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People get the usual "blues" at times which is most commonly sparked by daily humdrums - this is not depression. This is just a tangible part of human existence.

There comes a time though when people reach a certain dead end and feel that there is no point of moving forward. Depressed individuals often describe the experience as likened to being stuck in limbo. You just stop being motivated and functional - like eating or even breathing becomes a tough job. This is characteristic of depression.

Clinical depression or what is also referred to as "major depressive disorder" is characterized by sudden loss of interest in any social or physical activity which lingers for a long time - about 2 weeks or even more. A depressive episode is comparable to reaching that point of no return. It's like being dead-beat tired and that there is a void inside you that never seems to be filled.

Here are the top 5 signs of clinical depression that you must take heed of:

1)   Insomnia and Oversleeping. These erratic sleeping behaviors show that a person is feeling depressed. People who have a lot of raging thoughts in their mind would have difficulty sleeping. Some depressed patients also have a tendency to stay in bed or sleep for longer hours than normal to avoid doing their daily routine or even to disconnect with people in their lives. The bed then becomes their only solitude or haven.

2)   Suicidal thoughts or attempts. Depressed individuals seem to have lost the will to live. It's like each day becomes a struggle to get by and survive. People who suffer from clinical depression would often have morbid thoughts and would express these sentiments to people around them. They would most likely get to that point wherein they finally execute and attempt suicide.

3)   Loss of interest in any activity. People who are undergoing depression will most likely feel drained of energy. They would most likely sulk in a corner and stay there for hours rather than do anything productive. They will display loss of interest in social activities that they once enjoyed. They even lose interest in eating or taking baths which is why some depressed individuals tend to lose weight.

4)   Pessimistic or having negative thoughts. Depressed individuals tend to see the world in a bad or negative light - no matter how energetic and hopeful people are around him or her. They do not feel the need to lighten up or even smile because they feel rotten and lost inside. It's true indeed that you can get lost in a crowd because no amount of crowd cheering can make a depressed individual feel better if he does not initiate positive thoughts on his own.

5)    Irritability or extreme mood swings. Violent or aggressive behavior is typical of a person suffering from depression. You would observe that they are easily startled and would react in extremes with daily triggers like being criticized by other people or even when you accidently bump into them. They could throw a fist and even display violent acts in public which could pose danger to other people as well as himself.

There is nothing as emotionally, physically and psychologically debilitating as depression. These depressive symptoms are categorically a classic "cry for help". If you know anyone in your family or friends who are suffering from depression - take the initiative to extend support and encourage them to get professional help to be able to claim their lives back while they still can.