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Depression

    What's Your Depression IQ?

    The number of people suffering from depression has risen dramatically in recent years, but no two people experience this sometimes baffling condition in the same way. The good news is knowledge is power. Take our quiz to find out how much you already know -- and to learn more -- about depression.

     

    Test yourself

    Are You Depressed?

    Depression symptoms are as varied as the people who have them. One person may lose weight, another may pile on pounds. Men and women often show different signs of depression, and for some people depression can be as physically painful as it is emotionally draining. Loss of libido, drinking problems and a sudden loss of interest in everyday activites are just a few of the signs to watch out for. 

    Learn more signs of depression

    Top 5 Treatments for Depression

    There's nothing cookie-cutter about treating depression. For some people, popping a pill each day is enough to keep the blues away. Others find relief by talking things out with a therapist, making simple lifestyle changes or combining several strategies at once. Here's what you need to know about the most effective treatments for depression.

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    Talk It Over

    There are different types of psychotherapy, but the one that's most successful for the treatment of depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on helping a person with depression learn to change her thoughts and behavior to control her symptoms.

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    Consider Medication

    Depression medications have been around since 1958, when scientists discovered that a drug called imipramine helped people struggling with severe depression feel better. Since then the variety of medications for treating depression has expanded exponentially -- good news, since not everyone responds to each drug in the same way.

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    Work It Out

    Research has found that for some people with depression, regular exercise can relieve symptoms just as effectively as medication. One study found that all it takes is a half hour of heart-pumping aerobic activity three times a week to rival gulping down an antidepressant once a day.

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    Be Complementary

    Several alternative therapies -- from the herbal remedy St. John's wort to massage  -- have been touted for their antidepressant powers. It's great when an alternative treatment works. Just be sure that a doctor is overseeing you if you try one.

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    Get a Shock

    When severe depression doesn't get better with drugs or other treatments, doctors sometimes turn to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which involves sending electricity into the brain. In many ways, it's a last-resort treatment, but it can be very effective for people who don't feel better by taking medication or seeing a therapist.

    6 Ways to Beat Depression

    The good news about depression is often it's curable. The bad news? While you recover, depression can affect every aspect of your life. Here are some ways to deal with depression symptoms on a daily basis.

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    Eat Happy Meals

    Believe it or not, certain foods -- from complex carbs that boost the calming brain chemical serotonin to veggies rich in free-radical fighting antioxidants -- may help take the edge off depression.

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    Get a Little Closer . . .

    . . . to other people, that is. Even if you don't feel like socializing, spending time with friends and family -- even strangers (by volunteering, for example) -- can help ease depression.

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    Find a Furry Friend

    If you don't already have a pet, consider getting one. If you do, spend more time with it. Can't have a dog or cat in your home? Even a fish in a bowl can help drown out the blues.

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    Be Kneady

    A massage may seem like a luxury, but research has found that being touched (and touching others) can help to alleviate depression. Even if regular spa treatments are out of the question, regular rubdowns by a loved one can help.

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    Make a Little Love

    You read it right. Getting busy just might help give depression the boot. Even if you're not in the mood (which is likely), try giving love a chance. 

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    Put Your Mind to It

    Mindfulness is the practice of conscientiously being in the moment  -- focused on what you're experiencing at any given point in time and trying not to allow your thoughts to wander. It's been found to help people with depression.

    Who Is At Risk for Depression?

    Depression affects an estimated 1 in 10 U.S. adults. Women tend to be most depressed, especially those ages 45 to 65. People who are without health insurance, unemployed, previously married or have less than a high school education tend to be at risk, too.

    How depression affects men
    Do you have depression? Take the quiz

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    Onset of Depression

    Depression can affect people of all ages, but the average age of onset is 32. If you have symptoms of depression, talk to a qualified mental health specialiist to find the right treatment plan for you.

    Getting old, staying happy
    4 Ways to banish depression

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    Feeling SAD

    December through February is the peak time for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which affects 15% of Americans. The symptoms of SAD are similar to those of depression, such as sleep and/or appetite changes, mood changes, fatigue and difficulty sleeping. Learn how to fight SAD before it starts.

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    Managing Depression

    Depression affects men, women and children across the US. No matter where you live, a little home décor can actually help treat depression. Buying a houseplant or planting flowers in your windowsill can bring peace and relaxation. Take our quiz for more tips on how to manage depression.

    Top tips to de-stress
    3 Things your therapist wants you to know

    Don't Go It Alone

    If you're suffering from depression, you may just want to curl up in a corner and sleep the day away, but isolating yourself will likely make your symptoms worse. On the flip side, spending time with others often can help ease those symptoms. You can start by joining a support group, volunteering or connecting with others online. 

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         		1 in 10
    The number of adults in the U.S. who suffer
    from depression
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    View all 100 depression experts

    Depression Q&As

    John Preston, PsyD
    John Preston, PsyD
    Psychology
    		 Q

    What are the treatment options for depression?
    A

    First, an important issue: Severe depression can occur in the context of unipolar disorder or bipolar disorder. These disorders are very different. Treatments that are effective with unipolar depression often do not work with bipolar disorder, and . . .


    Read More
    Q What is depression? Q What are the symptoms of depression?
    Q How common is depression? Q How is depression diagnosed?
    Q How can depression be treated? Q What types of psychotherapy can help treat depression?
    Q What types of antidepressants are available? Q What are the side effects of antidepressants?
    Q Can exercise help relieve depression? Q Are there alternative treatments for depression?
    See all related Q&As

    Action Plans

    Depression can be overwhelming -- if you let it. Use our action plans to take control of your mental health.


    Boost Your Mood
    Stave Off Stress
    Adopt a Depression-Easing Diet
    Learn About Antidepressants

    Connect with an Expert

    Ramani Durvasula, PhD
    Ramani Durvasula, PhD
    Psychology
    California State University, Los Angeles
    Michael Craig Miller, MD
    Michael Craig Miller, MD
    Psychology
    Harvard Health Publications

    Find an expert in your area and schedule an appointment.

     

    What's Your RealAge?

    Find out how depression is affecting your RealAge and learn ways to grow younger.


    Take the RealAge Test

    Take the RealAge Test
    Are You Living with Depression?
    Don't Worry, Get Happy!

    Depression Videos

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    Good-Mood Food

    Good-Mood Food

    The Anti-Depression Diet

    Many of the ingredients in this easy dish contain nutrients that have been shown to help with depression -- including omega-3s in the fish and antioxidants in the veggies.


    Eat smart

    Move to Ease Your Mind

    Move to Ease Your Mind

    Walk Off the Blues

    Research shows that for many people with depression, exercise can be as effective as drugs for treating symptoms. Walking is a great place to start. It's easy to do, and if you take it . . . 


    Get moving

    Blog

    Life with Prozac: Accepting Depression Treatment
    By Natasha Tracy

    When I was first diagnosed with depression (and bipolar disorder), I had a lot of preconceived notions about what it was to be treated for a mental illness. First, I didn’t consider depression to be a real illness, so I was pretty suspicious of the fact that I had it. I was also very against the concept of medication. This isn't surprising, since I didn't buy into the whole idea of . . . 


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    Related Topics

    • Emotional Health • Stress
    • Living with Anxiety • Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
    • Personality Disorders • Phobias
    • Suicidal Behavior • Body Dysmorphic Disorder

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