15/06/2021 Depression: Overview and More

MENTAL HEALTH A-Z

Depression
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on October 27, 2020

Clinically signi cant depression is marked by persistent sadness, a depressed mood, diminished interest in
previously enjoyable activities, and other symptoms that interfere with the ability to function in daily life.

The condition often arises from a complex combination of factors that can include genetics, family history,
trauma, stress, and illness. It is one of the most common mental disorders, impacting an estimated 7.1% of all
adults in the U.S. each year. [1]

Fortunately, e ective treatments are available including medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the
two. Self-help strategies can also help people better cope with their symptoms and begin to feel better.

Types Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Living With

In Children ADA

LIVING WITH DEPRESSION

DEPRESSION
Coping With Depression in Relationships
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW

DEPRESSION
Why It May Be Hard to Sleep If You're Depressed
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
Can Social Media Cause Depression?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

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15/06/2021 Depression: Overview and More

DEPRESSION
Are Some People More Prone to Depression?
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do you cope with depression?

How can you help someone with depression?

Is depression genetic?

Is there a cure for depression?

KEY TERMS

Mood Disorder
A mood disorder refers to a broad class of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar
disorder, that primarily impact emotional states. People may experience prolonged periods of a signi cantly
depressed or sad mood, or they may have episodes of an abnormally elevated or irritable mood to an extent
that it causes distress and interferes with daily living.

Learn More: Is There a Test for Mental Illness?

DEPRESSION
How Depression During and After Pregnancy May Impact
Children
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

DEPRESSION

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15/06/2021 Depression: Overview and More

Should You Tell Your Parents About Your Depression?

Medically reviewed by Akeem Marsh, MD

DEPRESSION
What Is the Fear of Success?
Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS

DEPRESSION
How to Talk to Your Partner About Your Depression
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD

EXPLORE DEPRESSION

All Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment More

DEPRESSION
Do You Have Respiratory Depression?
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
What Is Agitated Depression?
Medically reviewed by Akeem Marsh, MD

DEPRESSION
What Are Anticholinergics?
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

BIPOLAR DISORDER
Everything You Should Know About Neurontin (Gabapentin)
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

DEPRESSION
What's Causing Your Head Pain?
Medically reviewed by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN

DEPRESSION
Everything You Should Know About Deplin (L-methylfolate)
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
Why You Shouldn't Feel Embarrassed About Your Depression
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
How to Talk to Your Kids About Depression
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15/06/2021 Depression: Overview and More
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD

DEPRESSION
Feeling Down? 6 Ways to Feel Better Right Now
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD

DEPRESSION
How to Find Connection When You Really Need It
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
Is Melatonin Safe In High Doses?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

DEPRESSION
8 Things to Try When You Feel Irritable
Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS

DEPRESSION
9 Things That Can Help When You're Feeling Hopeless
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
What to Do When You Feel Like No One Appreciates You
Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS

DEPRESSION
7 Things That Can Help You Get a Handle on Intense
Emotions
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
Here's What People With High-Functioning Depression Want
You to Know
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
COVID-19 and Seasonal Affective Disorder: How This Year Is
Different
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
How Moderate Depression Differs From Mild and Severe
Depression
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
Do People with Asperger's Tend to Have Depression?
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION

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15/06/2021 Depression: Overview and More

Would You Choose One of These Tattoos for Depression?

Fact checked by Cara Lustik

DEPRESSION
7 Facts Everyone Should Know About Depression
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

DEPRESSION
National Helpline Database
Fact checked by Amanda Tust

BPD
What Is Avoidant Personality Disorder?
Medically reviewed by Akeem Marsh, MD

DEPRESSION
Rumination: Why Do People Obsess Over Things?
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW

DEPRESSION
What to Say When Someone Is Depressed
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

DEPRESSION
Keeping Your House Clean When You're Suffering From
Depression
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW

DEPRESSION
The Best Way to Tell a Doctor About Your Depression
Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS

DEPRESSION
What to Do When Your Loved Ones Aren't There for You
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW

DEPRESSION
Could You Have Smiling Depression?
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD

DEPRESSION
Which Foods Can Help Fight Depression?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

DEPRESSION
How Long Does Withdrawal From Wellbutrin Last?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

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15/06/2021 Depression: Overview and More
DEPRESSION
Is There a Test That Determines If You Have Depression?
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
The 5 Best Depression Support Groups of 2021
Fact checked by Sean Blackburn

DEPRESSION
Small Ways to Feel Better When You're Depressed
Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS

DEPRESSION
But..You Don't Look Sick: What Is an Invisible Illness?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

DEPRESSION
How to Cope When You've Lost Interest In Everything
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD

DEPRESSION
7 Things You Can Do If You Feel Helpless
Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS

DEPRESSION
What to Do When You Feel Angry
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

DEPRESSION
How to Talk to Your Doctor About Depression
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
Vitamin D Deficiency and Depression: What's the
Connection?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

DEPRESSION
All You Need To Know About Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Therapy
Medically reviewed by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN

DEPRESSION
How Does Double Depression Develop?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

DEPRESSION
How to Identify Complicated Grief
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

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15/06/2021 Depression: Overview and More

DEPRESSION
How Social Media Impacts Your Mental Health
Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS

DEPRESSION
The Mental Health Benefits of Sunlight
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
How Exercise Can Help Reduce Depressive Symptoms
Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS

GAD
How to Help a Friend or Loved One With Anxiety
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD

SLEEP AND DREAMING

What Is Insomnia?
Medically reviewed by Armeen Poor, MD

DEPRESSION
What Does Depression Feel Like?
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD

MENTAL HEALTH A-Z

What Can You Do to Manage Situational Anxiety?
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
Why Irritability Can Be a Symptom of a Mental Condition
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD

DEPRESSION
How to Beat the Winter Blues
Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS

GAD
9 Things to Do If You Feel Anxious
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD

HAPPINESS
5 Things to Do If You are Feeling Worthless
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD

SLEEP AND DREAMING

9 Things to Do If You Feel Tired All the Time
Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS

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15/06/2021 Depression: Overview and More

DEPRESSION
What Is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale?
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD

SLEEP AND DREAMING

What Is Sleep Hygiene?
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD

DEPRESSION
How Psychodynamic Therapy Is Used to Treat Depression
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

DEPRESSION
What to Do If Nothing Makes You Happy
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD

DEPRESSION
How Your Depression and Anger Might Be Related
Medically reviewed by Akeem Marsh, MD

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15/06/2021 Depression: Overview and More

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