Depression
Depression is a health condition that affects mood, thoughts, energy, sleep, and daily functioning. Effective treatments are available.
About depression
Depression is a health condition that affects mood, thoughts, energy, sleep, and daily functioning. Effective treatments are available.
What can cause it?
Depression reflects interacting biological, psychological, social, medical, and medication factors.
It is not a personal failure and may occur with or without an obvious trigger.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or irritability
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, or self-worth
How clinicians find the cause
A clinician assesses mood, interest, sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, functioning, substance use, medical contributors, mania history, and suicide risk. Blood tests may check contributing conditions.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Effective care may include psychotherapy, antidepressant medicine, lifestyle support, or a combination.
- 2
Severe, psychotic, bipolar, or treatment-resistant depression needs specialized care.
- 3
Medicine benefits and side effects are reviewed over time; do not stop suddenly without guidance.
Supporting recovery
- Tell a trusted person and keep regular sleep, meals, activity, and appointments.
- Avoid alcohol or drugs that worsen mood and store potentially dangerous items safely during a crisis.
What to expect
Depression is treatable, and many people improve with psychotherapy, medicine, lifestyle support, or a combination. Finding the right plan can take time, and treatment should continue long enough to support recovery and reduce relapse. New suicidal thinking, agitation, or a major change after starting treatment requires prompt contact with a clinician.
Possible complications
- Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or suicide attempt
- Problems with sleep, nutrition, relationships, school, work, or daily self-care
- Substance misuse, worsening physical health, or repeated episodes when depression remains untreated
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Arrange an evaluation when symptoms are new, worsening, interfering with normal activities, or not improving as expected.
Call or text 988 in the U.S. for suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis. Call 911 for immediate danger, an attempt, severe agitation, or inability to stay safe.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Continue maintenance treatment for the recommended period and recognize early relapse signs.
- Build social support and a written crisis plan.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.