Everyone feels down or blue from time to time.  If you have experienced several of the following symptoms for at least two weeks, you might be experiencing clinical depression.

• Depressed mood.  This may be expressed as irritability or anger, especially in children or men.
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Helplessness
• Restlessness or agitation
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities, including sex
• Fatigue or decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, problems with memory, problems making decisions
• Sleep problems or excessive sleep
• Changes in appetite
• Thoughts of death and/or suicide
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

The two most common and effective treatments for depression are medications and psychotherapy.  A combination also works well.