What is depression? – Helen M. Farrell
View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-is-depression-helen-m-farrell
Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world; in the United States, close to ten percent of adults struggle with the disease. But because it’s a mental illness, it can be a lot harder to understand than, say, high cholesterol. Helen M. Farrell examines the symptoms and treatments of depression, and gives some tips for how you might help a friend who is suffering.
Lesson by Helen M. Farrell, animation by Artrake Studio.



![Private: [ID: hkOtN46hgDw] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/private-id-hkotn46hgdw-youtube-a-236x133.jpg)
![[ID: qG7IsJABD-c] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/id-qg7isjabd-c-youtube-automatic-236x133.jpg)
![[ID: hWN0_2lOKlU] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/id-hwn02loklu-youtube-automatic-236x133.jpg)
![[ID: D1DytTBnKKk] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/id-d1dyttbnkkk-youtube-automatic-236x133.jpg)
![[ID: SSGExuY9yns] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/id-ssgexuy9yns-youtube-automatic-236x133.jpg)
![[ID: 8nBlEIUq6WU] Youtube Automatic](https://myaiu.tv/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/id-8nbleiuq6wu-youtube-automatic-236x133.jpg)