What is Depression?

Depression is a common mood disorder with a complex pathogenesis involving multiple factors such as genetics, environment, and psychology. It is mainly characterized by persistent and significant emotional low mood, loss of interest, slowed thinking, and reduced volitional activity. Patients often feel sad, helpless, and hopeless, lose interest in daily activities, and may even develop suicidal thoughts. Depression not only affects patients' emotions and psychological state but may also be accompanied by a range of physical symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, weight fluctuations, and pain. Depression is a serious mental illness that requires timely and effective treatment. Patients also need to actively cooperate with treatment, maintain healthy lifestyle habits and a positive mindset to promote recovery.