Depression
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is a common but serious mood disorder that causes severe symptoms affecting how you feel, think, and handle daily activities.
Note: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
What is Depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It's a serious mental health condition that requires understanding and treatment. Depression can be characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, along with a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Depression can interfere with daily functioning and cause significant distress. It affects an estimated 17.3 million adults in the United States each year, which is about 7.1% of the adult population.
Common Symptoms
Depression affects different people in different ways. Common symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause
Causes and Risk Factors
Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Risk factors include personal or family history of depression, major life changes, trauma, stress, and certain physical illnesses and medications. While anyone can experience depression, it affects each person differently and may present with varying symptoms and severity.
Common Treatment Approaches
Depression is one of the most treatable mental disorders. Between 80% and 90% of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Treatment approaches typically include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
Therapy Options
Several types of psychotherapy are effective for depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving relationships and communication patterns. Other effective approaches include behavioral activation, problem-solving therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Medication Options
Antidepressant medications can be effective in treating depression. Common types include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and others. It may take several weeks for antidepressants to reach their full effect, and sometimes a healthcare provider may need to try different medications to find the most effective one.
Self-Care Strategies
Along with professional treatment, lifestyle changes and self-care practices may help manage depression symptoms:
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs
- Setting realistic goals and prioritizing tasks
- Spending time with supportive people
- Participating in activities you enjoy or used to enjoy
- Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
- Delaying major decisions until depression improves
When to Seek Professional Help
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression that interfere with your daily life for more than two weeks, it's important to seek help from a healthcare provider or mental health professional. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek immediate emergency help by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.
Quick Facts
-
Depression affects approximately 7.1% of U.S. adults each year.
-
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
-
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression.
-
Up to 80-90% of people with depression respond well to treatment.
-
Depression often co-occurs with other conditions, such as anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, or physical health problems.
Related Conditions
Resources
Looking for support with Depression?