We all go through difficult times in life, and experience highs and lows. It’s perfectly normal – but what do you do when sadness becomes your default setting?

If you constantly feel hopeless, like life is not worth living, you may be suffering from depression.

What is depression?

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a serious mental illness that ranges from mild to severe. 

Common symptoms include:

• low self-esteem
• negative thoughts
• persistent sadness
• changes in appetite or sleeping patterns
• loss of interest in things you enjoy
• lack of energy

In severe cases, you might think about self-harm or suicide.

Around 264 million people around the world suffer from depression. It is a mental illness that can weaken your immune system and affect the whole body, causing disability and illness. Depression can also lead to suicide.

What we cover in the blog

In this blog, we provide in-depth articles to help you understand all about depression.

It affects children, teenagers and adults in different ways, and research suggests depression may be caused by a mix of biological, social and psychological factors.

Depression can be triggered by events such as divorce, trauma, bereavement, pregnancy or menopause. However, we also examine how your genes may influence your chances of developing major depressive disorder.

If you are suffering with mental health problems, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible for medical advice. The good news is, there are lots of proven treatments available for depression. We’ll help you learn more about the options available, so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you.

Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend medication, psychotherapy, or a combination. We weigh up the pros and cons of both.

You can also look into alternative therapies like acupuncture and yoga, and other tactics like positive thinking and avoiding negative thought patterns. These may complement your treatment, helping you cope and keep the illness at bay.