Depression is associated with a wide range of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms³ and impacts on a person’s daily life. People suffering from depression may no longer have control over their moods or feelings, and they tend to feel low almost all the time. Consequently, they may have trouble holding onto their job, keeping up with their studies, and/or maintaining their family life and social contacts.²

Depression can affect anyone, and there’s no single cause but various factors can increase a person’s risk of developing the disorder. Stressful experiences such as illness, unemployment or bereavement may trigger the condition in some people.⁴

The symptoms of depression can be complex and vary widely between individuals and may persist for weeks or even months.⁴ Depression manifests as a combination of three symptom groups: emotional, cognitive and physical.³

Emotional symptoms - The emotional symptoms such as sadness, feelings of hopelessness and anxiety are perhaps those traditionally most associated with depression.³

Physical symptoms - Physical symptoms of depression are wide ranging and can involve problems with sleep, appetite and weight changes, sexual dysfunction and headaches.³

Cognitive symptoms - Cognitive symptoms can affect decision-making, concentration and the ability to think.³ Research has also noted that cognitive symptoms, such as trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, or indecisiveness appear up to 94% of the time (n=267) during depressive episodes.⁵ Even in patients thought to be in remission, cognitive symptoms were present for an average of 39−44% of the time (n=267).⁵

At its most serious, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts and self-harm.²

Worldwide, depression is a common illness, with an estimated 3.8% of the population affected, including 5% among adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60 years of age.⁶ 

Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression.⁶ 

Depression can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional, who will ask about your symptoms and how they are affecting you and your general health.⁸ Once a diagnosis is made, a combination of different therapies, including medication, counselling, social support, exercise and self-help techniques, is usually recommended.⁹