What Is Depression?

Being depressed, in everyday language, occurs when someone feels down, sad, blue, unhappy, or hopeless. These are all normal feelings, and almost everyone experiences them at one time or another. Receiving and living with a diagnosis of HIV can be stressful, overwhelming, and fearful at times. So it is not unusual for people living with HIV to feel down or anxious. If these feelings become overpowering, disabling, or long-lasting, however, they may be a sign that you are experiencing a condition known as depression. Compared to sadness, depression is more intense, lasts longer (more than two weeks), and interferes with your day-to-day ability to function. In medical language, depression is a diagnosis based on having a certain number of specific symptoms (from the list below). Depression is not a normal part of living with HIV and can have a negative effect on your overall physical health. If you have any of these symptoms or are unsure if what you are experiencing is normal, it is important to talk to your health care provider. Symptoms of depression include: Changes in appetite or weight Aches or pains for no clear reason Episodes of crying for no clear reason Feelings of sadness, guilt, hopelessness, and/or worthlessness Irritability; getting into arguments easily Lack of interest or pleasure in activities that usually interest you Low sex drive Difficulty making decisions or concentrating Changes in sleep patterns Fatigue or loss of energy.