Depression

“Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated.
The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is.
Depression is usually treated with psychotherapy…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Depression Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Black Dog
  • Clinical Depression
  • Depression
  • Depression the Serious Clinical Illness
  • Depressive Disorder/Episode/Illness
  • Dysthymia
  • Dysthymic Disorder
  • Major Depression
  • Major Depressive Disorder/Episode/Illness
  • Minor Depression
  • Nervous Breakdown
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
  • Unipolar Depression

Definition

What is depression?

DotS the definition of depression may vary. In Depression: What Is Depression? the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) definition is:

“Depression (also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is different. It can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working”.2

Sadness or Depression

Is sadness the same as depression?

In Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know the NIMH note:

“Feeling sad is a normal reaction to difficult times in life. Depression is different—it is a mood disorder that can affect how a person feels, thinks, and acts”.3

Nervous Breakdown

Is a nervous breakdown the same as depression?

In Nervous Breakdown: What Does It Mean? What Does It Mean To Have A Nervous Breakdown? the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“The term “nervous breakdown” is used by some people to describe a stressful situation when life’s demands become physically and emotionally overwhelming. It affects a person’s ability to meet their own needs and do daily tasks and activities. The term was often used in the past, but mental health professionals no longer use it. Instead, you may hear the term “mental health crisis””.4

Bipolar Disorder

Is bipolar disorder the same as depression?

DotS bipolar disorder may be described as a type of depression, however bipolar disorder is not the same as depression the serious illness or clinical depression. In Bipolar Disorder: What Is Bipolar Disorder? the NIMH’s definition is:

“Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes clear shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. People with bipolar disorder often experience periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) and very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes)”.5

Mild, Moderate or Severe

How can depression be categorised?

In Depressive Disorder (Depression): Symptoms and Patterns the World Health Organization (WHO) explain:

“A depressive episode can be categorised as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number and severity of symptoms, as well as the impact on the individual’s functioning”.6

Symptoms

What may be symptoms of depression?

In Depression: What Are the Symptoms of Depression? the (United States) MedlinePlus elaborate on:

Depression“Symptoms of depression are ongoing and affect your day-to-day life. They can include:

  • Feeling sad or “empty”
  • Losing interest in favorite activities
  • Overeating, or not wanting to eat at all
  • Sleeping too much, or not enough
  • Feeling very tired
  • Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious, or guilty
  • Having aches and pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
  • Having thoughts of death or suicide
  • Changing moods or behaviors
  • Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
  • Isolating from family and friends”.7

Cause

What may cause depression?

The WHO explain:

“Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. People who have gone through adverse life events (unemployment, bereavement, traumatic events) are more likely to develop depression. Depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction and worsen the affected person’s life situation and the depression itself.

Depression is closely related to and affected by physical health. Many of the factors that influence depression (such as physical inactivity or harmful use of alcohol) are also known risk factors for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and respiratory diseases. In turn, people with these diseases may also find themselves experiencing depression due to the difficulties associated with managing their condition”.8

Common or Not

How common is depression?

Globally, according to statistics quoted by the WHO:

  • “Depression is a common mental disorder.
  • Globally, an estimated 5% of adults suffer from depression”.9

In the United States according to statistics quoted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) in What Is Depression? Did You Know?:

“264 million people worldwide live with depression.

  • In 2017, around 17.3 million adults age 18 or older in the U.S. had experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year (6.7% of adults in the U.S.)”.10

In England in Depression, the (United Kingdom) Mental Health Foundation note:

“In England, 3 in every 100 people will experience depression in any given week. Even more – 8 in every 100 – will experience mixed depression and anxiety”.11

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) a type of depression?

In What Are Anxiety and Depression: What Is Depression? Types of Depression the ADAA elaborate on:

“Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is another manifestation of depression which is a severe and sometimes disabling extension of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although regular PMS and PMDD both have physical and emotional symptoms, the mood changes in PMDD are much more severe and can disrupt social, occupational, and other important areas of functioning”.12

Anxiety

Is there an association between anxiety and depression?

In What Are Anxiety and Depression: What Is Depression? Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Not the Same the ADAA explain:

“Depression and anxiety disorders are different, but people with depression often experience symptoms similar to those of an anxiety disorder, such as nervousness, irritability, and problems sleeping and concentrating. But each disorder has its own causes and its own emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Many people who develop depression have a history of an anxiety disorder earlier in life. There is no evidence one disorder causes the other, but there is clear evidence that many people suffer from both disorders”.13

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and depression?

In Mood and the Menopause, content updated 09 February 2023, the Australasian Menopause Society elaborate on:

“Risk factors for depressive symptoms/disorders are multiple and include VMS, previous mood disorders including prior MDD, reproductive related mood disturbance (severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or postpartum depression), other health factors, psychological and socioeconomic factors, and hormonal changes such as variability in FSH and oestradiol”.14

What is VMS?

VMS can be an abbreviation for Vasomotor Symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.

What is MDD?

MDD can be an abbreviation for Major Depressive Disorder.

What is FSH?

FSH can be an abbreviation for Follicle Stimulating Hormone.

Treatment

How can depression be treated?

In Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know – 4. You Can Get Help for Depression the NIMH elaborate on:

“Even the most severe depression can be treated. Common treatments are antidepressant medication, talk therapy (virtual or in person), or a combination of medication and therapy”.15

In In Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know – 4. You Can Get Help for Depression the NIMH also include:

“There is no “one-size-fits-all” for treatment. It may take trial and error to find the best one for you. A health care provider can explain the different options and help you choose the best treatment based on your symptoms. With help, you can feel better”.16

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have depression?

If you think you have depression, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this urgently.

In Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know – 1. Depression Is A Medical Condition the NIMH explain:

“Depression is not brought on by anything a woman has or has not done, and it is not something she can “snap out” of. Most women need treatment to feel better”.17

In Find A Mental Health Professional: What Are Mental Health Professional Services? Finding the Right Professional for You the (Australian) Beyondblue note:

“It’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with. While some people find a practitioner and treatment that works for them first time, for others it can take a few tries. The main thing is to persevere – try not to let one bad experience put you off getting support”.18

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Depression

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Depression?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 4 Benefits of Sleep Meditation and How To Do It
  2. Adaa.org [Anxiety and Depression Association of America]
  3. Alcohol and Stress
  4. Antidepressants
  5. Anxiety vs. Depression: Which Do I Have (or Is It Both)?
  6. Anxietyuk.org.uk
  7. Beyondblue.org.au [Beyond Blue, Australia]
  8. Bipolar Disorder
  9. Blackdoginstitute.org.au [Black Dog Institute, Australia]
  10. Boost Your Mood With Mind-Nourishing Food
  11. Can Massage Relieve Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress?
  12. Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants and How They Work
  13. Depression
  14. Depression
  15. Depression
  16. Depression
  17. Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  18. Depressive Disorder (Depression)
  19. Depression In Adults
  20. Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know
  21. Depression [+ Video: What Is Depression?]
  22. Depression – Multiply Languages
  23. Depressioncenter.org
  24. Diet and Mental Health
  25. Does Caffeine Make Depression Worse?
  26. Exercise for Depression
  27. Exercise for the Treatment of Depression
  28. Exercising Your Way Out of Depression
  29. Feeling Lonely
  30. Feeling Stuck? Brainspotting May Help
  31. Find Help: Finding Help Is the Key To Taking Charge and Moving Forward
  32. Finding A Mental Health Professional
  33. Getting Help [United Kingdom]
  34. Headstogether.org.uk [Heads Together, United Kingdom]
  35. Headtohealth.gov.au [Head To Health, Australia]
  36. Help From Health Professionals
  37. Help for Mental Illnesses [United States]
  38. How Can You Find Joy (or At Least Peace) During Difficult Times?
  39. How Do I Know If I Have A Mental Health Problem? [Video]
  40. How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health
  41. How To Cope With Empty Nest Syndrome
  42. How To Look After Your Mental Health
  43. How To Look After Your Mental Health Using Exercise
  44. How To Manage and Reduce Stress
  45. How To Sleep Better
  46. If You or Someone You Know Is In Crisis and Needs Immediate Help
  47. International Association for Premenstrual Disorders
  48. Is There A link Between Pain and Depression?
  49. Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression: When and Where Is It Safe?
  50. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!] [Other Languages and Formats]
  51. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  52. Mayo Clinic Minute: Prescribing Nature for Mental, Physical Health [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  53. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Countdown To Control Anxiety
  54. Mayo Clinic Q and A: How To Support A Loved One With Depression
  55. Menopause Mindfulness: Embracing the Change of My Midlife
  56. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Mindfulness & Wellbeing During the Menopause Transition
  57. Menopause and Mental Health
  58. Mental Health
  59. Mentalhealth.org.uk
  60. Mentalhealthatwork.org.uk [Mental Health At Work, United Kingdom]
  61. Mhanational.org [Mental Health America]
  62. Mind.org.uk
  63. Mindfulness
  64. Mindspot.org.au
  65. Moderate Exercise Linked To Lower Depression Risk
  66. Moodgym.com.au
  67. Mycompass.org.au
  68. Nami.org [NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness]
  69. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
  70. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  71. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  72. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Valerian
  73. National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
  74. Nervous Breakdown: What Does It Mean?
  75. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
  76. PMD Awareness Month [April 2025]
    Depression
  77. SAMHSA.org: Find Help & Support [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration]
  78. SAMe
  79. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  80. Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
  81. Self-Care Tips To Manage Mental Health and Wellness
  82. Talk With Your Doctor About Depression
  83. Top Tips To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
  84. Treatment-Resistant Depression: What We Know and How To Manage It
  85. Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor?
  86. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
  87. What Is Depression? Types of Depression
  88. What To Do When You Feel Depressed?
  89. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
  90. Why Depression In Women Is So Misunderstood

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know – 4. You Can Get Help for Depression. Revised: 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women Accessed: 31 March 2025
  2. Depression: What Is Depression? Last Reviewed: December 2024. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 31 March 2025
  3. Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know. Revised: 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women Accessed: 31 March 2025
  4. Nervous Breakdown: What Does It Mean? What Does It Mean To Have A Nervous Breakdown? 26 April 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/nervous-breakdown/faq-20057830 Accessed: 31 March 2025
  5. Bipolar Disorder: What Is Bipolar Disorder? Last Reviewed: December 2024. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder Accessed: 31 March 2025
  6. Depressive Disorder (Depression): Symptoms and Patterns. 31 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 31 March 2025
  7. Depression: What Are the Symptoms of Depression? Last Updated: 19 March 2025. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/depression.html Accessed: 31 March 2025
  8. Depressive Disorder (Depression): Contributing Factors and Prevention. 31 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 31 March 2025
  9. Depressive Disorder (Depression): Key Facts. 31 March 2023.  World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 31 March 2025
  10. What Is Depression? This Page Was Updated: 21 March 2025. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 31 March 2025
  11. Depression. Last Updated 18 February 2022. Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/depression Accessed: 31 March 2025
  12. What Is Depression? Types of Depression. This Page Was Updated: 21 March 2025. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 31 March 2025
  13. What Is Depression? Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Not the Same. This Page Was Updated: 21 March 2025. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 31 March 2025
  14. Mood and the Menopause. Content Updated: 09 February 2023. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/mood-and-the-menopause Accessed: 31 March 2025
  15. Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know – 4. You Can Get Help for Depression. Revised: 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women Accessed: 31 March 2025
  16. Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know – 4. You Can Get Help for Depression. Revised: 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women Accessed: 31 March 2025
  17. Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know – 1. Depression Is A Medical Condition. Revised: 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women Accessed: 31 March 2025
  18. Find A Mental Health Professional: What Are Mental Health Professional Services? Finding the Right Professional for You https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/find-a-mental-health-professional Accessed: 31 March 2025
Topic Last Updated: 06 April 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 31 March 2025

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