Depression is a medical condition that affects how you feel, think, and manage daily life. It can disrupt sleep, appetite, relationships, and everyday responsibilities.

More than temporary sadness, depression can affect anyone. It is treatable, and seeking support early can help.

Common Depression Symptoms

Symptoms vary but may include:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Fatigue or low energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Appetite or weight changes
• Irritability, guilt or feelings of worthlessness
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Not everyone experiences every symptom. In children and teens, depression may present as irritability rather than sadness.

What Causes Depression?

Depression does not have one cause. Genetics, biology, psychological factors and life circumstances can contribute.

Risk factors may include a family history of depression, trauma, stressful events or chronic illness. Some medications and medical conditions can also cause depression-like symptoms.

Depression is not a personal failure, and it can develop without an obvious trigger.

Common Forms of Depression

• Major depressive disorder: Depressed mood or loss of interest, along with other symptoms, lasting at least two weeks and impairing daily functioning.
• Persistent depressive disorder: Long-lasting depressive symptoms, typically lasting at least two years in adults.
• Seasonal affective disorder: Recurring seasonal pattern of depression.
• Depression with psychotic features: Depression accompanied by hallucinations or delusions.
• Perinatal depression: Depression during pregnancy or after childbirth; postpartum depression is more than the short-lived “baby blues.”

Bipolar disorder is a distinct condition that can include depressive episodes as well as mania or hypomania. Identifying these episodes is important when choosing treatment.

How Is Depression Diagnosed?

Your provider will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and how they affect daily life. Evaluation may include a mental health questionnaire, a review of medical history, and selected tests to check for other causes, such as thyroid problems.

Major depression generally involves symptoms most days, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. You do not need to wait two weeks to seek help, especially if symptoms are severe or safety is a concern.

Depression Treatment Options

Treatment depends on your symptoms, preferences and medical history. Options include:

• Psychotherapy: Approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy help address troubling thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
• Medication: Antidepressants may help manage symptoms. They take time to work and require follow-up.
• Specialized treatment: Brain stimulation therapies may be considered for severe depression or symptoms that do not improve with other treatments.

Finding the right approach can take time. Do not stop or change prescribed medication without speaking with your provider.

Everyday Habits That Support Recovery

Alongside treatment:

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule.
• Eat regular, balanced meals.
• Include manageable physical activity.
• Stay connected with people you trust.
• Break responsibilities into smaller steps.
• Avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope.

These habits can support recovery, but they are not substitutes for professional care.

When to Seek Help

Schedule an evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen or interfere with daily life. You do not have to manage them alone or wait until they become severe.

For emotional crisis or thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 in the United States. Support is available 24/7. Call 911 for immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency.

Take the First Step Toward Support

If you’re concerned about depression, schedule a visit with tru Primary & Urgent Care to discuss your symptoms and next steps, including a mental health referral when appropriate.