What is depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that causes people to feel extremely sad or empty and to lose pleasure in daily life. It is common, and affects more than 8% of American adults (21.4 million) and 15% of youth ages 12-17 (3.8 million) each year.

Depression can affect anyone, at any age, and of any race or ethnic group. It is never a personal weakness or a “normal” part of life.

What causes depression?

Many things can play a role in developing depression. For some people, it’s a mix of causes. For others, it can be caused by just one thing. Sometimes, people become depressed without a clear reason.

Biological causes – People with depression may have too little or too much of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that help control mood. Changes in these brain chemicals may cause or contribute to depression. Research also points to inflammation as a potential cause of depression.

Gender – More women experience depression than men. The reasons are not completely clear, but may include the hormonal changes women go through during their periods, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Other reasons may include the stress of handling multiple responsibilities.

Genetics – Depression can run in families. This means that you may be more likely to experience depression if someone you’re related to has it. A combination of genes and life experiences can work together to increase risk for depression.

Experiences – Difficult life events, like divorce, money problems, or losing someone you love, can contribute to depression.

Medications – Side effects of some medications can bring about depression.

Other health conditions – Depression is more likely to occur along with health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and hormonal disorders.

Thinking patterns – People with negative thinking patterns and low self-esteem are more likely to develop clinical depression.

What are the symptoms of depression?

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Sleeping too much or too little; middle of the night or early morning waking
  • Weight changes: reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
  • Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
  • Restlessness, irritability
  • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feeling guilty, hopeless, or worthless
  • Thoughts of suicide or death – If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or chat via 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7.

Take a mental health test

laptop open to MHA Screening siteOnline screening is a quick, free, and private way to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. It only takes a few minutes, and after you are finished, you will be given information about the next steps you can take based on the results.
Take a screen

Are there different types of depression?

Some of the most common depressive disorders include:

Major depressive disorder (clinical depression) is a mental health condition characterized by an inescapable and ongoing low mood often accompanied by low self-esteem and loss of interest or pleasure in activities that a person used to find enjoyable. To meet the criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD), symptoms must be present nearly every day for at least two weeks. MDD is also often referred to as major depression.

Persistent depressive disorder refers to a longer-lasting form of depression. While major depressive disorder is diagnosed if an individual experiences symptoms for at least two weeks, persistent depressive disorder is used when symptoms of depression are present on most days for at least two years but do not reach the severity of a major depressive episode. Prior to the release of the DSM-5, this was more commonly known as dysthymia.

Post-partum depression is depression that starts after childbirth and lasts at least two weeks and up to a year.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a form of premenstrual syndrome that is diagnosed when a woman experiences severe symptoms of depression, tension, and irritability in the week prior to menstruation. While it isn’t uncommon for most women to experience emotional and physical changes prior to menstruation, women who meet criteria for PMDD experience changes that impact their lives in more profound ways.

Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder involving symptoms of depression associated with varying levels of sunlight during fall and winter months, which subsides during spring and summer. This is also sometimes called seasonal depression.

Depression is also a feature of bipolar disorder.

How is depression treated?

Depression is very treatable, and the majority of people who get treatment show improvement. Your primary care doctor is a good place to start when seeking help for depression. They will likely refer you to a mental health professional, who will consider how severe your symptoms are, how long they last, and your health history when working with you to make a treatment plan.

Many people feel better with a mix of supports, such as:

For some people, depression can be very stubborn to treat. This is called treatment-resistant depression. People with treatment-resistant depression may have to try different types of or combinations of medications and treatment supports to achieve recovery.

It is important to seek help right away if you are struggling with depression. Left untreated, those who experience depression are at a higher risk of suicide.

If you’re in crisis or need immediate support, help is available now.
Call or text 988 or chat via 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7.

Real stories of depression

Trace’s story

Lanee’s story