Depression

Depression is a serious mental illness that is more than just feeling “down” or “blue” for a few days. More than 21 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with depression, which is over 8% of the population.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Common types of depression

• Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, is when people feel an overwhelming and consistent dark mood. It can cause people to lose interest in activities that they usually enjoy and prevent daily function.
• Persistent depressive disorder is when a low mood lasts for two or more years in adults or at least one year in children. A person with this disorder may be able to function well day-to-day but have episodes (times) of major depression.
• Postpartum depression affects women after having a baby. It causes intense, long-lasting feelings of anxiety, sadness, and fatigue (tiredness). Postpartum depression can start anywhere from weeks to months after childbirth. Learn more on our healthy pregnancy page.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is related to changes in seasons. This form of depression is short-term and usually happens during winter months when there is less sunlight.

Signs and symptoms of depression can be different for everyone. If you have questions about signs of depression in you or a loved one, talk to your doctor.

Some common symptoms of depression include:

• Feeling sad or hopeless
• Fatigue (lack of energy or feeling tired)
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Anxiety, irritability, restlessness
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Lack of interest or joy in hobbies and activities
• Changes in eating, leading to weight loss or weight gain
• Moving, talking, or thinking more slowly or feeling extra fidgety
• Trouble concentrating, thinking clearly, or making decisions
• Thoughts of not wanting to live, or self-harm behaviors

Depression can happen to anyone at any age, it is one of the most common mental disorders in the US. Research has shown that some people have more risk factors for depression which means they are more likely to experience it. Risk factors for depression include having a family member who has depression and going through major negative life events or trauma. People who have chronic conditions such as diabetes may also be more likely to experience depression.

Even the most severe cases of depression can be treated. Depression is usually treated with therapy, medicine or a combination of both. No two people experience depression the same way, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment. Finding the treatment that works best for you may take some trial and error. It is important to talk honestly with your doctor about how you are feeling.

Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy or counseling) can help by teaching new ways of thinking and behaving to change habits that may cause depression or make it worse. Evidence-based approaches to treating depression include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). In recent years telehealth (virtual) services have become more common. For people who may have been hesitant to look for mental health care in the past, virtual mental health care might be a good option.

Antidepressants are medicines commonly used to treat depression. They work by changing how the brain makes or uses certain chemicals related to mood or stress. You may need to try a few different antidepressants before finding the one that works for you. These medicines take time—usually 4–8 weeks—to work, and problems with sleep, eating, and concentration often improve before overall mood lifts. It is important to give a medicine a chance to work before deciding whether it’s right for you.

• Alliance Mental Health First Aid Community Trainings
• Alliance Behavioral Health Community Trainings
• Durham Network of Care
  • Are you depressed?
  • Symptom Checker
• Wake Network of Care
  • Are you depressed?
  • Symptom Checker

Alliance Behavioral Health Crisis Line: 877-223-4617
Connect with behavioral health and IDD services and crisis help. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and always answered by a qualified professional or clinician.

Other resources available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 (resources for the deaf and hard of hearing)
• National Crisis Text Line: text “HOME” to 741741
• IMAlive Online Crisis Chat: imalive.org
• Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255, press 1 or text 838255
• The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 or thetrevorproject.org/help LGBTQ youth suicide hotline
• Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 or translifeline.org Transgender crisis hotline
• Additional resources:
  • Suicide Prevention and Statistics: 202-237-2280 or suicidology.org
  • Promise Resource Network: 704-390-7709 or promiseresourcenetwork.com
  • Reporting Suicidal Content Threats on Facebook: facebook.com/help/contact/305410456169423

Educational Resources

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Durham Network of Care
• Wake Network of Care
• National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH)
  • Depression
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Link Between Chronic Disease and Mental Health
  • Depression in Teens