What is Depression?

By definition, depression is an alteration in mood that affects a person's ability to function day to day. While short bursts of feeling down or gloomy are normal variations in mood, longer lasting feelings of despair are indicative of depression. In addition, depression can be manifested emotionally and physically. Changes in appearance and behavior, as well as physical illnesses such as indigestion, headaches, insomnia, and heartburn can all be part of depression. Depression is a serious illness that sometimes can be fatal.