Depression is a common mental health condition that involves low mood and other symptoms. Learn about the types, causes, treatment options, and more. Depression is a common and serious mental disorder that affects how you feel, think, act, and perceive the world. Learn about the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options for depression , including medication, psychotherapy, and ECT. Depression is a common illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that one normally enjoys, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks. Depression , in psychology, is a mood or emotional state marked by feelings of low self-worth or guilt and a reduced ability to enjoy life. Depression differs from simple grief or mourning and can be classified into different types. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, types, and treatments for depression .