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Basics of Depression

What Is Depression?

Depression is psychological condition that changes the way you think and feel. In addition, it negatively affects your sense of well-being and your social behavior. The correct medical term for depression is "clinical depression." It is a specific illness or condition that requires some form of treatment in order to alleviate it. Generally when people speak of depression they are referring to clinical depression. For purposes of brevity, we will use the term "depression" to refer to clinical depression throughout this web site.

Depression is NOT the temporary disappointment or sadness one feels following minor negative events. Feeling tired from a "hard day at the office" or failure to find a solution to one of life's problems is NOT depression. However, people may become depressed following a major negative event in one's life such as the death of a loved one or the end to a relationship. This type of depression is considered "normal" and usually lasts for some weeks or months. However, when depression symptoms last for periods of six months or more it should be considered clinical depression. Clinical Depression is a specific illness with causes and symptoms.

How Depression Affects a Person's Life

Clinical depression impacts all aspects of a person's life. It weakens our ability to sleep and eat properly, accomplish everyday tasks, function at work and develop healthy relationships with others. It injures our self-esteem and self-confidence. Depression turns daily tasks into significant struggles. People with depression lose their motivations as well as interest in activities that were once enjoyable. But there is hope with treatment.

Please click on the links above to learn more about causes, symptoms and signs of depression.

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