Understanding depression: A comprehensive Guide
Depression is more than just feeling down; it's a pervasive mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It can lead to a host of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and home. Here's a deep dive into understanding depression, how it's diagnosed, and the ways to manage it. What is Depression? Depression, or major depressive disorder, is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. It's not just a temporary state of blues but a serious medical condition that needs attention and treatment. Symptoms and Diagnosis Criteria To diagnose depression, health professionals often refer to the criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition): Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous f...