Definition of Depression

Depression is an illness in which factors such as genetics, chemical changes in the body and external events may play an important role. is a psychological condition that changes how you think and feel, and also affects your social behavior and sense of physical well-being.

Symptoms include sadness, inactivity, difficulty thinking and concentrating, and feelings of despair.

Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as is the case with other illnesses such as heart disease.

Medications generally are not seen as substitutes for therapy, but work best together with therapy not only to relieve the depressive symptoms but to enhance the person’s understanding of the and expand his or her coping strategies for dealing with the conditions that led to in the first place. Medications of any kind prescribed, over-the counter, or borrowed should never be mixed without consulting the doctor. Medication simply brings about a restoration, so to speak, of that balance needed to free the struggling person from the effects of depression.

Depression is an illness that affects the entire body, not just the mind. is the leading cause of alcoholism, drug abuse and other addictions. is frequently ignored or untreated; the condition often prevents people from taking steps to help themselves.