Sadness is a very normal feeling that everyone experiences at some time in life. While trying to understand what is depression it is important to know that in depression people experience persistent sadness. In depression these feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness become a part of life and affect the normal functioning of individuals. Information about depression can allow people to understand this condition and seek appropriate treatment for it.

While understanding what is depression the symptoms associated with this condition should be identified. Those suffering from depression experience immense despair, sadness, emptiness and anxiety along with hopelessness and pessimism. People suffering from depression also experience irritability, guilt as well as loss of interest in activities and hobbies that were pleasurable at some point of time. These individuals also experience fatigue and may experience insomnia as well as weight gain or loss.

Understanding the reasons for depression can throw light on what is depression and how it affects people. Genetic factors play an important role in depression and some other factors causing depression may include psychological factors, biochemical and environmental factors. Depression affects the area of brain that is responsible for regulating mood, behavior, thinking and appetite.

Along with these factors certain events or situations can trigger a depressive episode. These events may include marital or other relationship problems, trauma, recent bereavement or other stressful situations. After the first episode any subsequent episodes may be observed in the absence of triggers. The possibility of women suffering from depression is higher as compared to men. This is because hormonal, psychological and biological causes are responsible for the greater depression rates among women.

Women are also more vulnerable to experiencing depression as they have greater work and home responsibilities and so the stress factors are higher. Many women also tend to experience depression following child birth. In understanding what is depression it is important to realize that men experience higher irritability and fatigue when they suffer from this condition. Likewise men are less likely to seek help or accept that they are suffering from depression as compared to women.

Men are also more susceptible to seeking relief in alcohol or drugs so as to reduce the depression. Understanding what is depression and what it entails can allow for identification of treatment for this condition. The health professionals identify the symptoms associated with this condition. Initially any physical causes are required to be ruled out as in some cases physical causes can result in symptoms similar to those experienced in depression. Once physical causes are ruled out psychiatric help can be sought.

The mental health professionals then identify the symptoms, the duration of the symptoms along with the severity. In understanding what is depression complete medical history of the patient needs to be evaluated. Doctors also determine if there is a history of depression within the family. After the diagnosis of depression is made based on the severity the line of treatment is determined.

This may include medication in combination with therapy. In mild cases of depression psychotherapy in isolation can work effectively. The medication prescribed for individuals suffering from depression may include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors.