Depression is a condition that affects the psychological and physical wellbeing of a person by causing negative feelings for extended period of time.

Causes

• Heredity: sometimes tendency towards depression runs in the family
• Environment: a persistently discouraging and sad environment, work stress etc
• Life events: a serious loss, family crisis, relationship problems, financial problems or any undesirable change in life
• Certain medical conditions
• Personality: low self esteem, pessimism, lack of emotional strength

Symptoms  

• Loss of interest in activities
• Lack of ability to feel pleasure
• Persistent feeling of sadness
• Feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness
• Feeling of guilt
• Crying spells
• Irritability
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Loss of sleep or excessive sleeping
• Fatigue
• Chronic pains and digestive problems without apparent reason
• Social withdrawal
• Thoughts of death and suicide

Treatment

• Psychotherapy: counseling and behavioral therapy help to address the issues causing depression and develop coping skills.
• Medication: Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to control symptoms which interfere in daily activities.