Depression is a common and treatable medical condition, not a personal weakness or a lack of faith or willpower. The World Health Organization estimates that about 280 million people live with depression worldwide.
How is depression different from sadness?
Sadness is a normal response to loss or difficulty. It comes in waves, and it lifts with time and good news. Depression persists for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and it affects the ability to function at work, at home and with people. Crucially, it dulls interest and pleasure in things that used to matter — a symptom sadness does not usually produce.
What are the symptoms?
- Persistent low mood, or emptiness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in almost everything
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Appetite and weight change in either direction
- Fatigue and slowed movement or thinking
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Thoughts of death, self-harm or suicide
Depression frequently presents physically — headaches, stomach pain, back pain or unexplained fatigue — particularly where talking about mood is less familiar.
What causes it?
There is no single cause. It typically arises from a combination of genetic predisposition, life stress and loss, chronic illness or pain, and social circumstances including conflict, displacement and financial hardship. Some medical conditions — thyroid disease, anaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency — can produce similar symptoms and are worth excluding.
How is it treated?
- Psychological therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy and related approaches are effective and are first-line for mild to moderate depression.
- Medication. Antidepressants help moderate to severe depression. They are not addictive, typically take 2–4 weeks to work, and should not be stopped abruptly.
- Combined treatment is often the most effective for severe depression.
- Supporting factors: regular activity, a stable sleep routine, reducing alcohol, and staying connected to people.
When should I seek help?
Speak to a doctor if low mood has lasted more than two weeks or is affecting your work, studies or relationships. Seek help immediately if you are having thoughts of harming yourself. These thoughts are a symptom that can be treated, and help is available — you do not have to wait until things get worse.
