Depression is a mental health condition that affects mood, thinking, energy, sleep, appetite, and daily functioning. It is more than having a bad day.

Common symptoms

Symptoms can include sadness, emptiness, loss of interest, guilt, low energy, sleep changes, appetite changes, trouble concentrating, slowed movement, irritability, or thoughts of death.

Why it matters

Depression can affect work, relationships, physical health, and safety. It can also occur alongside anxiety, chronic pain, thyroid disease, sleep apnea, or major life stress.

Thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or not wanting to live require immediate help from emergency services or a crisis line.