Depression (mood)

Depression is a mental condition that is characterised by poor mood as well as aversion to activities. The medical condition known as depression is a mental and behavioural problem that has a negative impact on a person's thoughts, behaviours, emotions, and overall sense of well-being. Depression is classified as a mental disorder. Anhedonia, which means "loss of interest" or "loss of sense of pleasure in particular things that would normally bring delight to individuals," is considered by many to be the primary sign of depression. A depressed mood can be a symptom of certain mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder or dysthymia; it can also be a normal and temporary reaction to life events, such as the passing of a loved one; and it can be a symptom of certain physical diseases as well as a side effect of certain medications and medical treatments. Depression, trouble thinking and concentrating, major changes in appetite and the amount of time spent sleeping, and other symptoms may be present. People who are struggling with depression often experience emotions of despair, helplessness, and even suicide ideation. There is also the possibility of it becoming long lasting.

Adversity in childhood, such as bereavement, neglect, mental abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or uneven parental treatment of siblings, may lead to depression in adulthood. Bereavement, neglect, mental abuse, physical abuse, or sexual abuse can also play a role. Abuse of a victim, either physically or sexually, throughout childhood has been shown to have a substantial correlation with an increased risk of the victim developing depression later in life.

The following are examples of life events and changes that may influence depressed moods: childbirth, menopause, financial difficulties, unemployment, stress (such as from work, education, family, living conditions, etc.), a medical diagnosis (such as cancer, HIV, etc.), bullying, the loss of a loved one, natural disasters, social isolation, rape, relationship difficulties, jealousy, separation, or catastrophic injury. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. Following social rejection, peer pressure, or bullying, adolescents may be particularly susceptible to developing a depressive mood. This may be especially true for bullied adolescents.

More than 264 million individuals of every age throughout the world are affected by depression. The worldwide pandemic caused by COVID-19 has had a detrimental influence on the mental health of a great number of persons, leading levels of depression to skyrocket and reach levels that are disastrous. An investigation investigating the influence that COVID-19 has on the mental health of young people will take place at the University of Surrey in the fall of 2019 and in May/June of 2020. This research was just published in an issue of the Journal of Psychiatry Research Report. The research found that during lockdown (May/June 2020), depressive symptoms were much more prevalent, and overall wellbeing was significantly worse, as compared to the previous autumn (2019). The levels of clinical depression among individuals who participated in the research were found to have more than doubled, going from 14.9% in the fall of 2019 to 34.7 % in the spring and summer of 2020. This research provides more evidence that specific life experiences are linked to an increased risk of getting depression.