This brochure describes the signs and symptoms of depression and
how it is linked to other illnesses, including HIV/AIDS.
Depression not only affects your brain and behavior—it affects
your entire body. Depression has been linked with other health
problems, including HIV/AIDS. Dealing with more than one health
problem at a time can be difficult, so proper treatment is
important. What is depression? Major depressive disorder, or
depression, is a serious mental illness. Depression interferes
with your daily life and routine and reduces your quality of
life. About 6.7 percent of U.S. adults ages 18 and older have
depression.1 Signs and Symptoms of Depression - Ongoing sad,
anxious, or empty feelings - Feeling hopeless - Feeling guilty,
worthless, or helpless - Feeling irritable or restless - Loss of
interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyable, including sex
- Feeling tired all the time - Difficulty concentrating,
remembering details, or making decisions - Difficulty falling
asleep or staying asleep, a condi