Woe is Me – What is depression?

depression, melancholy, misery, sadness, unhappiness, sorrow

A quick google search will show several definitions of depression, but how do you know if you are going through depression and not just a bad day?

We casually say “I’m depressed, (sad face)” but depression is not a bad mood. It’s not easily fixed with a good meal or catnap. Depression is weeks or months of sorrow. It affects your ability to function in everyday tasks. And even though it’s serious, major depression is surprisingly a common mental health issue. About 21 million U.S. adults—8.4% of the population—had at least one major depressive episode in 2020. (🤯 Wowza) (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Definitions of Depression

So what is depression?? Check out the definitions below for more deets.

A mental health disorder is characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life. – Wiki

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home. – Psychiatry.org

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living. – Mayoclinic.org

Depression is classified as a mood disorder. It may be described as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger that interfere with a person’s everyday activities. – Healthline

During a depressive episode, the person experiences a depressed mood (feeling sad, irritable, empty) or a loss of pleasure or interest in activities, for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. Several other symptoms are also present, which may include poor concentration, feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth, hopelessness about the future, thoughts about dying or suicide, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite or weight, and feeling especially tired or low in energy. – World Health Organization

Depression is a serious medical illness. It’s more than just a feeling of being sad or “blue” for a few days. If you are one of the more than 19 million teens and adults in the United States who have depression, the feelings do not go away. They persist and interfere with your everyday life. – Medline Plus

Depression, in psychology, a mood or emotional state that is marked by feelings of low self-worth or guilt and a reduced ability to enjoy life. A person who is depressed usually experiences several of the following symptoms: feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or pessimism; lowered self-esteem and heightened self-depreciation; a decrease or loss of ability to take pleasure in ordinary activities; reduced energy and vitality; slowness of thought or action; loss of appetite; and disturbed sleep or insomnia. – Britannica

Suicide Prevention

If you think someone is seriously depressed or considering suicide, please get help from a crisis hotline. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is here to help at 800-273-8255.