cause pain and possibly lead to suicide, as it does for about 1 of every 10 people with depression. Recognizing the symptoms is key. Unfortunately, about half the people who have depression never get it diagnosed or treated. They can include: Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions Fatigue Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness Pessimism and hopelessness Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much Irritability Restlessness Loss of interest in things once pleasurable, including sex Overeating, or appetite loss Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won't go away Digestive problems that don't get better, even with treatment Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings Suicidal thoughts or attempts There isn't a "depression test" a doctor can use to see if you have it, so figuring that out often starts with a thorough history and physical exam. Your doctor will want to know: When your symptoms started How long they've lasted How severe they are If depression or other mental illnesses run in your family If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse You'll also be asked if you've had similar symptoms of depression before, and if so, how it was treated. If your doctor rules out a physical cause for your symptoms, he may start you on a treatment or refer you to a mental health professional. This specialist will figure out the best course of treatment. That may include medicines (such as antidepressants), a type of therapy called psychotherapy, or both. Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Suicidal thoughts or intentions are serious. Warning signs include: A sudden switch from sadness to extreme calmness, or appearing to be happy Always talking or thinking about death Clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse Taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving through red lights Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless Putting affairs in order, like tying up loose ends or changing a will Saying things like " It would be better if I weren't here" or " I want out" Talking about suicide Visiting or calling close friends and loved ones If you or someone you know shows any of the above warning signs, call your local suicide hotline, contact a mental health professional right away, or go to the emergency room. Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is a treatment option for people whose symptoms don't get better with medicine or who have severe depression and need treatment immediately. If your symptoms of depression are causing problems with relationships, work, or your family -- and there isn't a clear solution -- you should see a professional. Talking with a mental health counselor or doctor can help prevent things from getting worse, especially if your symptoms stay for any length of time. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or feelings, get help right away. It's important to understand that feeling depressed doesn't mean you have depression. That condition involves not only changes in mood, but also changes in sleep, energy, appetite, concentration, and motivation. If you have physical symptoms like these and find yourself feeling depressed much of the time for days or weeks, see your doctor.