What is the primary characteristic of depression?

The primary characteristic of depression is a prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness. This emotional state can significantly impact an individual's ability to function in everyday life, affecting not only mood but also energy levels, cognitive abilities, and overall interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Depression often manifests as a pervasive sense of despair that continues over time, leading to challenges in both personal and professional areas.

Other options describe feelings or states that are not defined as depression. Intense feelings of anger and frustration might indicate other emotional or behavioral issues but are not central to the clinical diagnosis of depression. Experiencing temporary euphoria and high energy typically aligns more with conditions like bipolar disorder rather than depression. Lastly, detachment from reality and delusions point towards serious mental health disorders such as psychosis, which are distinct from the foundational symptoms of depression.