Depression is a mental health condition marked by a persistent low mood, feelings of sadness, and a loss of interest in activities you once found enjoyable. It can also interfere with how you think, concentrate, eat, and sleep.
While it’s normal to feel down after difficult life events—like the loss of a job or a relationship—depression is more than temporary sadness. It lasts for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks and often comes with other emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms.
There are various forms of depression, with major depressive disorder (often called clinical depression) being the most serious. Left untreated, depression can worsen over time and may lead to serious consequences, including self-harm or suicide. Fortunately, many people find significant relief with the right treatment.