What is depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that affects your thoughts, feelings, and body. It can make it difficult to find joy in everyday life and can impact your work, relationships, and quality of life.
Depression can range from mild to severe and can occur at any stage of life. Some people experience isolated episodes, while others have recurring episodes. Regardless of the form, it is important to know that depression is treatable—and that many people get significantly better with the right help.
Symptoms of depression
The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but typically people experience a combination of both mental and physical symptoms.
The most common symptoms are:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Loss of interest and enjoyment in activities
- Lack of energy and severe fatigue
- Sleep problems (too little or too much sleep)
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or low self-esteem
- Social withdrawal
- Thoughts about death or suicide