Depression isn’t just about feeling down – it’s a very real illness that affects the brain.

The main symptoms of depression that most people are familiar with include feeling sad, dispirited, or full of despair. A person may experience "anhedonia", which means the inability to feel pleasure in fun activities.

Other, important signs of depression include lack of energy and motivation, a general loss of interest, decreased appetite, and insomnia.

Depressed individuals may lose confidence in themselves and experience feelings of worthlessness. They may have difficulty assuming responsibility for household tasks or going to work.

People suffering from depression may be extra sensitive to negative comments because of their feelings of worthlessness, and may also become socially withdrawn.

Sometimes, they don’t believe that their situation can ever be improved, or that they don’t deserve to feel better.

Depressed individuals may describe other symptoms, including:

Tearfulness, irritability, negativity, obsessively thinking about something, anxiety, phobias, excessive worry over physical health, and complaints of body pain (like headache, joint or abdominal pain).

Depression can begin either suddenly or gradually. An untreated episode of depression can last anywhere from just a few weeks to as long as several years.

There are many ways for people to help manage their depression including use of medications and psychotherapy.

Browse the videos on this site to hear stories from people living with depression and those who care for them.

If you or your loved one has symptoms of depression, discuss an appropriate treatment plan with a healthcare professional.