Depression

• Depression is a mood disorder where individuals feel sad and lack interest in their usual activities. Characteristics include: irrational thoughts, low self-esteem, and low energy.
• behavioral characteristics

  A shift in activity level, some may feel constantly tired, others may feel agitated and restless

  Some people may sleep excessively and others may struggle sleeping, experiencing insomnia

  Appetite may be affected, with some people not wanting to each much and others over-eating
• Emotional characteristics

  A formal diagnosis of depression requires at least 5 symptoms:

  • Sadness; feeling worthless and hopeless
  • Loss of interest in pleasure and usual activities
  • Anger directed at others or self

  Depression may arise from feeling hurt and wishing to retaliate
• Cognitive characteristics

  Negative 😞 thoughts, negative self-concepts, guilt and a sense of worthlessness

  They hold a negative view of the world 🌎 and expect things to turn out badly. E.g they believe they will fail on an exam and so don't even try

  These thoughts 🤔 are generally irrational to reality
• In 2009, 2.6% of the population reportedly had depression