Depression (Unipolar)

Whole-Person Education for Healthier Minds & Healthier Bodies

Understanding Depression

What Is Depression?

Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is more than feeling sad or having a bad day. It is a medical condition that affects the brain, emotions, thoughts, sleep, energy, appetite, relationships, and the ability to enjoy life. Like diabetes or high blood pressure, depression is a health condition—not a personal weakness—and effective treatment is available.

DSM-5 Criteria

Healthcare providers diagnose depression when symptoms are present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, interfere with work, school, relationships, or daily life, and are not caused by another medical condition or substance. Generally, five or more symptoms are present, including either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure.

·         Persistent sadness, emptiness, or irritability

·         Loss of interest or enjoyment

·         Changes in sleep

·         Changes in appetite or weight

·         Fatigue or low energy

·         Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

·         Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

·         Moving slower than usual or feeling restless

·         Thoughts of death or suicide

Common Signs & Symptoms

·         Crying more often than usual

·         Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless

·         Withdrawing from family and friends

·         Low motivation

·         Difficulty completing daily tasks

·         Physical aches, headaches, or stomach problems

·         Loss of sex drive

·         Increased use of alcohol or drugs to cope

How Depression Can Look Different

Children & Teens

·         Irritability or frequent anger instead of sadness

·         Behavior problems or declining grades

·         Frequent headaches or stomachaches

·         Social withdrawal or loss of interest in activities

·         Changes in sleep or appetite

Women

·         Sadness, anxiety, guilt, or excessive worry

·         Symptoms may worsen during pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, or menopause

·         More likely to seek help and describe emotional symptoms

Men

·         Irritability, anger, frustration, or aggression

·         Working excessively or isolating from loved ones

·         Risk-taking behaviors

·         Alcohol or substance misuse

·         May be less likely to talk about feeling depressed

Common Medication Classifications

Your healthcare provider will choose treatment based on your symptoms, medical history, and personal goals. Medication classes may include:

·         Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

·         Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

·         Atypical antidepressants

·         Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

·         Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) for select patients

These medications help balance brain chemicals involved in mood. Most require several weeks to reach full benefit and should only be started, adjusted, or stopped under medical supervision.

Common Therapies & Why They Help

·         Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and replace unhelpful thinking patterns with healthier ones.

·         Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Improves communication, relationships, and life transitions that may contribute to depression.

·         Behavioral Activation: Encourages meaningful activities that improve mood and reduce isolation.

·         Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): Builds psychological flexibility and helps people live according to their values despite difficult emotions.

·         Supportive Therapy: Provides education, encouragement, problem-solving, and coping skills.

Research shows that many people experience the greatest improvement when therapy is combined with healthy lifestyle habits and, when appropriate, medication.

When Should You Seek Help?

If symptoms last longer than two weeks, interfere with your daily life, or you have thoughts of harming yourself, seek professional help immediately.

Call 911 or 988 in an emergency or mental health crisis.

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This handout is for educational general awareness purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.