Refers to severe and prolonged feelings of discouragement, frustration and even asense of despair. Multiple causes such as specific, distressing life events, a biochemicalimbalance in the brain or persistent psychological factors such as a negative orpessimistic view of life.

Common symptoms of depression:

• Irritability.

• Anxious mood.

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.

• Loss of energy and excessive fatigue.

• Physical aches and pains.

• Diminished ability to think and concentrate.

• Feeling bored and not interested in many aspects of your life.

• Imagining you have an illness such as cancer when there are no physical indications.

• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness

• Possibility of suicidal thoughts

• Changes in personal grooming

• Isolation and withdrawal

• Inability to experience joy or pleasure