Depression (mood) facts for kids
Depression is a feeling of deep sadness and not wanting to do much. It can make a person think, act, and feel differently. It might also change how they sleep or eat. People who are depressed might feel like there's no hope. A main sign of depression is losing interest in things that usually make someone happy.
Feeling sad is a normal part of life, like when you lose a pet or a loved one. But if these sad feelings last a long time and are very strong, it could be a sign of a mood disorder. Some illnesses or medicines can also cause these feelings.
What is Depression?
The word depression comes from a Latin word meaning "to press down." For hundreds of years, it has been used to describe someone feeling very low or down in spirit.
Long ago, in Ancient Greece, people thought that illnesses were caused by an imbalance in the body's four main fluids, called humors. They believed that too much "black bile" caused a condition called melancholia. The famous doctor Hippocrates described melancholia as a distinct illness, saying that "fears and despondencies, if they last a long time" were signs of it.
How to Help with Depression
Sometimes, feeling sad is a normal, temporary reaction to life. It might not need professional help. However, if sad feelings last a long time, especially with other symptoms, it might be a sign of a condition that could benefit from treatment.
Staying physically active can help protect some people from feeling depressed. Things like playing sports, running, or even just walking can make a difference.
Some studies suggest that Yoga might help people who are feeling depressed. It combines physical poses, breathing exercises, and meditation.
Another way to help, especially for older people, is to remember happy times. Thinking about good memories from the past can help people see their lives in a more positive way. This can help reduce feelings of sadness.
Images for kids
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This old artwork from the 1700s shows a person looking sad, which was often called "melancholy" back then.
See also
In Spanish: Depresión para niños
