It has many different meanings. It may range from a transient, momentary feeling of emotional sadness all the way to a severe disorder that profoundly affects an individual's normal functioning. In Western cultures almost everyone knows what depression is. The prevalence of depression is universal and global. It is not related to a particular race, gender, or religion.
Depression is a normal human experience and it is an unavoidable part of everyday life.
In Afghanistan, psychological and mental health disorders were related to philosophy and to religion. Depressed people were called dewana . When Afghans are uprooted and dispersed into different countries around the world, they experience a tremendous amount of sadness, unhappiness, and profound feelings of depression. Some attempt suicide, some experience severe family conflict and divorce, some turn to alcohol, and some to drugs. Others are rejected by their entire family and live a lonely life.