What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. 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. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and
sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living.

More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it.
Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better
with medication, psychotherapy, or both.

Symptoms

Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes. During these
episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include:

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration, even over small matters
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies, or sports
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
• Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
• Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
• Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or suicide
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

For many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day
activities, such as work, school, social activities, or relationships with others. Some people may feel
generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

Depression Symptoms in Children and Teens

Common signs and symptoms of depression in children and teenagers are similar to those of adults, but there can
be some differences.

• In younger children, symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, clinginess, worry, aches and
  pains, refusing to go to school, or being underweight.
• In teens, symptoms may include sadness, irritability, feeling negative and worthless, anger, poor performance
  or poor attendance at school, feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive, using recreational drugs or
  alcohol, eating or sleeping too much, self-harm, loss of interest in normal activities, and avoidance of
  social interaction.

Depression Symptoms in Older Adults

Depression is not a normal part of growing older, and it should never be taken lightly. Unfortunately,
depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated in older adults, and they may feel reluctant to seek help.
Symptoms of depression may be different or less obvious in older adults, such as:

• Memory difficulties or personality changes
• Physical aches or pain
• Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems, or loss of interest in sex — not caused by a medical condition or
  medication
• Often wanting to stay at home, rather than going out to socialize or doing new things
• Suicidal thinking or feelings, especially in older men