绝望，通常因周边环境令人没有路可走时，失望达到顶点时，所产生的极端情绪。与希望相反。

绝望通常会因为某些人在不同领域上遇到重大挫折，例如离婚、唯一亲人死亡、众叛亲离、失业、破产、学业一落千丈、被欺凌、患有末期病等，都是导致绝望情绪产生的原因。

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of well-being. People with a depressed mood can feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, ashamed or restless. They may lose interest in activities that were once pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, have problems concentrating, remembering details or making decisions, and may contemplate, attempt or commit suicide. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, aches, pains, digestive problems or reduced energy may also be present. Depressed mood is a feature of some psychiatric syndromes such as major depressive disorder, but it may also be a normal reaction to life events such as bereavement, a symptom of some bodily ailments or a side effect of some drugs and medical treatments.