What is depression?

Depression, which must be distinguished from sadness or "the blues" is a common and legitimate medical illness. Everyone feels down or low at some stage, but when these lows last for long periods and affect general functioning and behaviour the person may be suffering from a Depressive Disorder.

Although depression is defined as a disorder of mood, it affects more that just one's mood and includes symptoms affecting the body (e.g. low energy, sexual dysfunction), thoughts (difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness) and feelings (depression, irritability). It is a medical illness like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems and is not a sign of personal weakness. Depression cannot be wished away and sufferers cannot simply pull themselves together. However, with appropriate treatment 80 percent of sufferers will have relief of symptoms and up to 60 percent may recover fully.