What Is Depression?

Depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day. When a sad mood lasts for a long time and interferes with normal, everyday functioning, you may be depressed. Symptoms of depression include:¹

• Feeling sad or anxious often 
• Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Feeling irritable‚ easily frustrated‚ or restless
• Having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Waking too early or sleeping too much
• Eating more or less than usual or lack of an appetite
• Experiencing aches, pains, headaches, or stomach upset that do not improve with treatment
• Having trouble concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
• Feeling tired‚ even after sleeping well
• Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
• Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself

This information is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis of major depression and cannot take the place of seeing a mental health professional. If you think you may be depressed‚ talk with your doctor or a mental health professional immediately. This is especially important if your symptoms are getting worse or affecting your daily activities.

What Causes Depression?

The exact cause of depression is unknown. It may be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.² Everyone is different‚ but the following factors may increase a person’s chances of becoming depressed:¹

• Family history of depression
• Experiencing traumatic or stressful events, such as physical or sexual abuse, the death of a loved one, or financial difficulties
• Going through a major life change‚ either planned or unexpected
• Medical issues such as cancer, stroke, or chronic pain
• Certain medications. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about whether your medications might be making you feel depressed.
• Using alcohol or drugs

Who Suffers from Depression?

In general‚ about 1 out of every 6 adults will become depressed at some point in their life.³ Depression affects about 16 million American adults every year.⁴ Depression affects people of all ages, genders, races, and nationalities.

Many people who experience depression also have other mental health conditions.^1,5 Anxiety disorders often occur with depression. People who have anxiety disorders struggle with intense and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety, fear, worry, and panic. These feelings can interfere with daily activities and may last for an extended period of time.

What Are the Treatments for Depression?

Many helpful treatments for depression are available. Treatment can reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the depressed mood. Treatment can include talk therapy and/or medications. Your doctor or a qualified mental health professional can help you determine what treatment is best for you.

• Therapy. Many people benefit from psychotherapy—also called therapy or counseling.^7,Most therapeutic treatments lasts for a short time and focuse on thoughts‚ feelings‚ and issues that are happening in your life now. In some cases‚ understanding your past can help‚ but finding ways to address what is currently happening in your life can help you cope and prepare you for challenges in the future. With therapy, you’ll work with your therapist to learn skills to help you cope with life, change negative behaviors and thought patterns, and find real solutions. Some common goals of therapy include:
  • Getting healthier
  • Overcoming fears or insecurities
  • Coping with stress
  • Making sense of past painful events
  • Identifying triggers that worsen your depression
  • Improving relationships with family and friends
  • Devising a plan to cope with life’s situations in the future
• Medication. Many people who suffer from depression find that taking prescribed medications called antidepressants can help improve their mood and coping skills. Talk to your doctor about whether they are right for you. If your doctor prescribes an antidepressant‚ be sure to ask exactly how you should take the medication. Several antidepressant medications are available‚ so you and your doctor have options to choose from. Sometimes it takes several tries to find the best medication and the right dose for you, so be patient. Also be aware of the following important information:
  • When taking these medications‚ it is important to follow the instructions on how much to take. Some people start to feel better a few days after starting the medication‚ but it can take up to 4 weeks to feel the most benefit. Antidepressants work well and are safe for most people‚ but it is still important to talk with your doctor if you have side effects. Side effects usually do not get in the way of daily life‚ and they often go away as your body adjusts to the medication.
  • Don’t stop taking an antidepressant without first talking to your doctor. Stopping your medicine suddenly can cause symptoms or worsen depression. Work with your doctor to safely adjust how much you take.
  • Some antidepressants may cause risks during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, or if you are planning to become pregnant.
  • Antidepressants cannot solve all of your problems. If you notice that your mood is getting worse or if you have thoughts about hurting yourself‚ it is important to call your doctor right away.