Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder. According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression globally. In the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 7.1% of all U.S. adults, or about 17.3 million people, had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Depression can occur at any age but often begins in adulthood. It is more common in women than in men.

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a common and serious mood disorder. It is characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can also lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and home.

Here are some common symptoms of depression:

1. Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
2. Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
3. Irritability.
4. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
5. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities.
6. Decreased energy or fatigue.
7. Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
8. Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much.
9. Appetite and weight changes.
10. Thoughts of death or, suicide, or suicide attempts.
11. Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment.

Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It is a medical condition that affects the brain, and it is more than just feeling “down in the dumps” or “blue” for a few days.

Depression is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Here are some factors that are believed to contribute to the development of depression:

1. Biological Differences: People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may eventually help pinpoint causes.
2. Brain Chemistry: Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression. Recent research indicates that changes in the function and effect of these neurotransmitters and how they interact with neurocircuits involved in maintaining mood stability may play a significant role in depression and its treatment.
3. Hormones: Changes in the body’s balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. Hormone changes can result from thyroid problems, menopause, pregnancy, and other conditions.
4. Inherited Traits: Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives also have the condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing depression.
5. Early Childhood Trauma: Traumatic events during childhood, such as physical or emotional abuse or loss of a parent, may cause changes in the brain that make a person more susceptible to depression.
6. Life Events: Such as work issues, financial problems, or the death of a loved one can bring on depression.
7. Medical Conditions: Certain conditions may put you at higher risk, such as chronic illness, insomnia, chronic pain, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
8. Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Approximately 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have depression.

Remember, depression is a complex disease, and its causes are not fully understood. It is likely a combination of many factors, rather than a single cause, that leads to depression. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it is essential to seek help from a healthcare provider. Effective treatments are available, including medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.

Several types of therapy are used to treat depression. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a common type of talk therapy (psychotherapy). You work with a mental health counselor in a structured way, attending a limited number of sessions. CBT helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking to view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them more effectively.
2. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): This type of therapy focuses on improving problems in personal relationships and other life changes that may be contributing to depression. The therapist will help the patient develop more effective skills for coping with and resolving relationship conflicts.
3. Psychodynamic Therapy: This therapy is based on the idea that depression is caused by unresolved, generally unconscious conflicts, often stemming from childhood. This type of therapy aims for patients to understand and better manage these conflicts.
4. Problem-Solving Therapy: This therapy helps people learn tools to manage the negative effects of stressful life events effectively.
5. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines cognitive therapy methods with mindfulness strategies. The aim is to prevent a relapse by helping the patient to recognize specific thoughts and feelings to handle them better.
6. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This therapy is used to treat severe, chronic mental health disorders. It combines CBT techniques with mindfulness concepts. The goal is to transform negative thinking patterns and destructive behaviors into positive outcomes.
7. Group Therapy: This involves treating a group of people who have depression together. Group therapy can be a beneficial source of discussion, providing different perspectives and support from peers who are going through the same struggles.

Clinical depression and “the blues” are often confused, but they are very different states.

“The blues” is a colloquial term often used to describe a mild, transient mood of sadness or feeling down. It is expected to have periods of sadness or feeling low, especially in response to disappointments, rejections, or losses. These feelings usually pass within a few days or a week, and they do not interfere significantly with your ability to function in daily life.

Clinical depression, on the other hand, is a serious mental health disorder that is diagnosed based on specific criteria. It involves persistent sadness, hopelessness, or lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It is not just a “feeling blue” – a constant state of low mood that lasts for at least two weeks and interferes with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy life.

Other symptoms may include changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.

While “the blues” can usually be managed with self-care and time, clinical depression typically requires professional treatment, which may include psychotherapy, medication, or other interventions.

Remember, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment options for you or anyone suffering from depression.