“Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated.
The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is.
Depression is usually treated with medication…”.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 A-Z Topics: Categories – D. Depression the (United Kingdom) Mental Health Foundation’s (MHF) definition is:
In Depression: Overview the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) definition is:
To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks”.3
Sadness or Depression
Is sadness the same as depression?
In Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know the NIMH note:
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:
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: Overview the NIMH’s definition is:
Mild, Moderate or Severe
How can depression be categorised?
In Depression: Symptoms and Patterns the World Health Organization (WHO) explain:
Symptoms
What may be symptoms of depression?
In Depression: What Are the Symptoms of Depression? the NIMH explain:

- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
- Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling “slowed down”
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
- Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment
- Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts”.8
Cause
What may cause depression?
The WHO explain:
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”.9
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”.10
In the United States according to statistics quoted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) in What Is Depression? Did You Know?:
- 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.)”.11
In England in Depression, the MHF note:
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”.13
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:
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”.14
Menopause
Is there an association between menopause and depression?
On page one in Menopause and Depression: Recognizing Depressive Symptoms and Depression the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) explain:
“It is important to note that not all midlife women experience mood problems, but some women are more vulnerable than others to developing either depressive symptoms or an episode of clinical depression during the menopause transition, especially those women who have had depression previously”.15
Treatment
How can depression be treated?
In Depression: How Is Depression Treated? the NIMH elaborate on:
In Depression: How Is Depression Treated? the NIMH also include:
Online Resources, Programs, Apps and e-therapies
Are online depression online resources, programs, Apps and e-therapies available?
Depending on Your Country, depression online resources, programs, Apps and e-therapies may be available.
Your health care provider or local community health center may know of your Country’s recommended depression online resources, programs, Apps and e-therapies, similar to the (Australian) Department of Health’s Head To Health Search for Digital Mental Health Resources and the (Australian) MQ Health, Macquarie University’s mindspot.org.au: About Mindspot:

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: 5 Things You Should Know – 1. Depression Is A Real Medical Condition: Most People With Depression Need Treatment To Feel Better the NIMH explain:
“If you think you may have depression, start by making an appointment to see your health care provider. This could be your primary doctor or a health provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist). Certain medications, and some medical conditions, such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression. A health care provider can rule out these possibilities by doing a physical exam, interview, and lab tests. Your health care provider will examine you and talk to you about treatment options and next steps”.19
In Find A Mental Health Professional: What Are Mental Health Professional Services? Finding the Right Professional for You the (Australian) Beyondblue note:
In Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health remind us:
- Depression is common
- It is not a sign of weakness
- It is nothing to be ashamed about
- It can be treated”.21
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Depression
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
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
- Adaa.org [Anxiety and Depression Association of America]
- Alcohol and Stress
- Antidepressants
- Anxietyuk.org.uk
- As Winter Approaches, Seasonal Depression May Set In for Millions
- Beyondblue.org.au [Beyond Blue, Australia]
- Bipolar Disorder
- Blackdoginstitute.org.au [Black Dog Institute, Australia]
- Can Massage Relieve Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress?
- Clinical Depression
- Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants and How They Work
- Consumer Health: It’s Bad To Mix Antidepressants and Alcohol
- Consumer Health: Understanding Atypical Depression
- Consumer Health: Who Is At Risk for Seasonal Affective Disorder?
- Depression
- Depression
- Depression
- Depression
- Depression
- Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) [+ Video]
- Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
- Depression In Women: Understanding the Gender Gap
- Depression
- Depression [+ Video: What Is Depression?]
- Depression – Multiply Languages
- Depression, Anxiety & Illness
- Depressioncenter.org
- Diet and Mental Health
- Does Caffeine Make Depression Worse?
- Exercise for Depression
- Facebook Live Event: The Menopause Transition and Depression
- Factors Affecting Women
- Find Help: Finding Help Is the Key To Taking Charge and Moving Forward
- Finding A Mental Health Professional
- Getting Help [United Kingdom]
- Good-Mood Food: Joining the Dots Between What We Eat & Mental Wellbeing
- Grief & Loss
- Headstogether.org.uk [Heads Together, United Kingdom]
- Headtohealth.gov.au [Head To Health, Australia]
- Help From Health Professionals
- Help for Mental Illnesses [United States]
- Home Remedies: Can Fish Oil Supplements Treat Depression?
- How Can You Find Joy (or At Least Peace) During Difficult Times?
- How To Look After Your Mental Health
- How To Look After Your Mental Health Using Exercise
- How To Sleep Better
- I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E17: Are Anxiety & Depression Destroying Your Life?
- If You or Someone You Know Is In Crisis and Needs Immediate Help
- Is There A link Between Pain and Depression?
- Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression: When and Where Is It Safe?
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
- Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex (LGBTI), and Bodily, Gender and Sexuality Diverse People
- Let’s Talk About Menopause | Aware Webinar
- Live and Thrive: Living and Thriving With Anxiety or Depression Means Conquering Your Symptoms
- Maintaining Your Mental Health During Challenging Times [+ Video]
- Managing Weight Gain From Psychiatric Medications
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Prescribing Nature for Mental, Physical Health [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: How To Support A Loved One With Depression
- Menopause Mindfulness: Embracing the Change of My Midlife
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Mindfulness & Wellbeing During the Menopause Transition
- Menopause and Depression
- Menopause and Depression: Is There A Link?
- Menopause and Mental Health
- Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
- Mental Health
- Mentalhealth.org.uk
- Mentalhealthatwork.org.uk [Mental Health At Work, United Kingdom]
- Mhanational.org [Mental Health America]
- Mind.org.uk
- Mindfulness
- Mindspot.org.au
- Moodgym.com.au
- Multicultural People
- Mycompass.org.au
- Nami.org [NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort and Depression: In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Valerian
- National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
- Nervous Breakdown: What Does It Mean?
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
- Reducing Stress: Potential Stress Triggers
- SAMHSA.org: Find Help & Treatment [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration]
- SAMe
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-Care Tips To Manage Mental Health and Wellness
- Take Action Before the Blues Take Over
- Taking Care of Your Mental Health
- Talk With Your Doctor About Depression
- Treatment-Resistant Depression: What We Know and How To Manage It
- Treatments for Depression
- Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor?
- Understand the Facts: Understanding the Facts of Anxiety Disorders and Depression Is the First Step
- Video Series-2022: Wellness: What Is It?
- Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
- What Are the Real Risks of Antidepressants?
- What Is Depression?
- What Is PMDD?
- Why Depression In Women Is So Misunderstood
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Depression: Treatment and Therapies. Last Reviewed: April 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145399 Accessed: 28 April 2023
- A-Z Topics: Categories – D. Depression. Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics Accessed: 28 April 2023
- Depression: Overview. Last Reviewed: September 2022. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
- Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know. Revised: 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women-tr-16-4779/index.shtml Accessed: 28 April 2023
- 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: 28 April 2023
- Bipolar Disorder: Overview. Last Reviewed: February 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml#part_145402 Accessed: 28 April 2023
- Depression: Symptoms and Patterns. 31 March 2023 World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
- Depression: Signs and Symptoms. Last Reviewed: April 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
- Depression: Contributing Factors and Prevention. 31 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
- Depression: Key Facts. 31 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
- What Are Anxiety and Depression: What Is Depression? This Page Was Updated: 18 January 2023. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
- Depression. Last Updated 18 February 2022. Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
- What Are Anxiety and Depression: What Is Depression? Types of Depression. This Page Was Updated: 18 January 2023. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
- What Are Anxiety and Depression: What Is Depression? Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Not the Same. This Page Was Updated: 18 January 2023. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
- Menopause and Depression: Depressive and Menopause Symptoms. 2018: 1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/menonote-menopause-and-depression.pdf Accessed: 28 April 2023
- Depression: How Is Depression Treated? Last Reviewed: April 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
- Depression: How Is Depression Treated? Last Reviewed: April 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
- MindSpot: Who We Are. MQ Health, Macquarie University https://mindspot.org.au/ Accessed: 28 April 2023
- Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 1. Depression Is A Real Medical Condition: Most People With Depression Need Treatment To Feel Better. Revised: 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women/index.shtml#pub1 Accessed: 28 April 2023
- 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: 28 April 2023
- Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help – Remember. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 March 2014. Jean Hailes https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023