Depression - GCSE Biology Definition

Depression is a mental health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. It can cause persistent sadness, a lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy, and problems with sleeping, eating, and concentrating. Unlike simply feeling sad for a short time, depression lasts for weeks or even longer and can make it hard to handle everyday tasks. It occurs due to a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, and it can affect anyone. Understanding depression is important because it can be treated with professional help, allowing people to feel better and manage their lives effectively.