What exactly is depression?

Depression is a mental illness that oftentimes coexists with other illnesses (e.g. post-traumatic stress). There are several types of depression, but the common theme is a lingering sadness or emptiness that won't lift. Along with being sad, depressed people can be irritable and/or have physical and cognitive changes. The overall effect is that their ability to function is impaired. They might find it incredibly difficult to get out of bed in the morning or go to work.

Depression is identified by:

• feeling sad, empty or hopeless most of the day

• lack of interest in doing things that you previously engaged in

• significant weight loss or weight gain

• difficulty sleeping

• anxiousness or restlessness

• fatigue or loss of energy

• diminished ability to think or concentrate

• and possibly, recurring thoughts of death