Depression can manifest physically, through disrupted or excessive sleep and changes in eating. Depression can be triggered by adverse life circumstances.  A person can have a genetic predisposition for depression.

Depression and anxiety often exacerbate each other. Some people abuse alcohol and drugs  as a way of coping, causing them to develop more problems. Depressed people are also at increased risk for harming themselves.

Depression is a mental illness which is characterized by prolonged emotional symptoms including:

• Sadness
• Guilt
• Exhaustion
• Irritability

Each case is unique and requires individual attention, but there are a number of effective ways of treating depression, including:

• Psychotherapy
• Adopting a healthier lifestyle
• Medication