What is depression?

    Researchedby:
    Louie Neri

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Morgan Pfiffner
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Depression is a state of low mood that can persist for weeks or months.[1] The symptoms of depression interfere with daily life and are often present during adolescence and young adulthood but may not be diagnosed until adulthood. As of 2019, The National Center for Health Statistics reports that 4.7% of U.S. adults over 18 years of age have regular feelings of depression.