Depression

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 categorized 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 can symptoms of depression include?

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 5.7% 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 according to 2014 statistics quoted by the (United Kingdom) Mental Health Foundation in Depression:

“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

Depression and Anxiety

Is there an association between depression and anxiety?

In What Is Depression? Depression and Anxiety: What’s the Difference? the ADAA explain:

“Depression and anxiety are different conditions, but many people have both.

People with depression may also feel:

  • Nervous or tense
  • Irritable
  • Unable to sleep
  • Unable to focus

Having anxiety earlier in life can make depression more likely later, but one does not directly “cause” the other.12

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”.13

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”.14

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”.15

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”.16

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”.17

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

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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 (Major Depressive Disorder) [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  17. DepressionDepressive Disorder (Depression)
  18. Depression In Adults
  19. Depression In Women: 4 Things To Know
  20. Depression [+ Video: What Is Depression?]
  21. Depression – Multiply Languages
  22. Depressioncenter.org
  23. Diet and Mental Health
  24. Does Caffeine Make Depression Worse?
  25. Emerging Topics In Women’s Health: Minding the Depression Gap
  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. Hormones & Mental Health: What Every Woman Needs To Know | Live With Dr Louise Newson
  39. How Can You Find Joy (or At Least Peace) During Difficult Times?
  40. How Do I Know If I Have A Mental Health Problem? [Video]
  41. How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health
  42. How Do I Know If I Have A Mental Health Problem? [Video]
  43. How To Cope With Empty Nest Syndrome
  44. How To Look After Your Mental Health
  45. How To Look After Your Mental Health Using Exercise
  46. How To Manage and Reduce Stress
  47. How To Sleep Better
  48. If You or Someone You Know Is In Crisis and Needs Immediate Help
  49. International Association for Premenstrual Disorders
  50. Is There A link Between Pain and Depression?
  51. Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression: When and Where Is It Safe?
  52. 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]
  53. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  54. Mayo Clinic Minute: Prescribing Nature for Mental, Physical Health [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  55. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Countdown To Control Anxiety
  56. Mayo Clinic Q and A: How To Support A Loved One With Depression
  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]
    Depression
  77. PMS and PMDD: Live Q&A With Dr Louise Newson
  78. SAMHSA.org: Find Help & Support [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration]
  79. SAMe
  80. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  81. Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
  82. Self-Care Tips To Manage Mental Health and Wellness
  83. Talk With Your Doctor About Depression
  84. Top Tips To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
  85. Treatment-Resistant Depression: What We Know and How To Manage It
  86. Understanding Situational Depression
  87. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
  88. What Is Depression? Types of Depression
  89. What To Do When You Feel Depressed?
  90. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
  91. What Is High-Functioning Depression? Signs and Symptoms
  92. 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: 18 January 2026
  2. Depression: What Is Depression? Last Reviewed: December 2024. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 18 January 2026
  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: 18 January 2026
  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: 18 January 2026
  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: 18 January 2026
  6. Depressive Disorder (Depression): Symptoms and Patterns. 29 August 2025. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 18 January 2026
  7. Depression: What Are the Symptoms of Depression? Last Updated: 30 June 2025. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/depression.html Accessed: 18 January 2026
  8. Depressive Disorder (Depression): Contributing Factors and Prevention. 29 August 2025. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 18 January 2026
  9. Depressive Disorder (Depression): Key Facts. 29 August 2025.  World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 18 January 2026
  10. What Is Depression? This Page Was Updated: 22 December 2025. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 18 January 2026
  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? Depression and Anxiety: What’s the Difference? This Page Was Updated: 22 December 2025. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 18 January 2026
  13. 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: 18 January 2026
  14. 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: 18 January 2026
  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: 18 January 2026
  16. 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: 18 January 2026
  17. 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: 18 January 2026
Topic Last Updated: 18 January 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 18 January 2026

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