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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ⓒ 2024 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved Conditions A-Z Depression Living With Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Types Childhood Depression Suicide Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more . by Steven Gans, MD Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Updated on December 07, 2023 Clinically significant depression is marked by persistent sadness, a depressed mood, diminished interest in previously enjoyable activities, and other symptoms that interfere with the ability to function in daily life. The condition often arises from a complex combination of factors that can include genetics, family history, trauma, stress, and illness. It is one of the most common mental disorders as nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States have been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime. Fortunately, effective treatments are available including medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Self-help strategies can also help people better cope with their symptoms and begin to feel better. Living With Depression 10 Ways to Support a Partner Who’s Depressed Why It May Be Hard to Sleep If You’re Depressed Can Social Media Cause Depression? Factors That Could Increase Your Risk of Depression These 12 Online Therapy Companies Are the Best for Treating Depression Frequently Asked Questions How do you cope with depression? Appropriate treatment for depression is essential, but self-help strategies can also help you feel better. Some things that can help you cope with feelings of depression include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, finding social support, and engaging in regular physical activity. While depression can make these things more challenging, tackling one or two tasks each day can help improve your well-being. Learn More: Ways to Cope When You Have Depression How can you help someone with depression? Some ways that you can support a friend or loved one with depression include offering support and avoiding judgment. Offer to help with tasks that your friend might be struggling with. Let them know you care, ask them what you can do to help, and encourage them to talk to their doctor. Learn more about depression so you can better understand ways you can help. Learn More: What to Say When Someone Is Depressed Is depression genetic? While depression appears to have some genetic risk factors, there is no identifiable gene for depression. However, research suggests that it is the interaction of genetics and environmental factors that contribute to the condition’s onset. You may have a genetic predisposition to depression, but this does not necessarily mean that you will develop the condition. Learn More: How Genetics Factors Into Depression Is there a cure for depression? While there is no cure” for depression, it is a treatable condition that can often be alleviated with the use of medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Antidepressants can be effective, but they often take some time to begin working. While such medications may be used alone, they are also often prescribed in conjunction with psychotherapy. Learn More: Can Antidepressants Cure Depression? Key Terms Mood Disorder Psychiatric Evaluation Dysthymia Psychosis Seasonal Affective Disorder Postpartum Depression Mood Disorder A mood disorder refers to a broad class of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, that primarily impact emotional states. People may experience prolonged periods of a significantly depressed or sad mood, or they may have episodes of an abnormally elevated or irritable mood to an extent that it causes distress and interferes with daily living. Is There a Test for Mental Illness? Psychiatric Evaluation A psychiatric evaluation is an assessment utilized by psychiatrists to diagnose mental health conditions. An evaluation often involves talking to your doctor about your symptoms, getting a physical exam, and filling out a questionnaire. This allows your doctor to gain insight into the nature and severity of your condition. Screening Tests for Mental Illness Dysthymia Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), previously known as dysthymia, is a chronic state of depression. It involves symptoms such as low mood, loss of interest, sleep changes, and appetite changes that last for at least two years. Symptoms may vary in intensity over time. What Is Persistent Depressive Disorder? Psychosis Psychosis is a mental state that involves losing contact with reality. People who experience psychosis may believe, see, hear, or feel things that are not real. Psychotic depression is a condition in which people experience psychotic symptoms such delusions and hallucinations alongside symptoms of depression. What Is Psychosis? Seasonal Affective Disorder Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), formally known as major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern, is a mood disorder that occurs the same time each year. People may experience feelings of depression, social withdrawal, and fatigue usually during the fall and winter. Disruptions to the normal circadian rhythm, often associated with reduced sunlight, may contribute to the condition’s onset. What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression, formally known as major depressive disorder with a peripartum onset, is a serious but treatable form of depression that generally occurs after giving birth. It can potentially present with psychotic features and is characterized by symptoms such as sadness, fatigue, poor sleep, trouble bonding with the baby, feelings of guilt, and intrusive thoughts. What Is Postpartum Depression? Explore Depression We All Get Lonely Sometimes—What to Do on the Days You Feel Totally Alone The 9 Best Online Psychiatry Services That Take Insurance Symptoms of Treatment-Resistant Depression What Is Compounded Grief? 6 Things People Get Wrong About Depression, From a Therapist Causes of Treatment-Resistant Depression Is There Rehab for Depression? 10 Reasons People Attempt Suicide Even If They Seem ’OK’ Arrival...