Depression seeps into every aspect of your life. Maybe you have no interest in what used to matter. When things feel overwhelming, do you cry? Get angry? Feel numb? Maybe you push people away when you need them the most. If any of these sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Depression can happen to anyone, and it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. People who have lived through abuse, severe losses or other stressful events are more likely to develop depression.

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Depression is different from regular mood changes and feelings about everyday life. It can affect all aspects of life, including relationships with family, friends and community. It can result from or lead to problems at home, school, or work.

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An estimated 3.8% of the population experience depression, including 5% of adults (4% among men and 6% among women), and 5.7% of adults older than 60 years. Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression (WHO (2024). Depression is about 50% more common among women than among men. Worldwide, more than 10% of pregnant women and women who have just given birth experience depression. (WHO (2024)

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A depressive episode is different from regular mood fluctuations. They last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.

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Other symptoms are also present,

which may include:

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• Poor concentration

• Feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth

• Hopelessness about the future

• Thoughts about dying or suicide

• Disrupted sleep

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Feeling very tired or low levels of energy

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Psychotherapy is one of the first and effective treatments for depression. Treatment can be combined with antidepressant medications if needed.  Psychotherapy can help teach new ways of thinking, coping or relating to others.