About Depression

Depression is a serious medical illness; it’s not something that you make up in your head. More than a feeling of being “down in the dumps” or “blue” for a few days, the symptoms of Depression are severe and debilitating. Depression is characterized by feeling “down,” “low” and “hopeless” for weeks at a time. Factors that can contribute to the onset of Depression include stress, poor nutrition, physical illness, personal loss, relationship difficulties and the presence of other physical disorders.

Depression isn’t always easy to detect, and people with depressive conditions can experience different symptoms. It may be expressed through lack of appetite or overeating; insomnia or an unnatural desire to sleep; the abuse of drugs and alcohol; sexual promiscuity; or hostile, aggressive, or risk-taking behavior.

People with Depression Tend to Experience:

Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings; Feelings of hopelessness and / or pessimism; Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and / or helplessness; Irritability, restlessness; Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex; Fatigue and decreased energy; Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions; Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping; Overeating, or appetite loss; Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts; Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.

Explore More

Unholy Ghost: Writers on Depression

Edited by: Neil Casey (January 8, 2002)

Prozac Nation

Elizabeth Wurtzel (April 2000)

The Noonday Demon

Andrew Solomon (March 26, 2002)

Lucky

Alice Sebold (August 31, 2002)

Darkness Visible

William Styron (January 23, 2007)

Black Pain

Terrie M. Williams (January 2008)

Hyperbole and a Half

Allie Brosh

Hyperbole and a Half

Allie Brosh

Crazy Ex Girlfriend

The CW

Depression, the Secret We Share

Andrew Solomon (2013)

What’s So Funny About Mental Illness?

Ruby Wax (2012)

Wayne Brady #Stronger Than Stigma

Bring Change 2 Mind + Wayne Brady

How to Talk About Depression With a Football Fan

Bring Change 2 Mind

How to Talk About Depression With Anyone

Bring Change 2 Mind

The Hilarious World of Depression

John Moe

The Mental Illness Happy Hour

(2018)

Mentally Ch(ill)

Kristen Carney + Stevie Ryan

Explaining My Depression to My Mother

Sabrina Benaim

Additional Resources

Looking for more ways to help yourself or another? Take a look at the categories below to find a list of links to get you started in the right direction. 

Find out how to talk to anyone about mental health.

Check out our Talk Tool for guidance.