Depression
Everyone feels sad, low, or irritable from time to time, especially when life is tough. Usually, these feelings pass. But for some people, they last for weeks, months, or even years. This ongoing experience is called clinical depression.
What is depression?
Feeling down once in a while is a normal part of life. But clinical depression is something different. It's a lingering feeling of sadness or hopelessness that doesn't go away. Clinical depression is a medical condition that can make it hard to think clearly, eat, sleep, or remember things.
If you’ve been feeling down, tired, hopeless, or have lost interest in things you usually enjoy for more than two weeks, it could be a sign of clinical depression. Without help, these symptoms can worsen and last longer. The good news is that treatment can make a big difference in how you feel and live your life.
Signs and symptoms of depression
- Feeling sad or down most of the day, nearly every day
- Loss of interest in things that you usually enjoy (e.g., hobbies, work, sex)
- Appetite changes (e.g., loss of appetite or a significant increase in appetite)
- Feeling like your movements are slower than usual, that your arms or legs are heavier than normal, or feeling more restless or fidgety than usual
- Decreased energy or motivation
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks and activities, or difficulty making decisions
- Major changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping two hours more or less than usual
- Excessive feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
- Recurrent thoughts of death, wishing you were dead, or thoughts about self-harm or suicide
What are the types of depression?
There are different types of depression, from mild to severe. Each type can affect your daily life in its own way. The important thing to remember is that all kinds can be treated, whether with therapy, medication, or both. Here are some of the most common types:
- Major depressive disorder is characterized by at least one (but typically more than one) episode of depression. Depression is classified as "major" when someone has at least five of the symptoms above, lasting for at least two weeks.
- Persistent depressive disorder (or dysthymia) is a long-lasting form of depression that is milder than major depressive disorder. The symptoms are not severe enough to meet the criteria for major depression, but last for years at a time.
- Seasonal affective disorder is a depressive disorder in which significant mood changes occur at specific times during the year, typically in the fall and winter seasons as the amount of daily sunlight decreases. Generally, your symptoms will improve in the spring and summer, but return every year.
- Perinatal depression is a major depression that occurs during pregnancy or within a year of delivery, known as postpartum depression. It is common to experience mild mood changes during and after pregnancy. But when these symptoms are severe and persistent, they may require treatment.
Want to learn more about depression?
Online resources
- Eisenberg Family Depression Center Toolkit: The Depression Center Toolkit provides information, tools, support and resources to guide you through your mental health journey.
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): DBSA is a national organization whose mission is to “provide hope, help, and support to improve the lives of people living with depression or bipolar disorder.” Their website offers information on mood disorders and provides resources for finding support.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is a mental health advocacy organization. Its goals include offering hope, reform, and health to the American community by providing education, support, and advocacy. The NAMI website has information on a wide range of mental illnesses, medications, and support resources.
Recommended reading
Depression Sourcebook: Health Reference Series, 3rd Edition by Amy Sutton, 2012.This book contains basic consumer health information about the symptoms, causes, and types of depression.
Beating Depression: The Journey to Hope by Jackson-Triche Maga, 2009. This book provides up-to-date information on the causes of depression and the currently available treatments, including medications and psychotherapy.
Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Self-Help Treatment by Fiona Marshall, 2004. Provides information about Seasonal Affective Disorder, describing treatments and self-help strategies.
Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder by Norman Rosenthal, 2006. Dr. Rosenthal’s guide provides information on the various degrees that SAD can manifest itself, and on remedies including light therapy, diet and medication.
Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression by Brooke Shields, 2005. In this memoir, Brooke Shields shares her experience and recovery with postpartum depression.
Postpartum Depression Demystified: An Essential Guide to Understanding and Overcoming the Most Common Complication After Childbirth by Joyce Venis, 2007. Sufferers of postpartum depression themselves, the authors share their personal stories and cover issues such as symptoms, accurate diagnosis, treatment, and family support.
Positive Psychology: Harnessing the Power of Happiness, Mindfulness, and Inner Strength by Ronald Seigel, 2013. This book offers authoritative guidance on cultivating your own happiness and sense of well-being through gratitude, mindfulness, and harnessing your unique strengths.
The Noonday Demon– An Atlas of Depression by Andrew Solomon, 2001. Author Andrew Solomon combines the story of his own struggles with depression and a thorough examination of the illness in cultural and scientific terms.
College of the Overwhelmed by Richard Kadison, 2004. This book is written as a guide for students, parents, and others who work with them. It explores the many different stress factors college students face that cause so many of them to suffer from mental illnesses. It also offers tips to help students beat stress and succeed in the college setting.
Finding treatment
To explore mental health treatment and support options, visit our treatment services or support resource sections.