Depression, also known as feeling really down or sad, is a mental health problem that makes you feel gloomy or lose interest in things you usually enjoy. It can make daily life really tough. Sometimes it’s called a mood disorder. It might feel like sadness, loss, or even anger that messes up what you normally do.
People experience depression in different ways. It can make it hard to work or do things you need to do, and mess up relationships and health conditions like arthritis, asthma, heart issues, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
You should remember that everyone faces tough times, but feeling really sad and down all the time is not normal. Depression is a serious condition that needs treatment. If not treated, it can get worse and even lead to thoughts of hurting yourself.
There are two main types of depression: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD).
MDD can really affect your well-being. You might lose interest in things you used to enjoy, have trouble sleeping, lose or gain weight, and feel tired all the time. You might also feel guilty or have thoughts of death or suicide.
PDD is a milder but long-lasting form of depression. It can last for years and make you lose interest in daily stuff, feel hopeless, and have low self-esteem.
Depression can happen for various reasons, like childhood trauma, genetics, brain structure, medical conditions, substance abuse, and life events.
Diagnosing depression isn’t a single test; it’s based on your symptoms and a mental evaluation. Your doctor might ask about your mood, sleep, eating habits, and thoughts. They might also do a physical exam and blood tests to rule out other issues.
Don’t ignore signs of depression. If it doesn’t get better, seek help. Depression affects not only you but your loved ones too. If untreated, it can lead to problems like weight changes, pain, substance abuse, panic attacks, relationship issues, social isolation, and even thoughts of self-harm.
Treatment usually involves therapy, medication, or both. Having a pet can also help. You can learn more about emotional support animals (ESAs) on CertaPet’s website.
References:
1. [Learn About Depression](https://www.healthline.com/health/depression)
2. [Persistent Depressive Disorder](https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/persistent-depressive-disorder#1)
3. [Major Depressive Disorder](https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/major-depression#1)
4. [Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)](https://www.certapet.com/)
