Short definition of depression

Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Compare clinical depression. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.

To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.

Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. A depression is a sustained downturn in economic activity characterized by high unemployment, decreased output and reduced levels of trade. Low levels of consumer confidence during times of depression generally result in a severe drop in consumer demand and spending. It may feature sadness, difficulty in thinking and concentration and a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping. It is different from the mood fluctuations that people regularly experience as a part of life.

What does depression mean? Oxford Dictionaries as Feelings of severe despondency and dejection. A long and severe recession in an economy or market.

This is the term used to describe a severe form of depression where many of the physical symptoms of depression are present. WebMD explains what research has discovered about the causes of depression - from genetics to illnesses and medications to major life events. People with depression lack their former motivation and enthusiasm for activities and goals. Often they suffer from loneliness they feel is incurable.

Energy levels drop not only from psychological depression , but also from not taking care of themselves. Postpartum depression : A form of severe depression after delivery that interferes with daily functioning and requires treatment. It can occur a few days, weeks, or even months after childbirth. An example of depression is when you feel sad all the time. The idea of depression as being caused by demons and evil spirits has existed in many cultures, including the ancient Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, Chinese, and Egyptians, and was often treated with such methods as beatings, physical restraint, and starvation in an attempt to drive the demons out.

From atypical depression to seasonal affective disorder, the condition has many faces. Clinical Global Impressions. CIDI (-SF) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (- Short Form) CIGP-CD. Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature.

Some people think depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. Use this short depression test to help determine if you have the symptoms of depression and whether you should seek a diagnosis or treatment for depression from a qualified doctor or mental health professional. Synonyms for depression at Thesaurus. Find descriptive alternatives for depression.

Learn about the distinct faces of depression , including manic and bipolar depression.

Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. While the definition of major depression may seem simple enough, depression has profound and varying impacts. Digging up the past to understand present problems was a tremendous help, and it changed me in many ways. But depression was still there in various forms, reappearing regularly for the next couple of decades. Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life, but when emotions such as hopelessness and despair take hold and just won’t go away, you may have depression.

More than just sadness in response to life’s struggles and setbacks, depression changes how you think, feel, and function in daily activities. It is a real disorder that affects millions of people.