Depress

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 a person’s ability to function at work and at home.

Symptoms

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

• 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
• Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others)
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Causes

Depression is a complex disease. Genetics, biology, environment, and psychology all play a part. The disease is often associated with changes in brain structures or brain function.

Treatment

Depression is a treatable condition. However, many people don’t get the help they need because they don’t know the signs or understand that a medical treatment plan can help. There are several methods used to treat depression, including psychotherapy, drug therapy, and lifestyle changes.

See also

• Mental health
• Psychotherapy
• Drug therapy

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