Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States. In 2012, it affected 16 million adults according to NIHM. Yet the general population does not know much about the severity of depression. Popular culture often adds to this ignorance. In the show, "The Office," depression is compared to being "bummed out." These representations could be part of the reason that 2/3 of people with depression do not seek treatment. If it isn't just sadness, what is depression?
Depression has a major impact on mood. Sadness is part of its effect but so are apathy, anxiety, and anhedonia. Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure. Imagine for a moment what you would be like if nothing you did made you feel pleasure.
Depression is much more than just sadness. Sleep and hunger are affected by depression in paradoxical ways. People with depression may sleep too much, or they may experience insomnia. They may have excessive hunger, or they may lose their appetite. The whole body is affected by depression. People with depression often experience behavioral changes. They may become agitated and irritable. They may cry excessively, and they may isolate themselves from their normal social group. Cognitively, they may lose concentration, their activity level may slow down, and they may have thoughts of suicide.