It involves the body, nervous system, moods, thoughts, and your behavior. It can affect the way you sleep, eat, act around others, how you feel about yourself, and the way you react to situations.
Depression can last for weeks, months, or even years.
There are many types of depression, with many variations in symptoms, the severity, and how persistent the effects are. Usually people with depression withdraw and stay away from society. They lose interest in the things around them and are incapable if experiencing pleasure. Symptoms of severe depression can include chronic fatigue, sleeping disorders, changes in appetite, headaches, backaches, digestive problems and disorders, restlessness, irritability, a short temper, loss of interest in hobbies, and feelings of worthlessness and low self esteem. Depression affects an estimated 11 million Americans every year.