Depression is a common and serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. It goes beyond the normal feelings of sadness or occasional “blues” that everyone experiences from time to time.

Here are some common symptoms:

• Persistent sadness
• Loss of interest, or pleasure
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of guilt, or worthlessness
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Thoughts of death, or suicide