Imagine depression as a weather forecast for your mood. There’s a 100% chance of clouds and showers on Monday. Tuesday, too. Wednesday looks just as grim. Actually, the next two weeks show nothing but storms. You’re stuck in
this crappy weather pattern and there seems to be no relief in sight. You might feel alone, but you have lots of company. Depression—or major depressive disorder (MDD), the term for clinical depression—is one of the most
common mental health conditions, affecting an estimated 350 million people in all age groups.
What Are the Causes of Depression?
- The brain’s physical structure or chemistry
- Serotonin levels are out of balance
- History of depression in the family
- Genetic code is different
- Stressful or major life events
- Hormone changes
- Certain physical conditions
- Certain medications
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or emptiness. You generally feel down most of the time.
- Loss of interest in activities—even in stuff you used to love. It’s like you just lose motivation and feel disinterested.
- Fatigue or decreased energy. You feel exhausted all the time, or you feel like you can spend days on the couch or in bed.
- Difficulty thinking clearly or quickly, remembering details, concentrating, or making decisions. You feel distracted and focusing seems impossible.
- Irritability, frustration, or pessimism. Your mood and headspace feel negative most of the time.
- Physical aches and pains. You may have headaches, stomachaches, or neck tension.
