Depression (major depressive disorder) 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 you 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.

Causes of Depression:

• Biological Factors: genetics, brain chemistry, and hormones.
• Psychological Factors: trauma, grief, and stress can contribute to depressive disorders.
• Environmental Factors: aspects like abuse, neglect, or a family history of mental health issues can be linked to depression.

Symptoms of Depression:

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

• Emotional Symptoms: feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and irritability.
• Cognitive Symptoms: trouble concentrating, making decisions, and memory problems.
• Physical Symptoms: changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.

Common depression symptoms 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., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide