Understanding Depression
We all have low moods from time to time. Usually, the mood passes after a few days and we get back to our normal way of living. We may say that we have been ‘depressed’, ‘down in the dumps’, ‘fed up’ or have had the ‘blues’. But low moods like this are not what doctors call depression. Instead, they use the term to describe a more severe illness which a person has had for at least a few weeks, affecting the body as well as the mind.
There has been an increase in the rates of depression over the last 40 years which may be the result of the way we live our lives now. The good news is that, no matter what the cause of depression, it can be treated and treated effectively. Most people who are depressed and have treatment get better.