What is depression?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes depression as sadness that lasts for a long time and interferes with normal, everyday functioning. Depression is more than having a bad day and can affect people of all ages. Symptoms of depression include:

Feeling sad or anxious often or all the time
Not wanting to do activities that used to be fun
Feeling irritable‚ easily frustrated‚ or restless
Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Waking up too early or sleeping too much
Eating more or less than usual or having no appetite
Experiencing aches, pains, headaches, or stomach problems that do not improve with treatment
Having trouble concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
Feeling tired‚ even after sleeping well
Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself

In general‚ about 1 out of every 6 adults will have depression at some time in their life.¹ Depression affects about 16 million American adults every year.²

The following information is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis of major depression and cannot take the place of seeing a mental health professional. If you think you are depressed‚ talk with your doctor or a mental health professional immediately. This is especially important if your symptoms are getting worse or affecting your daily activities.

What are common treatments for depression?

There are many helpful treatments for depression available. Please consult your doctor or a qualified mental health professional to help determine which treatment may be best for you. Two of the most common treatments for depression are therapy and medication.

Therapy

Many people benefit from psychotherapy (also known as therapy or counseling). Therapy focuses on the thoughts, feelings, and issues in your life right now. In some cases, understanding your past can help; however, finding ways to address what is happening in your life can help you cope and prepare for future challenges. In therapy, you’ll collaborate with your therapist to learn skills to help you manage life, alter problem behaviors, and discover solutions. It is important not to feel shy or embarrassed about speaking openly and honestly about your feelings and concerns. Setting attainable goals in therapy, such as improving your health, overcoming fears or insecurities, and building better relationships with family and friends, is beneficial.

Medication

Prescription medications or antidepressants are another option to treat depression. Talk to your health care provider about whether they are right for you. If your health care provider prescribes an antidepressant‚ ask exactly how you should take the medication. Your doctor needs to know if you are on other medications to identify any possible adverse drug interactions. The goal of using antidepressants is to improve mood and coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety. Often, medication and therapy are used together to treat depression.

To read more about depression and other mental health conditions, visit the CDC’s website or other mental health resources below:

Resources

Reference to specific commercial products, manufacturers, companies, or trademarks does not constitute its endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. Government, Department of Health and Human Services, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This material is otherwise available on the agency website for no charge.