Feeling sad is a very normal and universal human emotion, but when these feelings are persistent and begin to affect your day-to-day life, this is what is commonly referred to as depression. Most people who struggle with depression will have multiple episodes of depression throughout their life. 

Symptoms

Depression often manifests in the following symptoms: 

1. Feelings of hopelessness and sadness 
2. Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities 
3. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
4. Lack of energy
5. Overeating or lack of appetite
6. Easily frustrated
7. Difficulty concentrating
8. Feeling guild to shame
9. Suicidal thoughts
10. Unexplained physical issues like headaches

Causes of Depression

There is no known cause of depression but a few possible causes include: 

1. Biological differences: Individuals who have depression seem to have some physical changes in their brains. 
2. Brain Chemistry: It is likely that a change in the function and/or effect of neurotransmitters plays a role in depression.
3. Genetics: Individuals with immediate family members who have depression are more likely to have bipolar disorder themselves.
4. Hormones: Changes in hormone balance may trigger depression as may be the case for women postpartum. 

Additional risk factors for depression include: 

1. Drug or alcohol abuse 
2. Trauma or other stressful situations
3. History of other mental health disorders
4. Serious or chronic illness
5. Certain medications
6. Having low self-esteem as a personality trait

Treatment

Treatments for depression often involves one or both of the following:

• Psychotherapy may be used to treat depression. A variety of approaches may be used to talk out potential contributing factors and learn to cope in every day life
• Prescription Medications, most commonly antidepressants may be used to relieve symptoms.