What is Depression?

Everyone can feel upset or sad from time-to-time, however, when these feelings are persistent, overwhelming or are affecting your ability to function on a daily basis, it may be that you are experiencing Depression. Depression is a serious mental health condition. It is not a sign of weakness or something that you should “snap out of”.

Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms. These symptoms range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy. You may also feel very tearful. There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling persistently tired, sleeping poorly, having no appetite or sex drive, and experiencing various aches and pains.

The symptoms of Depression can range from mild to severe. At its mildest, the person may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while severe Depression can make someone feel suicidal, and that life is no longer worth living.

The good news is that with the right treatment and support, the majority of people with Depression can make a full recovery.