Everyone feels sad from time to time, but when those feelings last for weeks or interfere with your ability to function, it could be depression. Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting millions of adults and children each year. With the right treatment and support, recovery is possible.
What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It affects how you think, feel and function in daily life.
Doctors typically diagnose major depressive disorder when symptoms last for two weeks or longer and cause distress or impairment at home, work or school.
Depression can vary from mild to severe and may occur as a single episode or recur throughout life.
Types of depression
Depression can take several forms. The type often affects treatment and duration.
- Major depressive disorder (MDD): Persistent sadness, fatigue and loss of pleasure that interfere with daily life.
- Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): Long-term, less severe depression lasting two years or more.
- Postpartum depression: Affects about 1 in 7 women after childbirth. It may cause sadness, irritability, anxiety and feelings of guilt. Left untreated, it can make it difficult to care for yourself or your baby.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Occurs most often during winter when there’s less sunlight. Symptoms include low energy, increased sleep, weight gain and social withdrawal.
- Bipolar disorder: Though distinct from depression, people with bipolar disorder experience alternating depressive and manic episodes.
- High-functioning depression: People may appear to manage daily tasks but struggle internally with sadness, fatigue or hopelessness.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that causes depression, mood swings and irritability before menstruation.
Signs and symptoms of depression
Depression affects both the body and mind. Symptoms can include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless or empty
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Irritability or restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Physical aches or digestive issues without clear cause
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If symptoms last two weeks or more, talk to your primary care provider or a behavioral health professional.
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
How depression affects the body and mind
- Memory and concentration problems: Depression can affect how your brain processes and recalls information, making it hard to focus or make decisions.
- Sexual health: Depression and some antidepressants can lower libido or cause difficulty with arousal and orgasm. Speak to your doctor if you notice changes in sexual function - adjustments to medication or therapy can help.
Diagnosis and screening for depression
Depression is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation. Your doctor or mental health professional will ask about symptoms, mood, lifestyle and family history.
A physical exam and lab tests (such as thyroid or vitamin level checks) may be done to rule out other causes.
Screening for depression is often part of routine physicals and pregnancy or postpartum visits.
Treatment for depression
Depression is treatable. Most people improve with a combination of therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
Therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns.
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT): Combines mindfulness and CBT to prevent relapse.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving relationships and communication.
Medication
Antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs help balance brain chemicals that affect mood. It may take several weeks to notice improvement.
Brain stimulation therapies
For treatment-resistant depression, your provider may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Lifestyle and at-home strategies
- Exercise regularly
- Get adequate sleep and eat balanced meals
- Spend time outdoors or with supportive people
- Avoid alcohol or drugs
- Set small, achievable goals
- Keep a consistent daily routine
Getting help at Banner Health
Depression can make you feel isolated, but you’re not alone. The compassionate behavioral health specialists at Banner Health offer personalized treatment and support to help you feel like yourself again.
Our team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, counselors and social workers who collaborate to design a treatment plan that fits your needs and goals.
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