Depression: Signs, Screening, and Treatment Options
Depression is a mental health condition that affects mood, energy, sleep, and focus. It can develop gradually and vary in severity. With appropriate care, many people experience meaningful improvement.
Our website is for information only. We help you understand your options and prepare for conversations with licensed providers, but we do not diagnose, treat, or guarantee outcomes.
What Is Depression?
Depression involves ongoing low mood and loss of interest that lasts most days for at least two weeks and makes daily life harder. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can change over time. Only a licensed clinician can diagnose depression and determine the type.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Physical Symptoms
- Ongoing fatigue or low energy
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Body aches or headaches
- Slowed movement or speech
Emotional and Thought Symptoms
- Persistent low mood or numbness
- Loss of interest or motivation
- Harsh self-criticism or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death
Daily Life Impact
- Missing school or work
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- Reduced interest in activities
- Declining school or job performance
- Falling behind on daily responsibilities
When to Seek Immediate Help
Call your local emergency number now if you have thoughts of self-harm, a plan to hurt yourself, or feel unable to stay safe. For mental health emergencies, use your country’s suicide and crisis line. Online information cannot replace urgent care.
Depression and Substance Use
Some people use alcohol or drugs to cope with low mood, sleep problems, or emotional pain. This often worsens depression and increases safety risks. Dual diagnosis care treats depression and substance use together through therapy, coping skills, and substance use support. If opioids may be involved, ask about naloxone for overdose emergencies.
How Depression Is Evaluated
A licensed clinician will:
Ask about mood, sleep, energy, appetite, focus, and safety
Review medical history, medications, and substance use
Use brief screening tools to identify symptom patterns
Rule out other causes such as thyroid issues, anemia, medication effects, grief, or bipolar disorder
Recommend a starting level of care based on safety and daily functioning
Treatment Options
Depression treatment focuses on reducing symptoms, restoring daily functioning, and preventing relapse. Care is tailored to your goals, safety needs, and life demands. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches.
Therapy Approaches
- CBT to challenge depressive thinking and rebuild routines
- Behavioral Activation to increase energy through small, planned activities
- DBT skills to manage distress and emotional overwhelm
- Interpersonal Therapy to address relationship stress and role changes
- Family sessions, with consent, to strengthen support at home
Medication Support
A prescriber may discuss options such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or other medications based on your symptoms and history. Medication is voluntary and reviewed carefully. Your clinician will explain risks, benefits, and alternatives. Do not change medications without medical guidance.
Levels of Care
- Outpatient and telehealth with regular therapy sessions
- Intensive Outpatient Programs with several sessions per week
- Partial Hospitalization Programs when symptoms interfere more with daily life
- Inpatient or residential care when safety is at risk or home is not stable
Skills You Can Practice Now
If you feel a depressive episode, try some of the below strategies. Note that these strategies support treatment, but are not a substitute for care.
- Choose one small, manageable task each day
- Keep a consistent wake time and reduce screens before bed
- Add gentle movement most days
- Eat regular meals and stay hydrated
- Reach out to one safe person for brief connection
- Write down a harsh thought and respond with a realistic, kinder one
Guidance for Loved Ones
Support helps most when it is patient and practical. Offer help with tasks or transportation if welcomed. Use respectful boundaries and avoid minimizing symptoms. With consent, joining a session can help loved ones learn how to provide steady support. If safety becomes urgent, contact emergency services.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Bringing a few key details to your first appointment can help your clinician better understand your concerns and recommend appropriate next steps.
FAQs
Is depression just sadness?
No. Sadness is temporary. Depression is persistent and interferes with daily functioning.
Will I have to take medication?
Not always. Many people improve with therapy and skills alone. Medication is an option when appropriate.
How long does treatment take?
Some people notice improvement within weeks of consistent therapy and routine changes. Medication, if used, may take longer.
Can I work or attend school during treatment?
Often yes. Outpatient and IOP options are designed to fit work and school schedules.
What if depression has come back?
That is common. Your clinician can help adjust treatment and build a relapse prevention plan using skills, routines, and early warning signs.
Helpful Resources
In Crisis? Get Immediate Help
If you are in danger or thinking of self-harm, call 911 (or your local emergency number). In the US, dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.