Your community for depression
Discuss your health with the MedWatcher community and medical experts.
How MedWatcher supports you with your illness.
Proven health knowledge
All exclusive articles and content in MedWatcher have been reviewed by experts and created for you.
Ask real experts
You had individual questions and Dr. Google brought only confusion? Ask our experts.
Share views with other patients
Gain valuable insights from other patients who have the same conditions as you to better understand your treatment course.
that interest you.
who support you.
Depression and anxiety: When two worlds collide
Medication for depression: what you should know
Depression in adolescents: What parents should know
Recognizing the signs: symptoms of depression
Robert F.
67 | Diabetic
Yasmin W.
30 | Migraine & Asthma
Inge B.
46 | Intestinal disease
Your health matters.
MedWatcher helps you to improve it.
Improving your health has never been easier. Get your digital health companion and understand how you can improve your course of treatment.
The most important facts at a glance
What is depression?
Depression is a serious mental illness that affects a person's mood, thinking and behavior. It manifests itself through persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest, accompanied by physical and psychological symptoms.
Frequency in Germany
Depression is widespread in Germany. It is estimated that around 5-7% of the adult population in Germany suffer from a depressive disorder. The disorder can affect people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Causes of depression
The exact causes of depression are complex and can include genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors. Stressful life events, stress, trauma and familial predisposition can increase the risk of depression.
Symptoms
Symptoms of depression vary, but can include persistent sadness, sleep disturbances, fatigue, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of death or suicide, and physical discomfort.
Diagnosis and treatment
Depression is usually diagnosed by mental health professionals based on clinical symptoms and a thorough medical history. Treatment may include a combination of psychotherapy, medication (e.g. antidepressants), lifestyle changes and social support.
FAQs
Depression is more than just sadness. Typical symptoms are persistent low spirits, loss of interest, sleep disturbances and fatigue. If these feelings persist for several weeks, you may be suffering from depression. If you are unsure whether you are suffering from depression, please consult a doctor. The earlier you recognize depression, the better you can tackle it.
There are various therapeutic approaches, including medication, psychotherapy and sometimes combinations of these. The first step should be a consultation with a specialist or therapist. At MedWatcher you will find current research results on treatment approaches for depression.
Yes, regular physical activity can help to reduce symptoms of depression. Exercise releases endorphins, known as 'happy hormones', which can improve mood.
While sadness is a natural emotion and is often triggered by certain events, depression is a persistent condition that affects daily life and overall well-being. It is more than just sadness and often requires professional treatment.
Some studies suggest that dietary habits can influence mental health. A balanced diet with sufficient vitamins and minerals can contribute positively to mood, while high-sugar and processed foods can have negative effects.