Depression Depression Everybody gets the blues now and then. But for millions of Americans, depression is more serious than that. It is a persistent, recurrent condition that can interfere with the ability to sleep, eat, or hold a job.
Depression can last for weeks or months.
Depressed people almost always feel sad. It becomes difficult for them to feel any pleasure in life, and they may become suicidal. Other symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness and guilt, loss of interest in normal activities, reduced sex drive, changes in eating habits, insomnia, restlessness, and poor concentration. Depression is often triggered by a serious loss, a chronic illness, or a financial problem. Another form of depression is manic-depressive illness in which a person swings between euphoria and depression.