Depression

Depression is a complex mood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is often classified into two main types: unipolar and bipolar disorder. Unipolar depression is characterised by episodes of low mood or sadness, with little to no instances of mania or hypomania. Bipolar disorder involves alternating episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. To be diagnosed with depression, individuals must display at least five symptoms of depression on a daily basis for a period of at least two weeks. These symptoms may include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can be a debilitating disorder, impacting all areas of a person's life, from work to personal relationships.