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There are many different causes and factors that contribute to depression and each will be unique to the individual who experiences it. Sometimes the cause is not very clear, and it may in fact involve a number of different factors that all contribute to the resulting depression. The World Health Organisation defines clinical depression as: 
- Two weeks of an abnormal depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable
- Reduced energy, or feeling tired
- Loss of confidence and self-esteem
- Feeling guilty and unworthy
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or any suicidal/self-harming behaviour
- Reduced ability to think or concentrate
- Agitated or slow movements
- Disturbed sleep (not enough/too much/poor quality)
- Change in appetite (increase or decrease) with weight change
- Decreased libido
- Unexplained physical symptoms
Minor depression includes two of the first three symptoms and at least two others. Moderate depression includes two of the first three symptoms and at least four others. Severe depression includes all three of the first three symptoms and at least five others.
Some descriptions of the most common symptoms of depression are included below. 
Sadness
One of the most common symptoms of depression is a constant and overwhelming feeling of sadness. Some people may also feel emptiness and apathy and it can often be accompanied by anxiety. In the case of anxiety associated with depression, this state of tension may persist for no apparent reason.
Hopelessness
Individuals experiencing depression may describe a feeling of not being able to see their way out of the ‘darkness’. It may feel as if there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Some individuals may begin to lose all hope for things improving or for life getting any better.
Guilt
Individuals experiencing depression may feel guilt for many things which they have no responsibility for. The guilt may be all pervading and may even include guilt for living.
Loss of Interest
Some people experiencing depression lose interest in everything around them, not wanting to do anything or see anyone. Things that would bring pleasure before can often become a burden to deal with. Many people experience a loss of libido and others use escapes such as alcohol or drugs.
Decreased Energy
Individuals experiencing depression may find themselves to be slower, have a reduced reaction time and find that movements may become or seem slower. The slowness is often further complicated by fatigue, by feeling overwhelmingly tired or even tired all the time.
Difficulty Concentrating
Depression can affect the ability to make decisions, think clearly, perform complicated tasks, concentrate, and remember things. Many people report that they don’t remember things that they did before and that they cannot focus on their work, including having difficulty making decisions.
Difficulty Sleeping
Sleep disturbances are common symptoms of depression. A 'good night’s sleep' becomes virtually impossible. Many people complain of waking up in the middle of the night with their mind racing, wondering how they are going to overcome all of the obstacles before them. Others do little other than sleep but never feel rested. In both cases, the built up fatigue can aggravate every other aspect of depression.
Appetite Changes
Depression affects the appetite in one way or another. Often, individuals lose interest in eating because the food has no taste. When anxiety is high, it may be difficult to eat. In some cases, however, people will overeat out of frustration or misery.
Thoughts of Death
When suffering from depression, thoughts of suicide are often common. If there is no relief over a long period of time, suicide can feel like the only way to end the pain.
Restlessness
Sometimes, individuals find it difficult to relax and some people report that they never feel rested. It is not surprising then that this lack of rest results in feeling angry and irritable. Men may manifest that irritability by lashing out at the people around them, having a volatile temper, not being able to sit still, and perhaps even feeling angry at themselves for not being able to pull out of the depression on their own.
Physical Symptoms
The stress, tension and fatigue of depression can often manifest themselves as physical symptoms. People may experience stomach aches, indigestion, constant headaches, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, etc. It is always possible that these symptoms indicate another medical condition so it is important that you consult a physician. The symptoms are real and need to be treated.
In order to properly diagnose depression, and its severity, it is important you visit your GP who is able to conduct preliminary tests and if necessary, discuss relevant treatment options with you.
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