The difficulty of depression lies in the fact its symptoms are often confused with those of stress or overwork and are supposed to pass soon. Besides, many people simply reject the idea of having a depression and decline other people’s attempts to help. However, a depressed person is often too exhausted or neglecting to render self-assistance and the help of friends and family can even save his life. Thus, if you, or some of your relatives/ friends/ colleagues experience the following symptoms for more than a fortnight, you should address a specialist:

1. Feeling of isolation, solitude, helplessness, sudden fits of irritation and anger;

2. Constant feeling of guilt

3. Lack of energy and quick fatigability;

4. Loss of interest to the events of the surrounding world and to the things one used to enjoy

5. Indifference to person’s own look and appearance;

6. Noticeable weight changes;

7. Inability to make decisions and concentrate when necessary;

8. Feeling especially depressed in the morning, unwillingness to get up;

9. Insomnia or frequent nightmares;

10. Repeated thoughts of death and suicide, attempts to commit a suicide (in this case urgent medical help is required);

11. Appetite disturbances;

12. Headache or stomachache.