Depression isn't just sadness; it's more often the inability to experience joy in life.  Depression may manifest emotionally with increasing self-doubts, pessimism and guilt.  Anxiety often rises during depression as motivation and drive lessen.   Depression can also manifest as obsessive thinking, sleeplessness, headaches or stomach aches. While the causes of depression are many, a predisposition can run in families and, regardless of family genetics, depression can be triggered by trauma and adverse life circumstances.  Even positive stressors, such as the birth of a child can generate a depressive episode.

Depression and anxiety often exacerbate each other and people with depression commonly have difficulty concentrating on tasks and in conversations. Some people turn to alcohol, drugs or food as a way of coping, complicating their condition.  Depressed individuals are also at increased risk for self-harm; safety is a foundation for treatment.

Depression is a condition which is characterized by prolonged emotional symptoms including:

• Apathy
• Sadness
• Guilt
• Lack of enjoyment
• Exhaustion
• Irritability

Every individual is unique and requires individual attention, but there are a number of effective complementary interventions for treating depression, including:

• Cognitive, somatic and related therapies
• A healthier lifestyle
• Medication may be appropriate for some individuals