Medical News Today: Older adults who drink tea are less likely to be depressed

Key takeawaysDepression is a persistent mood disorder marked by chronic feelings of emptiness and a loss of interest in activities. It can significantly impact daily life and relationships.While depression is not curable, various effective treatments can help manage symptoms. Examples include therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.Depression requires tailored approaches to diagnosis and treatment. A medical professional can help determine underlying causes or triggers.Depression can undermine a person’s relationships and make it very difficult for a person to work and maintain good health. In severe cases, depression may lead to suicide.Depression can affect adults, adolescents, and children.Share on PinterestWhat is depression?Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loss of joy. It differs from the mood fluctuations that people regularly experience in life.Major life events, such as the death of a loved one or the loss of a job, can trigger depression. However, depression is distinct from the negative feelings a person may temporarily have in response to a difficult life event.Depression can persist despite a change of circumstances. It causes feelings that are intense, chronic, and not proportional to a person’s circumstances.It is an ongoing problem, not a passing one. While there are multiple types of depression, the most common type is major depressive disorder (MDD), which involves episodes of symptoms that last at least 2 weeks.Depression can last for several weeks, months, or years. For many people, it is a chronic condition that gets better and then relapses.Is depression curable?While there is no cure for depression, there are effective treatments that can help with recovery. The earlier treatment starts, the more successful it may be. Some people may have one period of depression and then never experience it again. Others may continue to have relapses. Many people who experience depression can recover by following a treatment plan. However, even with effective treatment, a relapse may occur. About half of people with depression do not initially respond to treatment. To prevent relapse, people who take medication for depression should continue with treatment — even after symptoms decrease or go away — for as long as their doctor advises.»Types of depressionThere are several forms of depression. Below are some of the most common types.MDDA person living with MDD experiences a constant state of sadness.