Depression is one of the most common – and most misunderstood – mental health conditions in the United States. It’s more than feeling sad for a few days. When low mood, loss of energy, or a sense of emptiness begins to affect your work, relationships, or daily life, it may be worth taking a closer look at what’s really going on.

People with depression often describe a persistent heaviness that’s hard to explain – a loss of interest in things they used to enjoy, or a feeling of disconnection from themselves and others. It can also show up physically, through changes in sleep, appetite, or energy that don’t seem to have a clear cause.