Understanding Depression

Learn what depression is, how to identify it, and how to help manage it. This course is suitable for everyone.

Introduction

Everyone feels sad or unhappy at certain times. This could be due to an event in our lives such as a death, an illness or the breakup of a relationship. However, people who experience depression may reach a point where they feel that life is not worth living and they have suicidal thoughts. 

Depression refers to a range of mental conditions characterised by persistent low mood, loss of interest and enjoyment in ordinary things and experiences, and a range of associated emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioural symptoms. Symptoms depend on its severity, and day-to-day functioning is often impaired.