Depression (major depressive disorder) is a mental health condition that results in persistent emptiness, sadness, and an inability to experience pleasure. Such symptoms may appear without any clear reason. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability across the world. In the United States, it results in nearly 40,000 suicides annually. ¹

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Key Highlights

• What it is – Depression is a mood disorder marked by persistent sadness, emptiness, and an inability to experience pleasure, and it is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

• Types and causes – It takes several forms, including major, postpartum, and seasonal depression, and is typically triggered by a mix of genetics, brain changes, trauma, and other factors.

• Treatment – Depression can’t be cured, but support, psychotherapy, and medication can manage it. Continuing treatment after symptoms fade helps prevent relapse.

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Table of Contents

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Depression Defined

Depression is a mood disorder that induces feelings of sadness, emptiness, and the absence of joy. Its characteristics differ from the mood fluctuations most people experience. ² It can be triggered by major life events, such as the loss of a loved one or job, but it will persist despite changes in your circumstances.

The most common type, major depressive disorder, consists of episodes with symptoms lasting at least two weeks. ³ Most people experience depression as a chronic illness that relapses when it appears to get better.

Is depression curable? No, depression cannot be cured, but treatment allows you to manage symptoms. The sooner it’s treated, the better your chance at remission. About half of patients will experience relapse after their first episode, so it’s important to continue treatment even after symptoms go away. ⁴

Signs and Symptoms

Depression is diagnosable when you experience five or more of the following over two weeks: ⁵

• Continual depressed mood
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Fatigue (decreased energy)
• Fluctuations in appetite and body weight
• Loss of interest (or pleasure) in activities you once enjoyed
• Oversleeping or difficulty with sleep (i.e. insomnia)
• Slow and agitated movements
• Suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts)

The condition may also cause chronic pain, digestive issues, headaches, irritability, and restlessness. ⁶

Types of Depression

• Major Depression – A continual state of sadness, with lost interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed.

• Persistent Depressive Disorder – Also called dysthymia, symptoms last for more than two years. ⁷

• Postpartum Depression – Occurs after giving birth and can leave a woman feeling sadness and intensified emotions. ⁸ It can also occur in men due to the major life changes of having a child.

• Psychotic Depression – Depressive episodes along with a loss of touch with reality, which may include delusions or hallucinations. ⁹

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Depressive symptoms tied to a specific time of year, most often fall and winter when there is less sunlight. ¹⁰

What Causes Depression?

Researchers still don’t fully understand the causes of depression, and multiple factors often intertwine to trigger symptoms. These include: ¹¹

• Changes in the brain
• Environmental factors (i.e., exposure to trauma)
• Genetics
• Other conditions, such as bipolar disorder
• Psychological and social factors

Depression is almost twice as common in women as in men, though this may partly reflect that women are more likely to report and seek treatment. ¹² Men are less likely to be diagnosed, yet more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs, display anger, and die by suicide. ¹³

Treatment

While depression is treatable, your treatment route depends on the type you struggle with. There are three components: ¹⁴

• Support – From healthcare facilities to personal networks (i.e., family members).

• Psychotherapy – Usually the first option. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you identify and reduce destructive thoughts and behaviors, ¹⁵ while interpersonal therapy focuses on emotional issues tied to relationships and communication. ¹⁶

• Medication – Most commonly antidepressants, which should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. They can take time to work, and stopping when symptoms improve may lead to relapse. Antidepressant use can also lead to an increase in suicidal ideation, so talk to your healthcare provider immediately if this occurs. ¹⁷

Most mental health professionals agree psychotherapy is most efficient when paired with medication.

Natural Remedies

If you have mild to moderate depression, you may be interested in using natural alternatives. Keep in mind that the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t approve any herbal remedies. Therefore, some may not be safe to use.

A 2018 review revealed certain natural remedies helped improve depressive symptoms in 45% of participants. Furthermore, these participants experienced fewer side effects than traditional antidepressants. ¹⁸

The most popular include:

• Chamomile
• Ginseng
• Lavender
• St. John’s wort

We recommend consulting a doctor before using natural remedies to treat depression. Some may interfere with prescription drugs or make your depressive symptoms worse.

Lifestyle Changes

One of the best ways to combat and prevent depression is through lifestyle changes. The most popular of these are exercise and diet.

A 2019 study revealed that sugary and processed foods led to mental health effects in young adults. As such, foods that help to reduce depression symptoms include: ¹⁹

• Fish
• Fruit
• Olive oil
• Vegetables

When a diet is combined with exercise, you can help increase endorphin levels and stimulate neurotransmitters. A 2019 paper showed that exercise was effective in treatment-resistant depression. ²⁰

Final Word

Depression is a serious but treatable condition. While it can’t be cured, early treatment and consistent follow-through can help you manage symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.

Because depression often returns even after symptoms improve, it’s important to stick with your treatment plan, whether that involves therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Support from family and friends, along with healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise and a balanced diet, can also make a meaningful difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) in the United States to get immediate support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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² Chand SP, Arif H. Depression. 2023 Jul 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 28613597.

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