Mental Health
Depression
Also known as: Major depression, Clinical depression, Depressive disorder
Depression condition guide: symptoms, causes, prevention, and when to seek care. Educational only — not a diagnosis.
Overview
Depression is not one “bad day”. It is a health condition with sadness, loss of pleasure, fatigue, changed sleep/appetite, guilt, or thoughts of death—for 2 weeks or more. Types include major depression, persistent depression, and postpartum depression. Treatment (counselling, medicines, support) works for many people.
Symptoms
- Sadness or feeling “empty” nearly every day
- Loss of pleasure in things that used to matter
- Too much or too little sleep
- Fatigue or slowed movement
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
Causes
Genetics, brain chemistry, stress, chronic illness, medicines, and loss. Women are diagnosed more often; men may show anger or drinking instead of obvious sadness.
Treatment (general information)
CBT or other talking therapy; SSRIs/SNRIs and other medicines; family support; sometimes ECT for severe cases. Do not stop medicines suddenly.
Prevention
Social support, sleep, exercise, and treating early signs promptly. After one episode, sticking with care reduces relapse.
When to see a doctor
If sadness lasts 2+ weeks, blocks work, or includes thoughts of self-harm—get emergency help for those thoughts.
Frequently asked questions
- Is depression laziness?
- No. It is an illness; many people cannot simply “pull themselves together” without help.
- Do medicines change personality?
- The goal is to ease symptoms, not rewrite personality. Side effects are discussed with a clinician.