What you need to know about depression
Depression is a disorder that is
evidenced by excessive sadness, loss
of interest in enjoyable things, and low
motivation.
Depression is a common illness
worldwide, with more than 300 million
people affected. It is different from
usual mood fluctuations and short-
lived emotional responses to
challenges in everyday life.
Depression results from a complex
interaction of social, psychological and
biological factors. (World Health
Organization, WHO, 2017).
Depression is an illness that involves
not only the mind or brain but the
whole body, affecting the way a person
eats, sleeps, feels about himself or
herself, and thinks about things.
It is not a passing, normal, state of
mind and it is neither a sign of personal
weakness nor a condition that one can
"snap out of". It is normal to experience
feelings of sadness and despair in
response to adverse life events. Such
events could include loss, major life
changes, stress, or disappointment. In
most cases, the sad feelings resolve as
you come to terms with the changes in
your life. In situations such as
bereavement, these feelings may
persist for months and return at
significant times, such as birthdays and
anniversaries related to the lost loved
one. Provided you have times when you
can enjoy things, however, this sadness
is not a sign of depression.
Depression can be treated. If you think
you have depression, seek help.
.