What is depression?

When doctors talk about depression, they mean the medical illness called major depression. Someone who has major depression has symptoms like those listed in the Symptoms section nearly every day, all day, for 2 weeks or longer. There is also a minor form of depression that causes less severe symptoms. Both kinds of depression have the same causes and treatment.

Depression can affect people of all ages and is different for every person. A person who has depression can’t control his or her feelings. If you or your child, teen, or older relative is depressed, it’s not his or her fault.

Is depression more common in women than in men?

Yes. Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression. The reason for this is unknown, but changes in a woman's hormone levels may be related to depression.

What causes depression?

Depression may be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Sometimes there aren't enough chemical messengers (called neurotransmitters) in the brain. Examples of neurotransmitters that affect your mood are serotonin (say: "sair-a-tone-in"), norepinephrine (say: "nor-ep-in-ef-rin"), and dopamine (say: “dope-a-mean”). A chemical imbalance in the brain may be caused by one or more of the following:

• Your genes. Sometimes depression is hereditary, meaning it runs in your family. If you have a parent or sibling who has depression, you may be more at risk for having depression yourself.
• A medical condition. Problems with your thyroid, nutrient deficiencies, or chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer may cause depression.
• Events in your life. Depression can be triggered by stressful events in your life, such as the death of someone you love, a divorce, chronic illness, or loss of a job.
• Medicines, drugs, or alcohol. Taking certain medicines, abusing drugs or alcohol, or having other illnesses can also lead to depression.

Depression is not caused by personal weakness, laziness, or lack of willpower.

Can giving birth cause depression?

In the days following the birth of a baby, it is common for some mothers to have mood swings. They may feel a little depressed, have a hard time concentrating, lose their appetite, or find that they can't sleep well even when the baby is asleep. This is called the baby blues and goes away within 10 days after delivery. However, some women have worse symptoms or symptoms that last longer. This is called postpartum depression.

How does my doctor know if I’m feeling depressed?

You need to tell your doctor about your symptoms. Don't expect your doctor to be able to guess that you're depressed just by looking at you. You may feel embarrassed, or it may be hard for you to imagine treatment will actually help you feel better. But don’t wait to talk to your doctor. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner the depression will lift.

How is depression diagnosed?

Once you tell your doctor how you're feeling, he or she may ask you some questions about your symptoms, about your health, and about your family history. Your doctor may also give you a physical exam and do some tests. It is important to tell your doctor about any medicines that you are taking.

Tips on getting through depression

• Don't isolate yourself. Stay in touch with your loved ones and friends, your religious advisor, and your family doctor.
• Do pace yourself. Don't expect to do everything you normally can. Set a realistic schedule.
• Don't believe negative thoughts you may have, such as blaming yourself or expecting to fail. This thinking is part of depression. These thoughts will go away as your depression lifts.
• Don't blame yourself for your depression. You didn't cause it.
• Do get involved in activities that make you feel good or feel like you've achieved something.
• Don't make major life decisions (for example, about separation or divorce). You may not be thinking clearly while you are depressed, so the decisions you make at this time may not be the best ones for you. If you must make a big decision, ask someone you trust to help you.
• Do avoid drugs and alcohol. Both make depression worse. Both can cause dangerous side effects with antidepressant medicines.
• Do exercise often to make yourself feel better. Physical activity seems to cause a chemical reaction in the body that can improve your mood. Exercising 4 to 6 times a week for at least 30 minutes each time is a good goal. But even less activity can be helpful.
• Do eat balanced meals and healthful foods.
• Do get enough sleep.
• Do take your medicine and/or go to counseling as often as your doctor recommends. Your medicine won't work if you only take it once in a while.
• Do set small goals for yourself, because you may have less energy.
• Do encourage yourself.
• Do get as much information as you can about depression and how to treat it.
• Do call your doctor or the local suicide crisis center right away if you start thinking about suicide.
• Don’t get discouraged. It will take time for your depression to lift fully. Be patient with yourself.
• Don't give up.

Suicide

People who have depression sometimes think about suicide. This thinking is a common part of the depression. If you have thoughts about hurting yourself, tell someone. You could tell your doctor, your friends, your family, or call your local suicide hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Get help right away. There are people who can help you, and depression can be successfully treated.

• I’ve been feeling ______. Could I be depressed?
• Do I need treatment? What are my treatment options?
• Should I see a therapist?
• Is there anything I can do at home to help myself?
• Are there any support groups in my area?
• What are the risks and benefits of taking antidepressants?
  • I’m pregnant. Should I take antidepressants?
  • I’m breastfeeding. Should I take antidepressants?
  • Will I have to take medicine the rest of my life?
• I care for an older adult. How do I tell if he or she is depressed?
  • What kinds of treatment are safe for older adults who have other health problems, such as dementia?
• What should I do if I am having or start having thoughts of suicide?