Depression, in its clinical or subclinical form, is more than just sadness. Psychotherapists around the world and decades of research reveal that it only takes two weeks of overwhelming sadness to be diagnosed with depression. It can be accompanied by a feeling that one’s life is worthless, insomnia or hypersomnia, reduced ability at work, low self-esteem and, in the case of clinical depression, suicidal thoughts or intentions. Although it is an affective state disorder that can have a major impact on life, depression is common and can occur both on its own and as a result of other physical conditions or somatised as a physical condition. And you’re not alone – one in six people does or will experience it at some point in their lives. With the right help, you can overcome it.
What is depression?
