“I’m so depressed.” This is a common phrase. However, many people still do not understand the difference between ordinary sadness and depression. Sadness is a normal, temporary emotion that we all experience occasionally. Depression however, is an overwhelming hopelessness in outlook that can persist for weeks at a time. Depression affects all types of individuals. People who suffer from depression often feel lethargic, have difficulty maintaining relationships and regular routines, and find it hard to communicate and interact with others. Sometimes, people suffering from depression might not realize that’s what going on; others may refuse to acknowledge it. Depression—like many mental health concerns—often gets stigmatized and dismissed as ‘weakness’ or ‘madness’. However, depression is a real and complex illness.
There are many triggers for depression—usually a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
