Depressive disorder, or depression, is a common mental health condition that can happen to anyone. It is characterized by a low mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time.
This is different from regular mood changes and feelings about everyday life. Depressive episodes last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. People with depression may experience disturbed sleep and changes to their appetite. They may have feelings of low self-worth, thoughts about dying and hopelessness about the future. Tiredness and poor concentration are also common.
Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. People who have lived through abuse, severe losses or other adverse events are more likely to develop depression. Problems at school and work can also result in depression.
Sadness is one of the seven universal emotions experienced by everyone around the world resulting from the loss of someone or something important. What causes us sadness varies greatly based on personal and cultural notions of loss. While sadness is often considered a “negative” emotion, it serves an important role in signaling a need to receive help or comfort.
Sadness is a natural and extremely common emotion. Most likely, we all felt a bit sad in 2020, perhaps because it was so long since we saw our friends or were able to travel. But bad moods aren’t always so bad. Throughout time, humanity cherished the negative feelings evoked by inevitable misfortunes—for example, greek tragedies, classical music and literature that emphasize engulfing sadness, and philosophers that encourage accepting life’s inevitable adversities.
Discord