Clinical depression is defined as a mental health disorder characterized by

persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities causing

significant impairment in daily life.

Possible causes include a combination of biological, psychological, and social sources of distress.

Increasingly, research suggests these factors may cause changes in brain function, including

altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.

The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterizes major depression can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms.

These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem.

Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide.

The mainstay of treatment is usually medication, talk therapy, or a combination of the two.

Increasingly, research suggests these treatments may normalize brain changes associated with depression. If you are struggling with depression,

please see a physician immediately. Call them right now. Tell them I'm

depressed and I need help. If you can't do that, ask a family member to help you.

If you can't do that, go to Google and type in I am depressed. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention

Lifeline. The number is 1-800, 273-8255. 2.75.75.

And then you'll get to speak with a counselor that will help you.

The National Suicide Prevention again is at 1-800-273-8255.

Crisis Textline.org describes self-harm as follows.

For some people when depression and anxiety lead to a tornado of emotions,

they turn to self-harm looking for a release. Self-harm and self-injury are any forms of hurting oneself on purpose.

Usually when people self-harm, they do not do so as a suicide attempt.

Rather, they self-harm as a way to release painful emotions.

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