Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in things and activities you once enjoyed. It can also cause difficulty with thinking, memory, eating and sleeping.
It’s normal to feel sad about or grieve over difficult life situations, such as losing your job or a divorce. But depression is different in that it persists practically every day for at least two weeks and involves other symptoms than sadness alone.
There are several types of depressive disorders. Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is often just called “depression.” It’s the most severe type of depression.
Without treatment, depression can get worse and last longer. In severe cases, it can lead to self-harm or death by suicide. The good news is that treatments can be very effective in improving
loss of interest in things and activities you once enjoyed. It can also cause difficulty with thinking, memory, eating and sleeping.
It’s normal to feel sad about or grieve over difficult life situations, such as losing your job or a divorce. But depression is different in that it persists practically every day for at least two weeks and involves other symptoms than sadness alone.
There are several types of depressive disorders. Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is often just called “depression.” It’s the most severe type of depression.
Without treatment, depression can get worse

What are the symptoms of depression?

The symptoms of depression can vary slightly depending on the type and can range from mild to severe. In general, symptoms include:

• Feeling very sad, hopeless or worried. Children and adolescents with depression may be irritable rather than sad.
• Not enjoying things that used to bring joy.
• Being easily irritated or frustrated.
• Eating too much or too little, which may result in weight gain or weight loss.
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia).
• Having low energy or fatigue.
• Having a difficult time concentrating, making decisions or remembering things.
• Experiencing physical issues like headache, stomachache or sexual dysfunction.
• Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.