Depression Home > Mental Depression
Depression is a serious illness that is often characterized by symptoms such as:
- A persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
- Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism.
Although depression is well known for affecting a person's mental state, what many people don't realize is that it can also cause physical symptoms, such as headaches and chronic pain. Depression can strike anyone, and in severe cases can destroy both family life and the life of the person who is depressed. Fortunately, the condition has been shown to be treatable in up to 80 percent of people who seek treatment.
(Click Depression to learn more about how this condition is treated, other possible symptoms, making a diagnosis, and more.)