Depression is a state of low
mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and
sense of well-being. People with depressed mood can feel sad,
anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless,
worthless, guilty, irritable, ashamed or
restless. They may lose interest in activities that were once pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, have problems concentrating, remembering details or making decisions, and may contemplate, attempt or commit
suicide.
Insomnia,
excessive sleeping,
fatigue, aches, pains, digestive problems or reduced energy may also be present. Depressed mood is a feature of some
psychiatric syndromes such as
major depressive disorder, but it may also be a normal reaction to life events such as
grief, a symptom of some bodily ailments or a side effect of some drugs and medical treatments.