Depression is a mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Although it is often considered an invisible illness, its symptoms can be debilitating and affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression can manifest in various ways, both physically and emotionally. Some of the most common symptoms of depression include:
- Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
- Loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
If you experience several of these symptoms for at least two weeks and they hinder your daily activities, you may have depression.
Types of Depression
There are several types of depression, including:
- Major depression: characterized by the presence of several of the aforementioned symptoms for at least two weeks.
- Dysthymia: characterized by persistent and chronic depression lasting at least two years.
- Seasonal affective disorder: occurs during the winter months when there is less sunlight.
- Postpartum depression: occurs after childbirth and can last several months.
