What Does Depressed Mean?
Depression is an illness that affects millions of people around the world. It causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, guilt, anger, and more.
What does "depression" mean? Depression is a mood disorder that involves feeling sad, anxious, guilty, angry, or worthless for long periods of time.
Learn what depression really means, how it's diagnosed, and what treatments are available
Depression is a common problem that affects one out of every five Americans at some point in their lives. In fact, nearly 20 percent of adults will suffer from major depressive episodes during their lifetime.
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and other symptoms. People with depression often feel sad, anxious, guilty, angry, worthless, tired, and unmotivated. They also may have trouble sleeping, eating well, concentrating, making decisions, and enjoying life.
Symptoms of Depression
If you think you might be depressed, talk to your doctor. He or she will ask questions about your symptoms and help you decide whether you need treatment. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire called the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), which helps doctors determine whether you have major depressive disorder.
Causes of Depression
There are several possible causes of depression. These include genetics, brain chemistry, environmental influences, and life events.
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
If you think you might be depressed, talk with your doctor. He or she will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. You may also be asked to complete a questionnaire to help determine whether you need further testing.