DEPRESSION
Understanding Depression
Depression is more than sadness — it’s a clinical condition that affects energy, motivation, sleep, and the ability to feel pleasure. This hub covers what depression actually looks like and what treatment that works looks like.
Core symptoms
A major depressive episode involves a persistently low mood or loss of interest/pleasure in most activities, lasting at least two weeks, alongside several other symptoms: changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbance, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, and in some cases thoughts of death or suicide. Symptoms must be significant enough to interfere with daily functioning.
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 or text HOME to 741741. See our Crisis Resources page for more support.
Types of depression
| Type | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Major Depressive Disorder | Discrete episodes of depressed mood lasting two weeks or more |
| Persistent Depressive Disorder | A lower-grade depressed mood lasting two years or more |
| Seasonal Affective Disorder | Depressive episodes that follow a seasonal pattern, typically in fall/winter |
| Postpartum Depression | A major depressive episode occurring during pregnancy or in the year after childbirth |
Evidence-based treatment
- Psychotherapy — CBT and interpersonal therapy (IPT) both have strong evidence for treating depression, often as effective as medication for mild-to-moderate cases.
- Medication — SSRIs, SNRIs, and other antidepressants can be effective, particularly for moderate-to-severe depression, typically taking 4–6 weeks to show full effect.
- Combined treatment — therapy plus medication together often outperforms either alone for moderate-to-severe depression.
Explore depression further
This page is for general educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for a professional evaluation. Read our full medical disclaimer.