Depression is marked by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that would usually intrigue a person. Changes in how one thinks and handles daily activities are also characteristics of depression. But it’s important to note that experiencing occasional sadness or feeling down is a normal part of life. Depression involves more intense and long-lasting feelings that can interfere with one’s ability to function normally.

• Is depression a mental illness?

Yes, clinical depression is a mental illness, but it is treatable and curable as it is a medical condition and not a personal weakness. About 6.7% of the countries population over the age of 18 is affected by major depression. All of us may feel sad at some point in time, but clinical depression is a serious medical illness that needs professional diagnosis and immediate treatment.

• Do children get depression?

Children may also get depressed for the same reasons as adults. The reason may be anything like a change in physical health, life events, heredity or inheritance, environment and chemical disturbance in the brain. According to a study it is found that almost 2.5% of children and 4-8 % of adolescents in the US suffer from depression. Depressed children often experience changes in behavior.

• Can lack of sleep cause depression?

Though lack of sleep plays a huge role in depression, it does not cause depression as such. If you are suffering from lack of sleep for any personal issues or any other medication, it may intensify depression.

• What are the common triggers of depression?

There are certain common triggers for which depression may be caused. Some of them are – family history of depression, loss of any loved one by death, separation or divorce, interpersonal disputes, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, serious illness, subject abuse like street drugs or high alcohol consumption, or being excluded by family and friends, etc. All of these are the basic source of depression.

• How long does depression last?

Depression, a serious mental illness, should be treated as soon as possible. If it is left untreated, it could lead to further complications. Many kinds of depressive disorders last for months, some even for years. However, seasonal depression usually extends for a particular period, example – depressive around winter but cheerful during spring and summer.