Treatment usually includes medication with talk therapy or psychotherapy.
Medication may not be effective for everyone, and alternative treatments may be recommended.
Speak with your healthcare provider if you struggle with depression.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
What Is Depression?
It can have severe and lasting effects.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States.
It can affect anybody, no matter their race, age, gender, income, or education.
It can occur with other mental health and physical illnesses as well.
Causes
Research has shown that there is not one single cause of depression.
It can result from a combination of psychological, genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
One of these symptoms must be a depressed mood or loss of interest in activities.
It is assigned when certainsignsand symptoms are present a majority of the time during a major depressive episode.
One of the features is mood reactivity, meaning someones mood brightens in response to positive events.
You must have two or more specific symptoms in addition to the depressed mood.
In the DSM, it is formally known as major depressive disorder with peripartum onset.
The symptoms tend to resolve about two to three days after the period begins.
It is formally known as major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern.
Symptoms are more likely in winter months, but can also occur in the summer.
However, not everybody has symptoms every year.
It causes shifts in mood and energy, as well as actions and behaviors.
Some professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illness arepsychiatrists(who are physicians) and psychologists.
Non-medication treatment typically involvespsychotherapyortalk therapy.
Therapy can help teach new ways of thinking, behaving, and interacting, and providecoping strategies.
This may also help you change habits that may have negatively affected your mood.
Therapy is often tried on its own or in conjunction with medication, depending on the individual.
Depending on the bang out of depression you have, different medications may be used.
Common types of medications used to treat depression includeantidepressants.
Other medications used to treat depression can include antipsychotics and mood stabilizers.
The medication used depends on the bang out of depressive disorder you have, present symptoms, and severity.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before changing or stopping medication.
They will be able to appropriately diagnose and provide treatment if necessary.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Treatment for each jot down of depression varies, but usually, therapy and/or medications are prescribed.
Nonmedical interventions can also be helpful, such as getting enough sleep, exercising, and connecting with others.
National Institute for Mental Health.Depression.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
American Psychiatric Association; 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
National Institute for Mental Health.Perinatal depression.
Office on Womens Health.Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
National Institute for Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder.
National Institute for Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.
National Institute for Mental Health.Taking control of your mental health: Tips for talking with your healthcare provider.
