Everyone has down days. Depression is different. It’s a common and serious medical condition that affects how you feel, think and handle daily life, and it lasts for at least two weeks. Millions of American adults experience depression each year. It’s not a sign of weakness, and it’s treatable.
Common signs
You may have depression if you’ve had several of these, most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more:
- Feeling sad, empty or hopeless
- Losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Feeling tired or low on energy
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Trouble thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- Moving or speaking more slowly, or feeling restless
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Depression can look different in different people. Some feel more irritable or angry than sad. Others notice mainly physical symptoms, like aches, headaches or digestive problems that don’t improve with treatment.
What causes depression?
There’s usually no single cause. Genetics, brain chemistry, stressful life events, chronic illness, certain medicines and substance use can all play a role. Depression is also more common after having a baby, during menopause and with long-term conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
How it’s treated
- Talk therapy: Approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy help you change negative patterns and cope with problems.
- Medication: Antidepressants can help. It may take a few weeks to feel the effects, and sometimes more than one try to find the right one. Don’t stop suddenly without talking to your doctor.
- Other options: For depression that doesn’t respond to standard treatment, doctors may suggest options such as brain stimulation therapies.
Lifestyle habits support treatment too. Regular activity, like our gentle yoga routine, steady sleep and staying connected with others all help.
When to get help
If symptoms last more than two weeks or make it hard to function, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Your primary care doctor can screen for depression and help you find care.
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, reach out right away. You don’t have to wait until things get worse.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there’s immediate danger, call 911.
Helping someone else
If someone you love seems depressed, tell them you’ve noticed and that you care. Listen without judging, and offer to help them find support. Learn more in our guide to helping someone in a mental health crisis.
The bottom line
Depression is common, real and treatable. Most people improve with the right care. If you notice the signs in yourself or someone you love, reaching out is the first and most important step.
Common questions
How is depression diagnosed?
A doctor or mental health professional will ask about your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. They may also order tests to rule out other causes, such as thyroid problems.
Is seasonal depression real?
Yes. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that usually starts in fall or winter and improves in spring.
Will I need antidepressants forever?
Not necessarily. Many people take them for 6 to 12 months or longer, then taper off with their doctor’s help. Others benefit from longer treatment.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual needs.
