Key facts
- Depression is a common mental disorder.
- Globally, an estimated 5% of adults suffer from depression.
- More women are affected by depression than men.
- Depression can lead to suicide.
- There is effective treatment for mild, moderate and severe depression.
Symptoms and patterns
During a depressive episode, a person experiences a depressed mood (feeling sad, irritable, empty). They may feel a loss of pleasure or interest in activities.
A depressive episode is different from regular mood fluctuations. They last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
Other symptoms are also present, which may include:
- poor concentration
- feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth
- hopelessness about the future
- thoughts about dying or suicide
- disrupted sleep
- changes in appetite or weight
- feeling very tired or low in energy.
A depressive episode can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number and severity of symptoms, as well as the impact on the individual’s functioning.
There are different patterns of depressive episodes including:
- single episode depressive disorder, meaning the person’s first and only episode;
- recurrent depressive disorder, meaning the person has a history of at least two depressive episodes; and
- bipolar disorder, meaning that depressive episodes alternate with periods of manic symptoms, which include euphoria or irritability, increased activity or energy, and other symptoms such as increased talkativeness, racing thoughts, increased self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, and impulsive reckless behavior.
Diagnosis and treatment
There are effective treatments for depression. These include psychological treatment and medications. Seek care if you have symptoms of depression.
Psychological treatments are the first treatments for depression. They can be combined with antidepressant medications in moderate and severe depression. Antidepressant medications are not needed for mild depression.
Psychological treatments can teach new ways of thinking, coping or relating to others. They may include talk therapy with professionals and supervised lay therapists. Talk therapy can happen in person or online. Psychological treatments may be accessed through self-help manuals, websites and apps.
Effective psychological treatments for depression include:
- behavioral activation
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- interpersonal psychotherapy
- problem-solving therapy.
Antidepressant medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine.
Health-care providers should keep in mind the possible adverse effects associated with antidepressant medication, the ability to deliver either intervention (in terms of expertise, and/or treatment availability), and individual preferences.
Antidepressants should not be used for treating depression in children and are not the first line of treatment in adolescents, among whom they should be used with extra caution.
Different medications and treatments are used for bipolar disorder.
Self-care
Self-care can play an important role in managing symptoms of depression and promoting overall well-being.
What you can do:
- try to keep doing activities you used to enjoy
- stay connected to friends and family
- exercise regularly, even if it’s just a short walk
- stick to regular eating and sleeping habits as much as possible
- avoid or cut down on alcohol and don’t use illicit drugs, which can make depression worse
- talk to someone you trust about your feelings
- seek help from a healthcare provider.
If you have thoughts of suicide:
- remember you are not alone, and that many people have gone through what you’re experiencing and found help
- talk to someone you trust about how you feel
- talk to a health worker, such as a doctor or counsellor
- join a support group.
If you think you are in immediate danger of harming yourself, contact any available emergency services or a crisis line.
