Our daily lives encompass a variety of moods — some good, such as elation, contentment, relaxation; and some bad, such as being withdrawn, irritable, or sad. When things go well, we are often in a “good” mood, and when we experience hardship or loss, we may feel “down.” This is evidence of our humanity.However, when low moods persist and become a dominant part of an individual’s daily life, they are not healthy and may indicate depression. Common symptoms of depression include:

• Overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Uncommon fatigue
• Appetite and weight change
• Constant worry
• Loss of interest in daily life and relationships
• Difficulty in coping with daily life

Depression is often interrelated with anxiety disorders.

Depression can be treated in a number of ways. These include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, exposure therapy, mindfulness and relaxation techniques.