What is a key characteristic of depression?

A key characteristic of depression is the presence of ongoing negative feelings, such as hopelessness. This feeling of despair is often persistent and can significantly impact an individual's daily life and overall well-being. Depression is commonly associated with a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, feelings of worthlessness, and an overwhelming sense of sadness.

In contrast, experiencing increased energy and enthusiasm or constant feelings of joy and positivity would be inconsistent with depression, as these are generally associated with a more positive emotional state. Additionally, while seasonal changes in mood, such as seasonal affective disorder, can occur, they are not a fundamental characteristic of depression itself, which is more about the pervasive negativity and emotional struggles that an individual faces regularly. Thus, the ongoing negative feelings of hopelessness truly encapsulate a defining aspect of depression.