Have you been experiencing a low mood that has been persistent for a long time? Have you tried coping but found you have lost interest in the things you once enjoyed? Do you feel either worthless or that time is going by and that the sadness is deterring a happy future? If so, you could be struggling with depression. However, with therapy you can gain the right structure and guidance to gradually gain control and transition into a healthier future.
The word “depression” has been used to explain an assortment of ailments, ranging from mild to incapacitating (Tamatam et al., 2012, p. 20). Clinically significant depression is called major depression. This is an acute condition that is described not only by a sad mood but also by a group of physical, motivational, and cognitive symptoms (p. 20). Major depression may be distinguished from a normal short-term sad mood by several factors, such as intensity. Major depression results in impairment in social or occupational functioning and can last across time and situations. Other factors may include stress levels and a genetic predisposition (pp. 20–22). (If you are living with major depression, you will require the ongoing support of a doctor or a psychiatrist alongside prescribed medication.)
References
Tamatam, A., Khanum, F., & Bawa, A. S. (2012). Genetic biomarkers of depression. Indian
Journal of Human Genetics, 18(1), 20–33. https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-6866.96639