"I'm depressed" is a saying that is commonly used when you're feeling a little bit sad or disappointed about something, but in reality, it's something much worse than that. Clinical depression lasts a lot longer than a basic dose of the blues and can have a permanent impact if gone untreated for too long. There are ways to spot if you, or somebody else, are suffering from depression and by catching it early on, you can recognise why you're affected in the first place.

How can I tell if I'm depressed?

People going through clinical depression can normally spot a dynamic change in their behaviour and mood, especially following a traumatic event or tragedy, such as a death in the family. It's not often that all of these signs are evident in a single sufferer, but it's likely that they will show more than one. Be wary of the following symptoms:                              

• Not enjoying hobbies that you used to be interested in
• Finding difficulty doing something that isn't 'boring'
• Constant feelings of anxiety and unease
• Continuous sadness
• Low self-esteem, including feelings of uselessness and pointlessness
• Feelings of guilt and self-loathing
• Thinking about or carrying out self-harming
• Thoughts about death or committing suicide
• Short-term memory loss, increased forgetfulness
• Isolation, wanting to be alone all of the time
• Changing your eating or sleeping pattern drastically
• Loss of sexual desire or feelings
• Finding yourself drinking heavily or taking drugs to cope

Other symptoms such as hypochondria, frequent headaches and constant exhaustion are also likely to affect you if you are suffering from depression.

But why am I depressed?

Depression can be triggered by a number of things, such as bereavement or childhood issues, so it all depends on the person who's suffering. Relationship problems, stress or upsetting events can also bring on clinical depression. Sometimes the trigger is not recognised until the sufferer has been through counselling as the memory, such as a childhood trauma, could have been suppressed by the brain. Sometimes depression is brought on by hormone imbalance or internal changes in blood pressure or brain chemistry, whereas others feel depressed because of alcohol or drug abuse.

I think I'm depressed, what can I do about it?

Talking to your GP or a local counsellor can help dramatically. You may be recommended to take anti-depressants, which are a form of medicine designed to boost brain chemicals that tend to be depleted during depression. Counselling can help you recognise the root of your problem and you may find it useful to visit a self-help group session.

Alternatively, you could attempt to change your lifestyle as this may help you to get out of your slump. By changing your diet to a more balanced healthy one and by exercising more, your body can beat stress and anxiety and help you feel great. Other relaxation techniques include yoga, meditation or massages.

By letting your teacher, friends and parents know of your depression (even if you would rather stick your head down the loo), they can offer you support and give you the aid that you need. Remember that depression can be treated… you just need to reach out and grab the help that's on offer.