Depression is a condition characterized by low mood, sadness, anhedonia (decreased pleasure/interest), fatigue, changes in weight and appetite, irritability, sleep disturbance, agitation, impaired concentration, apathy, indecision, lack of motivation, pessimism/hopelessness, and suicidal thinking. Over-sensitivity to criticism/rejection and social withdrawal is also not uncommon. It is often accompanied by feelings of excessive worthless/guilt, feelings of loneliness or lack of belongingness, feelings of numbness or emptiness, and feelings of inferiority or excessive self-criticism. Persistent aches, pains, headaches, cramps, and digestive problems that do not ease with treatment may also be related to depression.
When depression interferes with functioning or causes clinically significant distress, it can properly be called a depressive disorder. Depressive disorders come in different varieties. Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood is a situational depression that is expected to lift once life stressors abate. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) are more chronic forms of depression. MDD tends to be episodic, while PDD tends to be continuous. MDD is the most common psychological disorder, with a lifetime prevalence of 17%.
So what can be done about depression? Read more: Help for Depressive Symptoms