Depression isn't just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It's a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. The good news? It's treatable, and most people who get help see improvement.
Clinical depression (major depressive disorder) causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. It affects your ability to function at work, at school, and in relationships. To be diagnosed, symptoms must last at least two weeks.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. It affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. About 8% of adults in the U.S. experience depression in any given year, with women being diagnosed more often than men.
Recognizing symptoms is the first step toward getting help. Not everyone experiences all symptoms.
Depression doesn't have a single cause. It typically results from a combination of factors:
Effective treatments are available. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches.
Helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT teaches practical coping skills and problem-solving techniques that can have lasting effects.
Focuses on improving relationships and communication patterns. IPT helps address grief, role transitions, relationship conflicts, and social isolation that contribute to depression.
SSRIs, SNRIs, and other antidepressants help balance brain chemistry. They typically take 2-4 weeks to start working and may need adjustment to find the right fit.
Regular physical activity can be as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression. Exercise releases endorphins and helps regulate sleep and appetite.
Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can reduce isolation and provide practical coping strategies.
These strategies can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Depression makes everything harder, but these strategies can help you get through tough days:
Pay attention to signs that your depression might be worsening:
You don't have to fight depression alone. Building support takes effort but makes a difference:
Supporting someone with depression can feel challenging. Your consistent presence and patience matter more than you realize.
"I've been worried about you. How are you really doing?"
"You don't seem like yourself lately. Want to talk?"
"I'm here to listen if you need to talk, no judgment."
"Is there anything I can do to help right now?"
"I care about you and want to support you through this."
adults in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode in 2021
of people with depression don't receive adequate treatment
of people who seek treatment eventually respond well
of depression cases begin by age 14, though often undiagnosed until adulthood
Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or call 988 for immediate support.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Depression isn't just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It's a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. The good news? It's treatable, and most people who get help see improvement.
Clinical depression (major depressive disorder) causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. It affects your ability to function at work, at school, and in relationships. To be diagnosed, symptoms must last at least two weeks.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. It affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. About 8% of adults in the U.S. experience depression in any given year, with women being diagnosed more often than men.
Recognizing symptoms is the first step toward getting help. Not everyone experiences all symptoms.
Depression doesn't have a single cause. It typically results from a combination of factors:
Effective treatments are available. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches.
Helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT teaches practical coping skills and problem-solving techniques that can have lasting effects.
Focuses on improving relationships and communication patterns. IPT helps address grief, role transitions, relationship conflicts, and social isolation that contribute to depression.
SSRIs, SNRIs, and other antidepressants help balance brain chemistry. They typically take 2-4 weeks to start working and may need adjustment to find the right fit.
Regular physical activity can be as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression. Exercise releases endorphins and helps regulate sleep and appetite.
Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can reduce isolation and provide practical coping strategies.
These strategies can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Depression makes everything harder, but these strategies can help you get through tough days:
Pay attention to signs that your depression might be worsening:
You don't have to fight depression alone. Building support takes effort but makes a difference:
Supporting someone with depression can feel challenging. Your consistent presence and patience matter more than you realize.
"I've been worried about you. How are you really doing?"
"You don't seem like yourself lately. Want to talk?"
"I'm here to listen if you need to talk, no judgment."
"Is there anything I can do to help right now?"
"I care about you and want to support you through this."
adults in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode in 2021
of people with depression don't receive adequate treatment
of people who seek treatment eventually respond well
of depression cases begin by age 14, though often undiagnosed until adulthood
Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or call 988 for immediate support.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.