Depression, also called clinical depression or major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder consisting of symptoms mostly associated with sadness of mood, lack of interest, and sleeping problems. Sadness is mostly a reaction to a situation or a person’s behavior and is commonly experienced. It is an emotion that can be associated easily with helplessness, despair, grief, diffidence, and sorrow. Sadness is a fleeting emotion and may not last for a major portion of the day or might not affect your work output. It might go away by accepting or modulating the situation or even by self-soothing behaviors like crying or distracting oneself.
Depression affects the way you think and behave from a broader perspective. The sadness of mood felt in depression can even last for the whole day or most of the day. Interest in day-to-day and routine activities diminishes leading to low productivity. Sleep disorders and appetite changes are expected in depression. Problems of focus, low concentration, thoughts of hopelessness, helplessness, and thoughts of self-harm are more persistent with major depression.
Sadness might go away with a heartfelt conversation with a friend or partner or with a cup of coffee or a hit at the gym but depression is something that must involve the help of a mental health professional.
Dr. Sonal Anand
Consultant – Psychiatrist
Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road
To book an appointment call: +918108101104
