Sadness is a feeling everyone experiences. We all go through difficult times in life. Usually, it goes away on its own, but when sadness persists and interferes with daily activities, you may be experiencing depression.
What is depression?
Depression is a common but serious mental health condition that causes feelings of sadness that won’t go away. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it’s more than just being in a bad mood or having a rough day. The condition can affect how you think and feel and may cause you to lose interest in day-to-day activities.
Anyone can get depressed. In fact, millions of Americans experience depression each year. It affects people of all ages and races, income levels, and educational backgrounds. Fortunately, by making healthy lifestyle choices and working with a mental health professional, many people with depression can and do get better.
Symptoms of depression
Depression affects everyone differently. Some feel sad or anxious, while others experience irritability or frustration. Common symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling hopeless or guilty
- Loss of energy
- Lack of interest in activities
- Physical aches and pains
- Having trouble concentrating
- Eating more than usual
- Loss of appetite
- Having trouble falling asleep
- Sleeping too much
- Feeling tired even after a good night’s sleep
If you feel depressed, see your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible, especially if your symptoms have been getting worse. With proper medical care, depression is treatable.
When to seek emergency help for depression
Life is filled with difficult challenges. Whether you or a loved one are facing emotional distress, alcohol or substance use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call, text, or chat with a 988 Lifeline counselor for help anytime, day or night. Your conversations are free and confidential.
Other resources include:
- Your doctor or mental health provider
- A close friend or loved one
- A minister, spiritual leader, or member of your faith community
Causes of depression
Depression doesn’t seem to have a single cause. Rather, mental health experts believe that a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors contribute to the risk of developing depression:
Genetics. You’re more likely to experience depression at some point if you have a blood relative (parent, brother, sister, aunt, or uncle, etc.) with depression.
Trauma or stress. Upsetting or stressful events can have mental health consequences.
Major life changes. Getting married or divorced, losing your job, having a baby, or losing a loved one can trigger depression.
Other medical conditions. People with medical problems, such as cancer, stroke, chronic pain, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are more likely to develop the condition.
Medications. Some medications can cause symptoms of depression.
Drug and alcohol use. Substance use disorders can raise the risk of developing the condition.
Treating depression
If you experience any symptoms of depression, get help as soon as possible. Early treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening.
Antidepressants may ease the symptoms of depression but don’t treat the underlying cause. That’s why healthcare professionals recommend medication be combined with therapy.
Doctors and mental health professionals use a variety of patient-centered methods and evidence-based treatment options to treat depression, including behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a type of treatment that involves talking about your symptoms and related issues with a therapist or mental health provider.
If you’re considering seeking the help of a mental health professional, review our beginner’s guide to starting behavioral therapy.
6 ways to manage the symptoms of depression
Coping with depression takes time and patience. Finding ways to relieve stress, setting realistic goals, and learning how to build resilience can boost your self-esteem.
Additional ways to manage depression include:
- Take care of yourself. Eat a healthy diet, find ways to relax, and get plenty of sleep. Looking for more ideas? Discover healthy habits to reduce your risk of depression.
- Spend time with other people. Take steps to overcome social isolation and loneliness, especially in times of crisis. Participate in social activities, and don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family for help.
- Talk to your doctor. See your doctor every year for an annual checkup and communicate openly about any symptoms you’re experiencing.
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Stay active. If your doctor says it’s okay, try to get 150 minutes or more of moderate exercise each week. Explore the mental health benefits of exercise and how physical activity can ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs. These substances can make the symptoms of depression worse. Alcohol and drugs may also interact negatively with medications you take. Talk with your doctor if you need help with alcohol or substance use.
- Educate yourself. Do what works best for you. Attend conferences. Listen to podcasts. Read books. Search for useful online resources. Also, encourage your loved ones to learn about depression so they can support you.