Depression is a very common medical condition affecting almost 100 million people in the world. About a quarter of the whole population are prone to get at least one bout of depression in their life time. Though depression is more common in women, it also affects at least 12% of men allover the world. Sad part of a serious case of depression is that the person is affected physically as well, apart from degenerating mind. Depression is an acute medical disorder, which regularly affects your thoughts and behavior. Depression symptoms vary from person to person and most often looks similar in every episode. These always include the following:

1. Progressive loss of interest in work you used to perform previously.
2. Feeling sad, or down in the dumps. Severe mood changes are also one of the most important depression symptoms.

You may also display at least four of the following symptoms:

1. Restlessness and fickle minded

2. Feeling worthless or guilty. A sense of dejection

3. Increase or decrease in appetite or weight. Decreased appetite and loss in eating good food.

4. Thoughts of death or suicide. Instant decision to commit suicide and death is probably the most important depression symptom.

5. Learning and acting disability.

6. Impaired sleeping habits and irregular sleep pattern.

7. Loss of vitality and will to live.

8. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed.

9. Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.

If youre facing any one of these or a combination of depression symptoms, do not waste a second and instead contact your physician immediately. Many a time, people do not get help for their depression symptoms, because they don't even recognize the symptoms, have ego problems asking for help, or don't know that many treatments are currently available.

Many people with severe forms of depression have numerous mood cycles. They display very bad "lows" (depression) and critical "highs" (also known as mania) that can last for a long time. In between these episodes of highs and lows, they often feel completely normal and healthy. Most common depression symptoms during such outbreaks are less sleep, being easily distracted, megalomaniac tendencies and doing things that feel good but have very bad effects. Whatever you do, never take depression for granted, as it may turn out to be the most serious health issue in your future and a chance episode may create immense personal problems for you and your family.