(HealthDayNews) -- Everyone has a short stint of the blues now and then. But if you feel "down in the dumps" or hopeless for weeks at a time, this may indicate depression, a serious medical illness.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of clinical depression include a sad, anxious or "empty" mood, and feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness and helplessness.
Another major sign is a loss of interest in hobbies and activities that you once enjoyed.
A qualified mental health professional can help you figure out if you may be suffering from depression, and recommend treatment options.
