Depressive disorder, or depression, is a common mental health condition that anyone can experience. Its features include irritability or loss of enjoyment or interest in activities for long periods.
Depression is different from the usual mood swings and feelings about everyday life. Depressive episodes last most of the day, and recur almost every day, for at least two weeks. People with depression may suffer from disturbed sleep and changes in appetite. They may feel low self-esteem, have thoughts of death and feel hopeless about the future. Common symptoms are also a feeling of fatigue and poor concentration.
Depression results from a complex interaction between social, psychological and biological factors. People who are most susceptible to depression are people who have been exposed to mistreatment, bad situations, or other stressful situations. Problems at school and work can also lead to depression.
Prevention programs have been shown to reduce depression. There are also effective psychological treatments and medications to combat depression. However, these treatments and medications are often unavailable or inaccessible, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It is estimated that more than 75% of people with mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries do not receive any treatment.