Learn about depression

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD) or clinical depression, is a common mood disorder characterised by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia).

While it is natural to have these feelings during challenging or difficult times in one’s life, MDD differs as the feelings of sadness or anhedonia are persistent and intense, with symptoms being present almost every day for a period of two weeks or longer.

A few other common symptoms are feelings of worthlessness or guilt, tiredness or loss of energy, extreme irritability or frustration over small matters, difficulty in concentrating or indecisiveness, insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping), unexplained physical problems such as headaches or stomach aches, restlessness or feeling slowed down, significant weight loss or gain, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide. For many with depression, these symptoms can lead to significant distress and impairment in social, occupational or other areas of functioning.