It is a chronic mood disorder. It’s more intense and lasts much longer than just a day of sadness or “the blues.” Indeed, depression can have a massive impact on both your health and your well-being.

Your doctor may diagnose depression if you have five or more symptoms for at least two weeks straight.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

• feeling hopeless or sad
• feeling mental fatigue or not having enough energy
• sleeping excessively or too little
• getting no pleasure from activities that were once enjoyable
• having a hard time focusing and making decisions
• experiencing feelings of worthlessness
• suicidal tendencies or thinking about death frequently