Since its earliest known descriptions dating back to the Old Testament, depression has been observed in people as a disruption of normal lifestyle. Depression is the primary cause of suicide . Changes in mood are a natural, normal part of everyone s life.
People usually recognize and are comfortable with a change in their mood.
People with depression, however, often cannot explain the reason for their becoming depressed, though they can describe it as emotionally painful and saddening. The predominant symptoms of depression are a general loss of interest, energy, and an inability to experience pleasure. A person with depression typically withdraws from or becomes impaired in their social interactions. Apathy toward work, school, relationships, responsibility, and eventually toward important goals negatively affects the individual and the family. The economic cost is also significant in terms of lost hours, reduced productivity, and health care.