What is depression?

While feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life, depression is much more than the temporary blues. Clinical depression—also known as major depression—is a serious mood disorder that makes it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. The symptoms of depression include apathy, unrelenting despair, hopelessness, loss of energy, concentration problems, and changes in your eating and sleeping patterns.

Depression can make you feel helpless, hopeless, or empty and numb; but there’s a lot you can do to change how you feel. With help and support, you can overcome depression and get your life back.

The key to recovery is to start small and take things one day at a time. Feeling better takes time, but you can get there if you make positive choices for yourself each day and draw on the support of others.

Do you have a problem with depression? Take the quiz and find out

Articles

Recognising depression

Depression Symptoms and Warning Signs: How to Recognize Depression and Get Effective Help
Depression in Women: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Self-Help
Depression in Men: Why It’s Hard to Recognize and What Helps
Depression in Older Adults: Recognize the Signs and Find Treatment That Works
Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression: Learn the Signs of Depression in Teens and How You Can Help
Postpartum Depression and the Baby Blues: Symptoms, Treatment, and Support for New Moms
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Recognizing and treating seasonal depression and the winter blues

Depression treatment and self-help

Dealing with Depression: Self-Help and Coping Tips to Overcome Depression
Depression Treatment: Therapy, Medication, and Lifestyle Changes That Can Help
Helping a Depressed Person: How to Reach Out and Help Someone While Taking Care of Yourself
Teenager’s Guide to Depression: Tips and Tools for Helping Yourself or a Friend

Depression medication

Antidepressants (Depression Medication): What You Need to Know About Depression Medication
Types of Antidepressants and Their Side Effects: SSRIs and Others

Related issues

Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders
Cultivating Happiness: Five Tips to Get More Satisfaction and Joy Out of Life