What is Depression?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is also known as major depression, unipolar depression, and clinical depression. It is recognized by researchers and medical professionals as an actual, biological, medical illness. Unlike mild depression or "the blues," major depression consists of at least five significantly life-impacting symptoms lasting at least two weeks. These symptoms include the following:

-Agitation, sluggishness, irritability, restlessness

-Changes in appetite, weight gain/loss

-Thoughts of or attempts at suicide

-Not getting enough sleep, sleeping too much

-Loss of interest in activities once found pleasurable

-Feelings of despair and helplessness

-Lack of energy

-Feelings of self-loathing, guilt and worthlessness

Depression affects almost ten percent of the adult population globally, and women are two times as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. Women are more at risk for major depressive episodes during the period after they give birth. The stress hormone cortisol may play a role in depression, and genetics are also believed to be a cause of the disorder.

A person can be diagnosed with depression through formal testing, such as the Zung self-assessment depressive scale, a general health questionnaire, or Beck's depression scale inventory. However, a simple mood survey may be just as effective as these longer tests. Treatment of depression can include medications and therapy, but there are also many natural remedies such as St. John's wort. Other natural treatments include the establishment of routine, getting enough sleep, staying away from alcohol and drugs, eating right, exercising, and keeping a support network in place.

A depressed person's prognosis is usually good if they seek help, but almost fifteen percent of depressed adults suffer from substance abuse, increased physical illness, or die from natural causes or suicide. Depression tends to reoccur, with the likelihood of a recurrence increasing with every depressive episode.