What is depression?

Depression is more than just feeling down from time to time. It’s a mental health condition that can affect your thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being. When depression takes hold, everyday life can feel overwhelming, energy levels drop, and things that once brought joy may lose their meaning.

Depression is one of the most common mental health challenges and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Understanding what depression is and what treatment options are available can be the first step toward feeling better.

Common symptoms of depression.

Depression can impact both mental and physical well-being. Here are some of the most common signs:

Mental symptoms:

• Loss of interest and joy – things that used to feel meaningful may now seem unimportant.
• Difficulty concentrating – trouble staying focused, making decisions, or remembering things.
• Feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem – negative thoughts about the future and oneself become overwhelming.
• Increased irritability or emotional numbness – some feel intense emotions, others feel emotionally shut down.

Physical symptoms:

1. Sleep disturbances – difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night, or sleeping excessively without feeling rested.
2. Changes in appetite – some lose their appetite and lose weight, while others eat for comfort and gain weight.
3. Fatigue and low energy – even after a full night’s sleep, the body can feel heavy and drained.
4. Physical discomfort – depression may cause headaches, stomach issues, or general aches and pains.

Depression varies from person to person. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks and affect your daily life, it could be a sign that you need support.

What causes depression?

Depression rarely has a single cause, it often arises from a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors.

1. Genetics and biology.

• A family history of depression can increase your risk.
• Imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine can affect mood.

2. Stress and trauma.

• Traumatic experiences such as loss, divorce, or childhood trauma can trigger depression.
• Chronic stress (e.g., financial pressure or work stress) can have long-term effects on the brain.

3. Physical health and hormones.

• Thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, or vitamin deficiencies can contribute to depression.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can also impact mental well-being.

4. Social factors.

• Loneliness or lack of social support can increase the risk of depression.
• A supportive environment, on the other hand, can act as a protective factor.

No matter the cause, remember that depression is not a sign of weakness. It’s a medical condition that can be treated, help is available.

How to treat depression.

There are several effective treatment options for depression. The best approach depends on your individual needs and the severity of your symptoms.

For mild depression:

• Lifestyle changes – Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and healthy sleep habits can significantly improve your mood.
• Mindfulness and relaxation – Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help manage stress and negative thoughts.
• Social support – Talking to trusted friends or joining support groups can reduce feelings of isolation.

For moderate depression:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – One of the most effective methods for identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – Focuses on improving relationships and social interactions, which can be especially helpful when relational issues contribute to depression.
• Antidepressant medications – Medications such as SSRIs may be used to support emotional balance.

For severe depression:

• Medication – Antidepressants can help stabilize mood in more serious cases.
• Combination treatment – A combination of therapy and medication is often the most effective approach.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) – May be considered when other treatments haven’t been effective.

How to cope with depression in daily life.

Managing depression often requires professional support, but there are also things you can do on your own to feel better:

• Recognize the symptoms – understanding how depression affects you can help identify patterns and better manage them.
• Small changes matter – regular physical activity, good nutrition, and daily routines support mental wellness.
• Find the right support – speak with a therapist or someone you trust. You don’t have to go through this alone.
• Allow yourself to take it one step at a time – recovery from depression takes time, and it’s okay to move slowly.

When should you seek help?

If you’ve experienced symptoms for more than two weeks, or if you’re having thoughts of self-harm, it’s important to seek help. Here are signs that professional support may be necessary:

• Persistent sadness or lack of energy
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Difficulty coping with work, school, or daily responsibilities
• Suicidal thoughts or a sense of hopelessness

How can therapy help with depression?

Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for depression. Through conversations and structured tools, it can help you understand and manage your emotions in a healthier way.

Here are some common types of therapy used to treat depression:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): helps identify and change negative thought patterns.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): focuses on improving relationships and communication.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: enhances awareness and helps manage stress.

Could therapy support your well-being? Take our short test to learn more

Going through a period of depression or persistent low mood can be challenging. It’s not always easy to know what kind of support you need or whether therapy is the right path.

By answering a few questions, you can gain clarity on whether therapy might be helpful in understanding and managing your mental health.

The test consists of eight quick questions and takes less than a minute to complete.

Take the therapy test.