It's absolutely normal to feel down sometimes. But when feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair take hold and persist - it may be depression. More than simply feeling sadness in response to challenges, obstacles, or loss in life, depression is persistent and can affect all aspects of life including thoughts, emotions, and even how your body feels. Living with depression can feel overwhelming and at times unbearable as it may interrupt relationships, work, eating and exercise habits, and activities that you once enjoyed.
Some people describe depression as living in a hole that they cannot climb out of, or feeling impending doom. Others feel apathetic and lethargic. Men often feel depression with increased anger and restlessness.
However you experience the problem, left untreated it can become a serious health condition. But, it’s important to remember that feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are symptoms of depression—not reality. There is hope!
You can overcome depression. By recognizing the different symptoms of depression, you can take the first steps to feeling better and overcoming the problem.
Depression can be treated with psychotherapy, and sometimes a combination of therapy and medication.
