What is depression?
Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, and those feelings usually pass. Depression is different. The WHO describes it as a common mental disorder involving a depressed mood or loss of pleasure and interest in activities for long periods, most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. The NHS is clear that it is a real illness with real symptoms.
It is common. The WHO estimates that around 5% of adults worldwide experienced depression in 2023, with women more often affected than men, and that more than 10% of women who are pregnant or have just given birth experience it.
What can depression feel like?
During a depressive episode, the WHO and NHS describe experiences such as:
- Feeling sad, empty, irritable or hopeless for most of the day
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Feeling very tired or low in energy
- Sleeping badly, or changes in appetite or weight
- Poor concentration, and feelings of guilt or low self-worth
- Aches and pains with no clear cause
- Thoughts about dying or suicide
How can depression affect daily life?
The WHO notes that depression can affect every part of life, including relationships with family, friends and community. The NIMH notes it can affect how you handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating and working. Ordinary tasks can start to feel heavy. Many people pull back from the activities and people that used to lift them, which can deepen the low mood.
Anxiety often comes alongside depression. Depression can also lead to thoughts of suicide, which is why persistent hopelessness is always worth taking seriously.
What makes depression more likely?
Depression comes from a mix of social, psychological and biological factors (WHO). People who have been through hard life events such as unemployment, bereavement or trauma are more likely to develop it. The NHS adds that a family history can raise the risk, and that childbirth and job loss can be triggers, though depression can also start with no obvious reason.
What kinds of support help with depression?
The WHO says psychological treatments are the first treatments for depression. Approaches with good evidence include behavioural activation (gradually rebuilding activities that matter to you), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy, which focuses on relationships. Guided self-help, counselling and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy are also used (NHS).
For moderate or severe depression, the NHS notes that talking therapy is often combined with medicine. A psychiatrist or doctor can discuss whether medication is appropriate for you; this page does not give advice on medicines. Self-care such as routine, movement and staying connected supports treatment.
If you are unsure whether what you feel is depression or a low patch, our article on signs of depression vs. feeling low walks through the difference in more detail, including how depression often shows up in Pakistan.
Common misconceptions about depression
- "It is just sadness." Depression lasts weeks or months and affects sleep, energy, concentration and interest, not only mood (WHO, NHS).
- "It is a sign of weakness, so pull yourself together." The NHS says depression is a real illness, not a weakness, and is not something you can simply snap out of.
- "There has to be a reason." Life events can trigger it, but it can also appear with no obvious cause (NHS).
- "Treatment means medicine." Psychological treatments are the first treatments for depression (WHO).
When to seek professional support
- Low mood or loss of interest has lasted most days for two weeks or more
- You are finding it hard to work, study, look after yourself or others
- Sleep, appetite or energy have changed noticeably
- You feel hopeless or worthless much of the time
- Symptoms are getting worse, or what you have tried is not helping
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or that life is not worth living: get urgent help now
