According to the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), depression is defined as: Major depressive disorder (MDD) – Characterized by the presence of one or more major depressive episodes, which are periods of at least 2 weeks during which there is a persistent and prominent change in mood, accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms: marked sadness, empty feelings, hopelessness, irritability, loss of interest in activities, change in appetite or sleep, fatigue, or feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.”
Depression is a serious mental condition that impacts one’s feelings, thoughts, and behavior. It’s not a sign of weakness or a personal failing, but rather a medical condition that can happen to anyone.
It feels like having a dark cloud following you everywhere, making it hard to enjoy the things you used to love, and feeling hopeless and disconnected from others. That’s what depression can feel like
Depression is not something you can “snap out of” or “toughen up” about. It’s a serious condition that requires understanding, support, and treatment. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, know that you’re not alone, and there is help available.
