What is Depression?
Updated: Mar 29, 2024, 13:55 IST
Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.
Here are some of the symptoms of depression:
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite – weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Restlessness or feeling slowed down
- Feelings of worthlessness, or guilt
- Fixation on death or suicide
If you are experiencing five or more of these symptoms for a two-week period, it is important to see a doctor or mental health professional to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Here are some resources that you may find helpful if you are struggling with depression:
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741