Overview.
Depression is a term people often use to describe how they feel. But do we really understand what it means and involves? Is it possible to tell whether it’s exhaustion or depression? How common is it? How serious is it? Let’s learn below.
Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical disorder) is a common medical condition that can affect the way we think, behave, handle our daily activities, and feel about ourselves and others. It is estimated that 3.8% of the population suffers from depression globally, including 5.0% among adults and 5.7% among people over 60. [1]
Depression can be caused by different factors such as abnormalities in brain chemical levels, hereditary factors, major life changes, certain illnesses or medication. It can be mild, moderate or severe, but if left untreated, it will lead to serious consequences, like an inability to work, further health problems or, at its worst, suicide. [2]
That’s why it is important to be aware of the symptoms and seek timely medical help.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression.
Even though only a professional health specialist can diagnose depression, there are certain symptoms that can be relied on as warning signs. Those symptoms can affect people differently. While some people may find it difficult to do anything at all, others might seem perfectly fine, go to work and communicate as if nothing is happening. On the other hand, if you recognize any of the below symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that they are signs of depression. The condition you are recognizing might be associated with substance use or other medical issues that may appear similar to depression. [3]
Let’s have a look at the 10 most common signs and symptoms of depression.
