Depression is a very common health disorder. Clinical depression, major depression and major depressive disorder are the earlier names of this disorder. In this disorder there is impairment of thinking ability, changed behavior and large number of emotional and physical problems. Generally there is only one episode of depression but in some cases there may be recurrent symptoms of depression throughout the life. It is considered as the chronic illness like high blood pressure or diabetes.

There are several types of depression. The different types are mild depression, moderate depression, major depression, bipolar disorder (I and II), seasonal affective disorder and postpartum depression.
There are various causes of depression in women, men, elderly, children and adolescent. Depressions in women are more prevalent than in men. There are several factors responsible for depression like gender, family history of depression, socio economic status, age, economic conditions, consequences of mental trauma, other physical disorders, smoking, anxiety, medications, insomnia and sleep disorders.

Depression may be caused due to various causes; they may be hereditary, biochemical or environmental factors. The symptoms of depression differ in different individuals.
Sometimes feeling of sadness or depression is not the depressive disorder, it is perfectly normal. But if the feelings of sadness long last for few weeks, months or years then one should seek medical help. Restlessness, irritability, getting angry quickly, fatigue, weakness, loss of interest in sex, reduced stress bearing capability, sleep problems, feeling of hopelessness, unintentional weight loss or gain, feeling of worthless, inability to take decisions, loss of interest in daily activities, problems in concentrating at a particular job, suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior are the symptoms of depression.

Anxiety, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, heart disease, other medical conditions, suicide, relationship problems, social isolation, work or school (in children) related problems and suicide are the complications of depression.
Timely diagnosis and effective treatment can cure the illness. If the treatment used is effective it is possible that the patient gets cured within weeks and can resume daily activities. If the condition is not treated then it can become worse.

Controlling the stress by learning stress management techniques, increasing psychological flexibility and boosting low self esteem are some of the ways to prevent development of depression. Social support and family support are helpful in the situations of crisis. There are various treatments available for depression like medications, counseling, brain stimulation techniques, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements, meditation, yoga and pranayama.

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