🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 172 (from laksa025)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa172.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/signs-of-depression\/","crawl_time":1776584656,"first_indexed_time":1660727695,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,nationaldepressionhotline!\/signs-of-depression\/ s443","src_root_hash":"2936656133650053972","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Top 5 Signs of Depression | NationalDepressionHotline.org","meta_descriptions":["Suffering from depression can prevent you from being able to engage in everyday life. Learn more about the top 5 signs of depression and how to treat them."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"What You Need to Know About Depression\nLife can be hard for all of us. Things just go wrong sometimes, and they can leave us feeling bad. The important thing to know is that this is completely normal for everyone and that the feeling will likely pass. For a number of people, though, these feelings do not pass, and they might not even seem like they are tied to an obvious occurrence. This is called depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, and it can have a major impact on your life.\nSuffering from depression can prevent you from being able to engage in everyday life as well as deeply affect how you think and feel. It can change sleeping habits and how you eat. When unmanaged, depression can even lead to substance use disorder and thoughts of ending your life. It is an illness that can affect anyone. Thankfully, there is help available.\nHow to Recognize Depression\nIn order to make a\ndepression diagnosis\n, five symptoms of depression must be exhibited daily for a period of roughly two weeks. Common signs of depression include:\nPersistent sadness\nOngoing anxiety\nA feeling of emptiness\nFeelings of hopelessness\nA lack of self-worth\nNonstop feelings of guilt\nA feeling of helplessness\nLack of interest in activities or hobbies that typically give one pleasure\nFatigue or a dramatic loss of energy\nInability to concentrate or remember things\nInability to make decisions\nChange in sleeping habits\nA reversal in appetite or a change in weight\nAilments without a clear physical cause that do not respond to treatment\nThoughts of death or suicide\nDepression Does Not Look the Same in Everyone\nAge is a big determining factor in how depression can look different from person to person. Older adults may report a lack of emotion or may show signs of sadness or grief that do not immediately read as depression. They are also more likely to have underlying pain or medical conditions that could be contributing factors to their depression. With adults in middle age, it is common to see gastrointestinal issues, decreased libido, and insomnia.\nIn younger adults, depression can combine with other disorders. Some examples would be substance use disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. They are also more likely to have an overall negative view of life. In older children and teens, excessive sleeping and eating are common. Also common for older children and teens are other disorders such as eating disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorder. Older children and teens are more likely to get into trouble at school. Young children with depression may regularly pretend to be sick, try to get out of going to school, become clingy to a parent, or regularly worry that they will die.\nWays to Help a Loved One With Depression\nWhen a loved one or friend is depressed, it is easy to feel helpless. However, there are things that you can do.\nHelp them to see a medical professional\nLet them know that the depression will ease if they are willing to receive treatment and give it some time\nHelp them to maintain their plan for treatment\nHelp them get to their therapy appointments\nInclude them in uplifting activities such as walks, hikes, and outings\nBe patient with them and offer understanding as well as encouragement\nHow to Help Yourself When You Are Depressed\nIt is hard when you are depressed to get even the most basic life tasks accomplished. First and foremost, you need to be willing to accept and receive help. Once you are receiving treatment for your depression, here are some other things you can do as you begin to feel better over time:\nGo easy on yourself\nEat regular and healthy meals\nTry to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity\nDo what you can as you are able\nPrioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait\nKeep connections with other people\nShare your feelings with those whom you trust\nDo not make important life decisions until you feel more like yourself\nAvoid the use of drugs and alcohol, including prescription meds that haven’t been prescribed to you\nAre There Different Kinds Of Depression?\nThere are actually a number of different forms of depression. Two common forms of depression are\nmajor depression and persistent depressive disorder\n. With major depression, you have the symptoms of depression for the bulk of two weeks, interfering with your normal life. Persistent depressive disorder can have milder versions of the symptoms, but the time frame is longer. Two years is typical for this kind of depression.\nDepression is common during or after pregnancy. The type of depression during pregnancy is called\nperinatal depression\n, while the type of major depression one experiences after giving birth is known as postpartum depression.\nThe time of year can actually be a factor in depression.\nSeasonal affective disorder\nis a type of depression that can come and go with the seasons. Typically, this type of depression begins in the late fall or early winter and dissipates once spring and summer come around.\nAn extremely severe type of depression that is accompanied by symptoms of psychosis is also possible. With this type of depression, you may also experience hallucinations and\/or delusions.\nDepression and Substance Abuse\nDepression and substance abuse regularly go hand-in-hand. In a published study, a\nstaggering 93%\nof a studied group expressed different levels of depression that accompanied substance use.\nDealing with depression or substance abuse is not easy. It can be even more difficult if you are struggling with both. When there is a mental health problem that is not being treated, a substance use issue is liable to get worse. In turn, when substance use increases, depression is likely to increase as well. Together, this can be especially dangerous as someone who is depressed and is also suffering from substance use disorder is more likely to\noverdose\n.\nDepression is also a\nsymptom of withdrawal\n. Acute withdrawal symptoms can occur in the early days and weeks following cessation of substance use. If you are dealing with withdrawal symptoms, it is important to have professional help with your detoxification. Having help with your mental health during this time is also imperative to managing symptoms like depression.\nDepression Treatment Options\nDepression treatment most often involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Should these options not show a reduction in symptoms, brain stimulation therapy is sometimes administered. When a case of depression is mild, the treatment often focuses on psychotherapy with medication following should the client not improve. With more moderate to severe cases of depression, both medication and psychotherapy are employed in tandem at the onset.\nMedication\nIt is important to give medication an opportunity to have a positive effect on depression, and that can take some time. Antidepressants can take\none to six weeks\nto have an effect on mood. Other depression symptoms may be affected beneficially before moods, such as appetite, sleeping habits, and focus.\nEsketamine\nis a medication option for clients who have treatment-resistant depression. It is delivered nasally by a medical professional and its effects act rapidly to treat depression. The client then typically continues taking medication orally to maintain the abatement of depression symptoms.\nIt is worth noting that there are no natural products that have been approved by the FDA to treat the symptoms of depression. That being said, some clients have reported finding benefits in Vitamin D or St. John’s Wort in the alleviation of their symptoms of depression. Another natural option that is not approved by the FDA is\nSAMe\n. This is a synthetic version of a chemical that naturally occurs within the body. It should be noted that not enough studies have been conducted to determine how effective it actually is in treating depression, and it can have side effects for people with bipolar disorder. These types of supplements should be approved by a medical professional and should not be seen as a substitute for antidepressants.\nPsychotherapy\nPsychotherapy is used to teach clients to change the habits that factor into their depression as well as to find new ways of thinking. Therapy can be part of a group or one-on-one. In both situations, it is led by a licensed and trained mental health professional. Two common types of psychotherapy to treat depression are\ncognitive behavioral therapy\nand\ninterpersonal therapy\n.\nBrain Stimulation Therapy\nAnother option for the treatment of depression is brain stimulation therapy. This form of therapy is most commonly utilized when other treatments have been unsuccessful. Brain stimulation therapy involves magnetic waves or electricity stimulating the brain.\nGetting Help for Depression and Substance Use\nWhether you are battling depression, substance use, or both, it is vital that you know that you are not alone and that there is help available for you. It may not feel like it now, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The first step toward a better tomorrow is being able to recognize that there is a problem and that you need assistance.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/signs-of-depression\/#content \"Skip to content\")\n\n- [You’re Not Alone. Help Starts Here](tel:866-629-4564)\n\n[![](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/logo-new.png)](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/)\n\nCall Us For Help\n\n\\+1-866-629-4564\n\n- [What is Depression](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/signs-of-depression\/)\n  - [What Does Depression Mean?](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/what-does-it-mean-to-be-depressed\/)\n  - [Depression Symptoms](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-symptoms\/)\n  - [Major Signs of Depression](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/signs-of-depression\/)\n  - [How Depression Affects Relationships](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/how-depression-affects-relationships\/)\n  - [How Depression Affects the Brain](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/how-depression-affects-the-brain\/)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/about-us\/)\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/signs-of-depression\/)\n  - [How to Treat Depression](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/what-are-the-most-effective-ways-to-treat-depression\/)\n  - [Depression Medications](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-medications\/)\n- [Resources](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/signs-of-depression\/)\n  - [Depression and Addiction](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-and-addiction\/)\n  - [Depression and Anxiety](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-and-anxiety\/)\n  - [Depression and Work](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-and-work\/)\n  - [Depression Statistics](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-statistics-in-the-us\/)\n- [Support Groups](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/signs-of-depression\/)\n  - [NAMI](https:\/\/nami.org\/)\n  - [Mental Health America](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/)\n  - [National Suicide Prevention Hotline](https:\/\/suicidepreventionlifeline.org\/)\n    - [Richmond County](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/suicide-prevention-hotline-richmond-county\/)\n    - [Queens County](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/suicide-prevention-hotline-queens-county\/)\n    - [New York](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/suicide-prevention-hotline-new-york\/)\n    - [Nassau County](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/suicide-prevention-hotline-nassau-county\/)\n    - [Kings County](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/suicide-prevention-hotline-kings-county\/)\n- [Blog](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/blog\/)\n\n- [What is Depression](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/signs-of-depression\/)\n  - [What Does Depression Mean?](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/what-does-it-mean-to-be-depressed\/)\n  - [Depression Symptoms](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-symptoms\/)\n  - [Major Signs of Depression](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/signs-of-depression\/)\n  - [How Depression Affects Relationships](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/how-depression-affects-relationships\/)\n  - [How Depression Affects the Brain](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/how-depression-affects-the-brain\/)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/about-us\/)\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/signs-of-depression\/)\n  - [How to Treat Depression](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/what-are-the-most-effective-ways-to-treat-depression\/)\n  - [Depression Medications](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-medications\/)\n- [Resources](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/signs-of-depression\/)\n  - [Depression and Addiction](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-and-addiction\/)\n  - [Depression and Anxiety](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-and-anxiety\/)\n  - [Depression and Work](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-and-work\/)\n  - [Depression Statistics](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-statistics-in-the-us\/)\n- [Support Groups](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/signs-of-depression\/)\n  - [NAMI](https:\/\/nami.org\/)\n  - [Mental Health America](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/)\n  - [National Suicide Prevention Hotline](https:\/\/suicidepreventionlifeline.org\/)\n    - [Richmond County](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/suicide-prevention-hotline-richmond-county\/)\n    - [Queens County](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/suicide-prevention-hotline-queens-county\/)\n    - [New York](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/suicide-prevention-hotline-new-york\/)\n    - [Nassau County](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/suicide-prevention-hotline-nassau-county\/)\n    - [Kings County](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/suicide-prevention-hotline-kings-county\/)\n- [Blog](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/blog\/)\n\n[Get Started Now](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/contact-us\/)\n\n# Major Signs of Depression\n- Reviewed by Dr Courtney Scott\n\n[(866) 629-4564](tel:+18666294564)\n\n## What You Need to Know About Depression\nLife can be hard for all of us. Things just go wrong sometimes, and they can leave us feeling bad. The important thing to know is that this is completely normal for everyone and that the feeling will likely pass. For a number of people, though, these feelings do not pass, and they might not even seem like they are tied to an obvious occurrence. This is called depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, and it can have a major impact on your life.\n\nSuffering from depression can prevent you from being able to engage in everyday life as well as deeply affect how you think and feel. It can change sleeping habits and how you eat. When unmanaged, depression can even lead to substance use disorder and thoughts of ending your life. It is an illness that can affect anyone. Thankfully, there is help available.\n\n## How to Recognize Depression\nIn order to make a [depression diagnosis](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/depression), five symptoms of depression must be exhibited daily for a period of roughly two weeks. Common signs of depression include:\n\n- Persistent sadness\n- Ongoing anxiety\n- A feeling of emptiness\n- Feelings of hopelessness\n- A lack of self-worth\n- Nonstop feelings of guilt\n- A feeling of helplessness\n- Lack of interest in activities or hobbies that typically give one pleasure\n- Fatigue or a dramatic loss of energy\n- Inability to concentrate or remember things\n- Inability to make decisions\n- Change in sleeping habits\n- A reversal in appetite or a change in weight\n- Ailments without a clear physical cause that do not respond to treatment\n- Thoughts of death or suicide\n## Depression Does Not Look the Same in Everyone\nAge is a big determining factor in how depression can look different from person to person. Older adults may report a lack of emotion or may show signs of sadness or grief that do not immediately read as depression. They are also more likely to have underlying pain or medical conditions that could be contributing factors to their depression. With adults in middle age, it is common to see gastrointestinal issues, decreased libido, and insomnia.\n\nIn younger adults, depression can combine with other disorders. Some examples would be substance use disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. They are also more likely to have an overall negative view of life. In older children and teens, excessive sleeping and eating are common. Also common for older children and teens are other disorders such as eating disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorder. Older children and teens are more likely to get into trouble at school. Young children with depression may regularly pretend to be sick, try to get out of going to school, become clingy to a parent, or regularly worry that they will die.\n\n## Ways to Help a Loved One With Depression\nWhen a loved one or friend is depressed, it is easy to feel helpless. However, there are things that you can do.\n\n- Help them to see a medical professional\n- Let them know that the depression will ease if they are willing to receive treatment and give it some time\n- Help them to maintain their plan for treatment\n- Help them get to their therapy appointments\n- Include them in uplifting activities such as walks, hikes, and outings\n- Be patient with them and offer understanding as well as encouragement\n## How to Help Yourself When You Are Depressed\nIt is hard when you are depressed to get even the most basic life tasks accomplished. First and foremost, you need to be willing to accept and receive help. Once you are receiving treatment for your depression, here are some other things you can do as you begin to feel better over time:\n\n- Go easy on yourself\n- Eat regular and healthy meals\n- Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity\n- Do what you can as you are able\n- Prioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait\n- Keep connections with other people\n- Share your feelings with those whom you trust\n- Do not make important life decisions until you feel more like yourself\n- Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol, including prescription meds that haven’t been prescribed to you\n## Are There Different Kinds Of Depression?\nThere are actually a number of different forms of depression. Two common forms of depression are [major depression and persistent depressive disorder](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/major-depressive-disorder-vs-persistent-depressive-disorder). With major depression, you have the symptoms of depression for the bulk of two weeks, interfering with your normal life. Persistent depressive disorder can have milder versions of the symptoms, but the time frame is longer. Two years is typical for this kind of depression.\n\nDepression is common during or after pregnancy. The type of depression during pregnancy is called [perinatal depression](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/perinatal-depression), while the type of major depression one experiences after giving birth is known as postpartum depression.\n\nThe time of year can actually be a factor in depression. [Seasonal affective disorder](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/seasonal-affective-disorder\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20364651) is a type of depression that can come and go with the seasons. Typically, this type of depression begins in the late fall or early winter and dissipates once spring and summer come around.\n\nAn extremely severe type of depression that is accompanied by symptoms of psychosis is also possible. With this type of depression, you may also experience hallucinations and\/or delusions.\n\n## Depression and Substance Abuse\nDepression and substance abuse regularly go hand-in-hand. In a published study, a [staggering 93%](https:\/\/mecp.springeropen.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s43045-020-00029-w) of a studied group expressed different levels of depression that accompanied substance use.\n\nDealing with depression or substance abuse is not easy. It can be even more difficult if you are struggling with both. When there is a mental health problem that is not being treated, a substance use issue is liable to get worse. In turn, when substance use increases, depression is likely to increase as well. Together, this can be especially dangerous as someone who is depressed and is also suffering from substance use disorder is more likely to [overdose](https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/research\/researchatpurdue\/new-study-shows-strong-link-between-depression-and-opioid-related-deaths\/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CFor%20every%20additional%201%20percent,University,%20who%20led%20the%20study.).\n\nDepression is also a [symptom of withdrawal](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/drug-addiction\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20365112). Acute withdrawal symptoms can occur in the early days and weeks following cessation of substance use. If you are dealing with withdrawal symptoms, it is important to have professional help with your detoxification. Having help with your mental health during this time is also imperative to managing symptoms like depression.\n\n## Depression Treatment Options\nDepression treatment most often involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Should these options not show a reduction in symptoms, brain stimulation therapy is sometimes administered. When a case of depression is mild, the treatment often focuses on psychotherapy with medication following should the client not improve. With more moderate to severe cases of depression, both medication and psychotherapy are employed in tandem at the onset.\n\n### Medication\nIt is important to give medication an opportunity to have a positive effect on depression, and that can take some time. Antidepressants can take [one to six weeks](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-long-does-it-take-for-antidepressants-to-work-2584277) to have an effect on mood. Other depression symptoms may be affected beneficially before moods, such as appetite, sleeping habits, and focus. [Esketamine](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/treatment-tests-and-therapies\/esketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression) is a medication option for clients who have treatment-resistant depression. It is delivered nasally by a medical professional and its effects act rapidly to treat depression. The client then typically continues taking medication orally to maintain the abatement of depression symptoms.\n\nIt is worth noting that there are no natural products that have been approved by the FDA to treat the symptoms of depression. That being said, some clients have reported finding benefits in Vitamin D or St. John’s Wort in the alleviation of their symptoms of depression. Another natural option that is not approved by the FDA is [SAMe](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/depression\/expert-answers\/natural-remedies-for-depression\/faq-20058026). This is a synthetic version of a chemical that naturally occurs within the body. It should be noted that not enough studies have been conducted to determine how effective it actually is in treating depression, and it can have side effects for people with bipolar disorder. These types of supplements should be approved by a medical professional and should not be seen as a substitute for antidepressants.\n\n### Psychotherapy\nPsychotherapy is used to teach clients to change the habits that factor into their depression as well as to find new ways of thinking. Therapy can be part of a group or one-on-one. In both situations, it is led by a licensed and trained mental health professional. Two common types of psychotherapy to treat depression are [cognitive behavioral therapy](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/treatment-tests-and-therapies\/esketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression) and [interpersonal therapy](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1414693\/).\n\n### Brain Stimulation Therapy\nAnother option for the treatment of depression is brain stimulation therapy. This form of therapy is most commonly utilized when other treatments have been unsuccessful. Brain stimulation therapy involves magnetic waves or electricity stimulating the brain.\n\n## Getting Help for Depression and Substance Use\nWhether you are battling depression, substance use, or both, it is vital that you know that you are not alone and that there is help available for you. It may not feel like it now, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The first step toward a better tomorrow is being able to recognize that there is a problem and that you need assistance.\n\nShare\n\n### Medically Reviewed By:\n[![IMG\\_6936](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/IMG_6936-ris7xgqs2vi7ntmc1s31kbfuwgbuwalr2oq80tfs08.jpg)](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/about-us\/)\n\n### [Dr Courtney Scott, MD](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/about-us\/)\nDr. Scott is a distinguished physician recognized for his contributions to psychology, internal medicine, and addiction treatment. He has received numerous accolades, including the AFAM\/LMKU Kenneth Award for Scholarly Achievements in Psychology and multiple honors from the Keck School of Medicine at USC. His research has earned recognition from institutions such as the African American A-HeFT, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and studies focused on pediatric leukemia outcomes. Board-eligible in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Scott has over a decade of experience in behavioral health. He leads medical teams with a focus on excellence in care and has authored several publications on addiction and mental health. Deeply committed to his patients’ long-term recovery, Dr. Scott continues to advance the field through research, education, and advocacy.\n\n[Linkedin](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/uscmd05\/)\n\n[![topiramate and mood effects](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201344%20768'%3E%3C\/svg%3E) ![topiramate and mood effects](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/a8430364-6904-4bc0-adc5-fff712bacb05.jpg)](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/does-topiramate-cause-depression\/)\n\n#### [Does Topiramate Cause Depression? Mood Changes and Risks Explained](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/does-topiramate-cause-depression\/)\n[Read More »](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/does-topiramate-cause-depression\/)\n\n[![phentermine and depression risk](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201344%20768'%3E%3C\/svg%3E) ![phentermine and depression risk](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/e4aa8bcd-2c6f-4ae7-a5aa-878c09e576b2.jpg)](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/does-phentermine-cause-depression\/)\n\n#### [Does Phentermine Cause Depression? Understanding Its Mental Impact](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/does-phentermine-cause-depression\/)\n[Read More »](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/does-phentermine-cause-depression\/)\n\n[![phentermine anxiety stimulant effects](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201344%20768'%3E%3C\/svg%3E) ![phentermine anxiety stimulant effects](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/7a6882fa-9f64-449b-9f29-57b8126463e5.jpg)](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/does-phentermine-increase-anxiety\/)\n\n#### [Does Phentermine Increase Anxiety? Understanding Its Stimulant Effects](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/does-phentermine-increase-anxiety\/)\n[Read More »](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/does-phentermine-increase-anxiety\/)\n\n[![ibuprofen pain relief vs mood](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201344%20768'%3E%3C\/svg%3E) ![ibuprofen pain relief vs mood](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1d285475-be91-49d8-9267-84233ac4cbf9.jpg)](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/will-ibuprofen-help-with-anxiety\/)\n\n#### [Will Ibuprofen Help With Anxiety? Pain Relief vs. Mood Effects](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/will-ibuprofen-help-with-anxiety\/)\n[Read More »](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/will-ibuprofen-help-with-anxiety\/)\n\n[![anxiety medication ibuprofen interactions](data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201344%20768'%3E%3C\/svg%3E) ![anxiety medication ibuprofen interactions](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1d98d045-aeaf-499c-9672-9b41021706a2.jpg)](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/what-anxiety-medications-should-not-be-taken-with-ibuprofen\/)\n\n#### [What Anxiety Medications Should Not Be Taken With Ibuprofen?](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/what-anxiety-medications-should-not-be-taken-with-ibuprofen\/)\n[Read More »](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/what-anxiety-medications-should-not-be-taken-with-ibuprofen\/)\n\n### Signs of Depression\nWhat You Need to Know About The Signs of Depression\n\n[Read More](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/signs-of-depression\/)\n### Reach Out Today\\!\n\n## When You Need Crisis Support - Our Depression Crisis Hotline Is Here\nExperiencing a mental health crisis can feel overwhelming and scary. Whether you’re having thoughts of self-harm, feeling unable to cope, or just need someone to talk to right now, immediate help is available.\n\nOur **crisis hotline** provides free emergency mental health support 24\/7. Call our n**ational depression hotline** to speak with trained therapists who specialize in crisis intervention and **depression treatment**.\n\n[GET HELP NOW](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/blog\/)\n\n## FAQ's\nIs the National Depression Hotline really free?\n\nYes, our **free depression hotline** is completely free for crisis support calls. There’s no cost to call [**(866) 629-4564**](tel:8666294564) and speak with a professional therapist 24\/7. Ongoing **depression treatment** sessions may be covered by insurance, and we’ll help verify your coverage.\n\nWho answers when I call the depression hotline?\n\nWhen you call our **national depression hotline**, you’ll speak directly with trained professional therapists who specialize in depression, anxiety, and crisis support. Our staff is available 24\/7 to provide immediate help and guide you toward appropriate treatment.\n\nWhat is the depression hotline phone number?\n\nThe **depression hotline phone number** is [**(866) 629-4564**](tel:8666294564). Our crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are completely confidential and you can reach out anytime you need support.\n\nCan I call if I'm just feeling sad, or is this only for severe depression?\n\nAbsolutely. Our **sadness hotline** is here for anyone experiencing emotional distress, whether it’s persistent sadness, overwhelming emotions, or clinical depression. You don’t need to wait until things get worse – reaching out early can prevent a crisis.\n\nDo you provide ongoing depression treatment or just crisis support?\n\nWe provide both. Our **national therapy hotline** offers immediate crisis support for free, plus ongoing **depression treatment** with professional therapists. We create personalized treatment plans and work with most insurance providers for continued care.\n\n[Call +1-866-629-4564](tel:+18666294564)\n\n## Free 24\/7 Depression Hotline\n### Get in Touch with the National Depression Hotline\nStruggling with depression or PTSD can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. When you reach out to our **national depression hotline**, you’re connecting with **professional therapists** available 24\/7.\n\nWe’re here to listen, assess your needs, and provide **depression treatment** options. Your path to recovery begins with a single call to our **free depression hotline**.\n\n[![](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/logo-new.png)](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/)\n\n#### Quick Links:\n- [Home](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/about-us\/)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/contact-us\/)\n- [Blog](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/blog\/)\n\n#### Resources:\n- [Depression and Addiction](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-and-addiction\/)\n- [Depression and Anxiety](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-and-anxiety\/)\n- [Depression and work](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-and-work\/)\n- [Depression Statistics](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/depression-statistics-in-the-us\/)\n\n#### Support Groups:\n- [NAMI](https:\/\/www.nami.org\/)\n- [Mental Health America](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/)\n- [National Prevention Suicide Hotline](https:\/\/988lifeline.org\/)\n\n- [Copyright 2026 - National Depression Hotline](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/)\n\nA Safe Place to Reach Out for Support\n\nYou Deserve Support. We’re Here to Help\\!\n\n[(866) 629-4564](tel:+18666294564)\n\n[Send a message](https:\/\/nationaldepressionhotline.org\/contact-us\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"## What You Need to Know About Depression\nLife can be hard for all of us. Things just go wrong sometimes, and they can leave us feeling bad. The important thing to know is that this is completely normal for everyone and that the feeling will likely pass. For a number of people, though, these feelings do not pass, and they might not even seem like they are tied to an obvious occurrence. This is called depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, and it can have a major impact on your life.\n\nSuffering from depression can prevent you from being able to engage in everyday life as well as deeply affect how you think and feel. It can change sleeping habits and how you eat. When unmanaged, depression can even lead to substance use disorder and thoughts of ending your life. It is an illness that can affect anyone. Thankfully, there is help available.\n\n## How to Recognize Depression\nIn order to make a [depression diagnosis](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/depression), five symptoms of depression must be exhibited daily for a period of roughly two weeks. Common signs of depression include:\n\n- Persistent sadness\n- Ongoing anxiety\n- A feeling of emptiness\n- Feelings of hopelessness\n- A lack of self-worth\n- Nonstop feelings of guilt\n- A feeling of helplessness\n- Lack of interest in activities or hobbies that typically give one pleasure\n- Fatigue or a dramatic loss of energy\n- Inability to concentrate or remember things\n- Inability to make decisions\n- Change in sleeping habits\n- A reversal in appetite or a change in weight\n- Ailments without a clear physical cause that do not respond to treatment\n- Thoughts of death or suicide\n## Depression Does Not Look the Same in Everyone\nAge is a big determining factor in how depression can look different from person to person. Older adults may report a lack of emotion or may show signs of sadness or grief that do not immediately read as depression. They are also more likely to have underlying pain or medical conditions that could be contributing factors to their depression. With adults in middle age, it is common to see gastrointestinal issues, decreased libido, and insomnia.\n\nIn younger adults, depression can combine with other disorders. Some examples would be substance use disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. They are also more likely to have an overall negative view of life. In older children and teens, excessive sleeping and eating are common. Also common for older children and teens are other disorders such as eating disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorder. Older children and teens are more likely to get into trouble at school. Young children with depression may regularly pretend to be sick, try to get out of going to school, become clingy to a parent, or regularly worry that they will die.\n\n## Ways to Help a Loved One With Depression\nWhen a loved one or friend is depressed, it is easy to feel helpless. However, there are things that you can do.\n\n- Help them to see a medical professional\n- Let them know that the depression will ease if they are willing to receive treatment and give it some time\n- Help them to maintain their plan for treatment\n- Help them get to their therapy appointments\n- Include them in uplifting activities such as walks, hikes, and outings\n- Be patient with them and offer understanding as well as encouragement\n## How to Help Yourself When You Are Depressed\nIt is hard when you are depressed to get even the most basic life tasks accomplished. First and foremost, you need to be willing to accept and receive help. Once you are receiving treatment for your depression, here are some other things you can do as you begin to feel better over time:\n\n- Go easy on yourself\n- Eat regular and healthy meals\n- Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity\n- Do what you can as you are able\n- Prioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait\n- Keep connections with other people\n- Share your feelings with those whom you trust\n- Do not make important life decisions until you feel more like yourself\n- Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol, including prescription meds that haven’t been prescribed to you\n## Are There Different Kinds Of Depression?\nThere are actually a number of different forms of depression. Two common forms of depression are [major depression and persistent depressive disorder](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/major-depressive-disorder-vs-persistent-depressive-disorder). With major depression, you have the symptoms of depression for the bulk of two weeks, interfering with your normal life. Persistent depressive disorder can have milder versions of the symptoms, but the time frame is longer. Two years is typical for this kind of depression.\n\nDepression is common during or after pregnancy. The type of depression during pregnancy is called [perinatal depression](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/perinatal-depression), while the type of major depression one experiences after giving birth is known as postpartum depression.\n\nThe time of year can actually be a factor in depression. [Seasonal affective disorder](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/seasonal-affective-disorder\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20364651) is a type of depression that can come and go with the seasons. Typically, this type of depression begins in the late fall or early winter and dissipates once spring and summer come around.\n\nAn extremely severe type of depression that is accompanied by symptoms of psychosis is also possible. With this type of depression, you may also experience hallucinations and\/or delusions.\n\n## Depression and Substance Abuse\nDepression and substance abuse regularly go hand-in-hand. In a published study, a [staggering 93%](https:\/\/mecp.springeropen.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s43045-020-00029-w) of a studied group expressed different levels of depression that accompanied substance use.\n\nDealing with depression or substance abuse is not easy. It can be even more difficult if you are struggling with both. When there is a mental health problem that is not being treated, a substance use issue is liable to get worse. In turn, when substance use increases, depression is likely to increase as well. Together, this can be especially dangerous as someone who is depressed and is also suffering from substance use disorder is more likely to [overdose](https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/research\/researchatpurdue\/new-study-shows-strong-link-between-depression-and-opioid-related-deaths\/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CFor%20every%20additional%201%20percent,University,%20who%20led%20the%20study.).\n\nDepression is also a [symptom of withdrawal](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/drug-addiction\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20365112). Acute withdrawal symptoms can occur in the early days and weeks following cessation of substance use. If you are dealing with withdrawal symptoms, it is important to have professional help with your detoxification. Having help with your mental health during this time is also imperative to managing symptoms like depression.\n\n## Depression Treatment Options\nDepression treatment most often involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Should these options not show a reduction in symptoms, brain stimulation therapy is sometimes administered. When a case of depression is mild, the treatment often focuses on psychotherapy with medication following should the client not improve. With more moderate to severe cases of depression, both medication and psychotherapy are employed in tandem at the onset.\n\n### Medication\nIt is important to give medication an opportunity to have a positive effect on depression, and that can take some time. Antidepressants can take [one to six weeks](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-long-does-it-take-for-antidepressants-to-work-2584277) to have an effect on mood. Other depression symptoms may be affected beneficially before moods, such as appetite, sleeping habits, and focus. [Esketamine](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/treatment-tests-and-therapies\/esketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression) is a medication option for clients who have treatment-resistant depression. It is delivered nasally by a medical professional and its effects act rapidly to treat depression. The client then typically continues taking medication orally to maintain the abatement of depression symptoms.\n\nIt is worth noting that there are no natural products that have been approved by the FDA to treat the symptoms of depression. That being said, some clients have reported finding benefits in Vitamin D or St. John’s Wort in the alleviation of their symptoms of depression. Another natural option that is not approved by the FDA is [SAMe](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/depression\/expert-answers\/natural-remedies-for-depression\/faq-20058026). This is a synthetic version of a chemical that naturally occurs within the body. It should be noted that not enough studies have been conducted to determine how effective it actually is in treating depression, and it can have side effects for people with bipolar disorder. These types of supplements should be approved by a medical professional and should not be seen as a substitute for antidepressants.\n\n### Psychotherapy\nPsychotherapy is used to teach clients to change the habits that factor into their depression as well as to find new ways of thinking. Therapy can be part of a group or one-on-one. In both situations, it is led by a licensed and trained mental health professional. Two common types of psychotherapy to treat depression are [cognitive behavioral therapy](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/treatment-tests-and-therapies\/esketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression) and [interpersonal therapy](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1414693\/).\n\n### Brain Stimulation Therapy\nAnother option for the treatment of depression is brain stimulation therapy. This form of therapy is most commonly utilized when other treatments have been unsuccessful. Brain stimulation therapy involves magnetic waves or electricity stimulating the brain.\n\n## Getting Help for Depression and Substance Use\nWhether you are battling depression, substance use, or both, it is vital that you know that you are not alone and that there is help available for you. It may not feel like it now, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The first step toward a better tomorrow is being able to recognize that there is a problem and that you need assistance.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	What You Need to Know About Depression Life can be hard for all of us. Things just go wrong sometimes, and they can leave us feeling bad. The important thing to know is that this is completely normal for everyone and that the feeling will likely pass. For a number of people, though, these feelings do not pass, and they might not even seem like they are tied to an obvious occurrence. This is called depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, and it can have a major impact on your life. Suffering from depression can prevent you from being able to engage in everyday life as well as deeply affect how you think and feel. It can change sleeping habits and how you eat. When unmanaged, depression can even lead to substance use disorder and thoughts of ending your life. It is an illness that can affect anyone. Thankfully, there is help available. How to Recognize Depression In order to make a depression diagnosis , five symptoms of depression must be exhibited daily for a period of roughly two weeks. Common signs of depression include: Persistent sadness Ongoing anxiety A feeling of emptiness Feelings of hopelessness A lack of self-worth Nonstop feelings of guilt A feeling of helplessness Lack of interest in activities or hobbies that typically give one pleasure Fatigue or a dramatic loss of energy Inability to concentrate or remember things Inability to make decisions Change in sleeping habits A reversal in appetite or a change in weight Ailments without a clear physical cause that do not respond to treatment Thoughts of death or suicide Depression Does Not Look the Same in Everyone Age is a big determining factor in how depression can look different from person to person. Older adults may report a lack of emotion or may show signs of sadness or grief that do not immediately read as depression. They are also more likely to have underlying pain or medical conditions that could be contributing factors to their depression. With adults in middle age, it is common to see gastrointestinal issues, decreased libido, and insomnia. In younger adults, depression can combine with other disorders. Some examples would be substance use disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. They are also more likely to have an overall negative view of life. In older children and teens, excessive sleeping and eating are common. Also common for older children and teens are other disorders such as eating disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorder. Older children and teens are more likely to get into trouble at school. Young children with depression may regularly pretend to be sick, try to get out of going to school, become clingy to a parent, or regularly worry that they will die. Ways to Help a Loved One With Depression When a loved one or friend is depressed, it is easy to feel helpless. However, there are things that you can do. Help them to see a medical professional Let them know that the depression will ease if they are willing to receive treatment and give it some time Help them to maintain their plan for treatment Help them get to their therapy appointments Include them in uplifting activities such as walks, hikes, and outings Be patient with them and offer understanding as well as encouragement How to Help Yourself When You Are Depressed It is hard when you are depressed to get even the most basic life tasks accomplished. First and foremost, you need to be willing to accept and receive help. Once you are receiving treatment for your depression, here are some other things you can do as you begin to feel better over time: Go easy on yourself Eat regular and healthy meals Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity Do what you can as you are able Prioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait Keep connections with other people Share your feelings with those whom you trust Do not make important life decisions until you feel more like yourself Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol, including prescription meds that haven’t been prescribed to you Are There Different Kinds Of Depression? There are actually a number of different forms of depression. Two common forms of depression are major depression and persistent depressive disorder . With major depression, you have the symptoms of depression for the bulk of two weeks, interfering with your normal life. Persistent depressive disorder can have milder versions of the symptoms, but the time frame is longer. Two years is typical for this kind of depression. Depression is common during or after pregnancy. The type of depression during pregnancy is called perinatal depression , while the type of major depression one experiences after giving birth is known as postpartum depression. The time of year can actually be a factor in depression. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that can come and go with the seasons. Typically, this type of depression begins in the late fall or early winter and dissipates once spring and summer come around. An extremely severe type of depression that is accompanied by symptoms of psychosis is also possible. With this type of depression, you may also experience hallucinations and/or delusions. Depression and Substance Abuse Depression and substance abuse regularly go hand-in-hand. In a published study, a staggering 93% of a studied group expressed different levels of depression that accompanied substance use. Dealing with depression or substance abuse is not easy. It can be even more difficult if you are struggling with both. When there is a mental health problem that is not being treated, a substance use issue is liable to get worse. In turn, when substance use increases, depression is likely to increase as well. Together, this can be especially dangerous as someone who is depressed and is also suffering from substance use disorder is more likely to overdose . Depression is also a symptom of withdrawal . Acute withdrawal symptoms can occur in the early days and weeks following cessation of substance use. If you are dealing with withdrawal symptoms, it is important to have professional help with your detoxification. Having help with your mental health during this time is also imperative to managing symptoms like depression. Depression Treatment Options Depression treatment most often involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Should these options not show a reduction in symptoms, brain stimulation therapy is sometimes administered. When a case of depression is mild, the treatment often focuses on psychotherapy with medication following should the client not improve. With more moderate to severe cases of depression, both medication and psychotherapy are employed in tandem at the onset. Medication It is important to give medication an opportunity to have a positive effect on depression, and that can take some time. Antidepressants can take one to six weeks to have an effect on mood. Other depression symptoms may be affected beneficially before moods, such as appetite, sleeping habits, and focus. Esketamine is a medication option for clients who have treatment-resistant depression. It is delivered nasally by a medical professional and its effects act rapidly to treat depression. The client then typically continues taking medication orally to maintain the abatement of depression symptoms. It is worth noting that there are no natural products that have been approved by the FDA to treat the symptoms of depression. That being said, some clients have reported finding benefits in Vitamin D or St. John’s Wort in the alleviation of their symptoms of depression. Another natural option that is not approved by the FDA is SAMe . This is a synthetic version of a chemical that naturally occurs within the body. It should be noted that not enough studies have been conducted to determine how effective it actually is in treating depression, and it can have side effects for people with bipolar disorder. These types of supplements should be approved by a medical professional and should not be seen as a substitute for antidepressants. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is used to teach clients to change the habits that factor into their depression as well as to find new ways of thinking. Therapy can be part of a group or one-on-one. In both situations, it is led by a licensed and trained mental health professional. Two common types of psychotherapy to treat depression are cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy . Brain Stimulation Therapy Another option for the treatment of depression is brain stimulation therapy. This form of therapy is most commonly utilized when other treatments have been unsuccessful. Brain stimulation therapy involves magnetic waves or electricity stimulating the brain. Getting Help for Depression and Substance Use Whether you are battling depression, substance use, or both, it is vital that you know that you are not alone and that there is help available for you. It may not feel like it now, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The first step toward a better tomorrow is being able to recognize that there is a problem and that you need assistance.
Markdown	[Skip to content](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/#content "Skip to content") - [You’re Not Alone. Help Starts Here](tel:866-629-4564) [![](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-new.png)](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/) Call Us For Help \+1-866-629-4564 - [What is Depression](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/) - [What Does Depression Mean?](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/what-does-it-mean-to-be-depressed/) - [Depression Symptoms](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-symptoms/) - [Major Signs of Depression](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/) - [How Depression Affects Relationships](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/how-depression-affects-relationships/) - [How Depression Affects the Brain](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/how-depression-affects-the-brain/) - [About Us](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/about-us/) - [Treatment](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/) - [How to Treat Depression](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/what-are-the-most-effective-ways-to-treat-depression/) - [Depression Medications](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-medications/) - [Resources](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/) - [Depression and Addiction](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-and-addiction/) - [Depression and Anxiety](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-and-anxiety/) - [Depression and Work](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-and-work/) - [Depression Statistics](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-statistics-in-the-us/) - [Support Groups](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/) - [NAMI](https://nami.org/) - [Mental Health America](https://mhanational.org/) - [National Suicide Prevention Hotline](https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) - [Richmond County](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/suicide-prevention-hotline-richmond-county/) - [Queens County](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/suicide-prevention-hotline-queens-county/) - [New York](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/suicide-prevention-hotline-new-york/) - [Nassau County](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/suicide-prevention-hotline-nassau-county/) - [Kings County](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/suicide-prevention-hotline-kings-county/) - [Blog](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/blog/) - [What is Depression](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/) - [What Does Depression Mean?](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/what-does-it-mean-to-be-depressed/) - [Depression Symptoms](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-symptoms/) - [Major Signs of Depression](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/) - [How Depression Affects Relationships](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/how-depression-affects-relationships/) - [How Depression Affects the Brain](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/how-depression-affects-the-brain/) - [About Us](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/about-us/) - [Treatment](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/) - [How to Treat Depression](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/what-are-the-most-effective-ways-to-treat-depression/) - [Depression Medications](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-medications/) - [Resources](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/) - [Depression and Addiction](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-and-addiction/) - [Depression and Anxiety](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-and-anxiety/) - [Depression and Work](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-and-work/) - [Depression Statistics](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-statistics-in-the-us/) - [Support Groups](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/) - [NAMI](https://nami.org/) - [Mental Health America](https://mhanational.org/) - [National Suicide Prevention Hotline](https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) - [Richmond County](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/suicide-prevention-hotline-richmond-county/) - [Queens County](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/suicide-prevention-hotline-queens-county/) - [New York](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/suicide-prevention-hotline-new-york/) - [Nassau County](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/suicide-prevention-hotline-nassau-county/) - [Kings County](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/suicide-prevention-hotline-kings-county/) - [Blog](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/blog/) [Get Started Now](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/contact-us/) # Major Signs of Depression - Reviewed by Dr Courtney Scott [(866) 629-4564](tel:+18666294564) ## What You Need to Know About Depression Life can be hard for all of us. Things just go wrong sometimes, and they can leave us feeling bad. The important thing to know is that this is completely normal for everyone and that the feeling will likely pass. For a number of people, though, these feelings do not pass, and they might not even seem like they are tied to an obvious occurrence. This is called depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, and it can have a major impact on your life. Suffering from depression can prevent you from being able to engage in everyday life as well as deeply affect how you think and feel. It can change sleeping habits and how you eat. When unmanaged, depression can even lead to substance use disorder and thoughts of ending your life. It is an illness that can affect anyone. Thankfully, there is help available. ## How to Recognize Depression In order to make a [depression diagnosis](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression), five symptoms of depression must be exhibited daily for a period of roughly two weeks. Common signs of depression include: - Persistent sadness - Ongoing anxiety - A feeling of emptiness - Feelings of hopelessness - A lack of self-worth - Nonstop feelings of guilt - A feeling of helplessness - Lack of interest in activities or hobbies that typically give one pleasure - Fatigue or a dramatic loss of energy - Inability to concentrate or remember things - Inability to make decisions - Change in sleeping habits - A reversal in appetite or a change in weight - Ailments without a clear physical cause that do not respond to treatment - Thoughts of death or suicide ## Depression Does Not Look the Same in Everyone Age is a big determining factor in how depression can look different from person to person. Older adults may report a lack of emotion or may show signs of sadness or grief that do not immediately read as depression. They are also more likely to have underlying pain or medical conditions that could be contributing factors to their depression. With adults in middle age, it is common to see gastrointestinal issues, decreased libido, and insomnia. In younger adults, depression can combine with other disorders. Some examples would be substance use disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. They are also more likely to have an overall negative view of life. In older children and teens, excessive sleeping and eating are common. Also common for older children and teens are other disorders such as eating disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorder. Older children and teens are more likely to get into trouble at school. Young children with depression may regularly pretend to be sick, try to get out of going to school, become clingy to a parent, or regularly worry that they will die. ## Ways to Help a Loved One With Depression When a loved one or friend is depressed, it is easy to feel helpless. However, there are things that you can do. - Help them to see a medical professional - Let them know that the depression will ease if they are willing to receive treatment and give it some time - Help them to maintain their plan for treatment - Help them get to their therapy appointments - Include them in uplifting activities such as walks, hikes, and outings - Be patient with them and offer understanding as well as encouragement ## How to Help Yourself When You Are Depressed It is hard when you are depressed to get even the most basic life tasks accomplished. First and foremost, you need to be willing to accept and receive help. Once you are receiving treatment for your depression, here are some other things you can do as you begin to feel better over time: - Go easy on yourself - Eat regular and healthy meals - Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity - Do what you can as you are able - Prioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait - Keep connections with other people - Share your feelings with those whom you trust - Do not make important life decisions until you feel more like yourself - Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol, including prescription meds that haven’t been prescribed to you ## Are There Different Kinds Of Depression? There are actually a number of different forms of depression. Two common forms of depression are [major depression and persistent depressive disorder](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/major-depressive-disorder-vs-persistent-depressive-disorder). With major depression, you have the symptoms of depression for the bulk of two weeks, interfering with your normal life. Persistent depressive disorder can have milder versions of the symptoms, but the time frame is longer. Two years is typical for this kind of depression. Depression is common during or after pregnancy. The type of depression during pregnancy is called [perinatal depression](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/perinatal-depression), while the type of major depression one experiences after giving birth is known as postpartum depression. The time of year can actually be a factor in depression. [Seasonal affective disorder](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651) is a type of depression that can come and go with the seasons. Typically, this type of depression begins in the late fall or early winter and dissipates once spring and summer come around. An extremely severe type of depression that is accompanied by symptoms of psychosis is also possible. With this type of depression, you may also experience hallucinations and/or delusions. ## Depression and Substance Abuse Depression and substance abuse regularly go hand-in-hand. In a published study, a [staggering 93%](https://mecp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43045-020-00029-w) of a studied group expressed different levels of depression that accompanied substance use. Dealing with depression or substance abuse is not easy. It can be even more difficult if you are struggling with both. When there is a mental health problem that is not being treated, a substance use issue is liable to get worse. In turn, when substance use increases, depression is likely to increase as well. Together, this can be especially dangerous as someone who is depressed and is also suffering from substance use disorder is more likely to [overdose](https://www.purdue.edu/research/researchatpurdue/new-study-shows-strong-link-between-depression-and-opioid-related-deaths/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CFor%20every%20additional%201%20percent,University,%20who%20led%20the%20study.). Depression is also a [symptom of withdrawal](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112). Acute withdrawal symptoms can occur in the early days and weeks following cessation of substance use. If you are dealing with withdrawal symptoms, it is important to have professional help with your detoxification. Having help with your mental health during this time is also imperative to managing symptoms like depression. ## Depression Treatment Options Depression treatment most often involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Should these options not show a reduction in symptoms, brain stimulation therapy is sometimes administered. When a case of depression is mild, the treatment often focuses on psychotherapy with medication following should the client not improve. With more moderate to severe cases of depression, both medication and psychotherapy are employed in tandem at the onset. ### Medication It is important to give medication an opportunity to have a positive effect on depression, and that can take some time. Antidepressants can take [one to six weeks](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-long-does-it-take-for-antidepressants-to-work-2584277) to have an effect on mood. Other depression symptoms may be affected beneficially before moods, such as appetite, sleeping habits, and focus. [Esketamine](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/esketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression) is a medication option for clients who have treatment-resistant depression. It is delivered nasally by a medical professional and its effects act rapidly to treat depression. The client then typically continues taking medication orally to maintain the abatement of depression symptoms. It is worth noting that there are no natural products that have been approved by the FDA to treat the symptoms of depression. That being said, some clients have reported finding benefits in Vitamin D or St. John’s Wort in the alleviation of their symptoms of depression. Another natural option that is not approved by the FDA is [SAMe](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/natural-remedies-for-depression/faq-20058026). This is a synthetic version of a chemical that naturally occurs within the body. It should be noted that not enough studies have been conducted to determine how effective it actually is in treating depression, and it can have side effects for people with bipolar disorder. These types of supplements should be approved by a medical professional and should not be seen as a substitute for antidepressants. ### Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is used to teach clients to change the habits that factor into their depression as well as to find new ways of thinking. Therapy can be part of a group or one-on-one. In both situations, it is led by a licensed and trained mental health professional. Two common types of psychotherapy to treat depression are [cognitive behavioral therapy](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/esketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression) and [interpersonal therapy](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1414693/). ### Brain Stimulation Therapy Another option for the treatment of depression is brain stimulation therapy. This form of therapy is most commonly utilized when other treatments have been unsuccessful. Brain stimulation therapy involves magnetic waves or electricity stimulating the brain. ## Getting Help for Depression and Substance Use Whether you are battling depression, substance use, or both, it is vital that you know that you are not alone and that there is help available for you. It may not feel like it now, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The first step toward a better tomorrow is being able to recognize that there is a problem and that you need assistance. Share ### Medically Reviewed By: [![IMG\_6936](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/IMG_6936-ris7xgqs2vi7ntmc1s31kbfuwgbuwalr2oq80tfs08.jpg)](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/about-us/) ### [Dr Courtney Scott, MD](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/about-us/) Dr. Scott is a distinguished physician recognized for his contributions to psychology, internal medicine, and addiction treatment. He has received numerous accolades, including the AFAM/LMKU Kenneth Award for Scholarly Achievements in Psychology and multiple honors from the Keck School of Medicine at USC. His research has earned recognition from institutions such as the African American A-HeFT, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and studies focused on pediatric leukemia outcomes. Board-eligible in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Scott has over a decade of experience in behavioral health. He leads medical teams with a focus on excellence in care and has authored several publications on addiction and mental health. Deeply committed to his patients’ long-term recovery, Dr. Scott continues to advance the field through research, education, and advocacy. [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/uscmd05/) [![topiramate and mood effects](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201344%20768'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![topiramate and mood effects](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/a8430364-6904-4bc0-adc5-fff712bacb05.jpg)](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/does-topiramate-cause-depression/) #### [Does Topiramate Cause Depression? Mood Changes and Risks Explained](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/does-topiramate-cause-depression/) [Read More »](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/does-topiramate-cause-depression/) [![phentermine and depression risk](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201344%20768'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![phentermine and depression risk](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/e4aa8bcd-2c6f-4ae7-a5aa-878c09e576b2.jpg)](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/does-phentermine-cause-depression/) #### [Does Phentermine Cause Depression? Understanding Its Mental Impact](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/does-phentermine-cause-depression/) [Read More »](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/does-phentermine-cause-depression/) [![phentermine anxiety stimulant effects](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201344%20768'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![phentermine anxiety stimulant effects](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7a6882fa-9f64-449b-9f29-57b8126463e5.jpg)](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/does-phentermine-increase-anxiety/) #### [Does Phentermine Increase Anxiety? Understanding Its Stimulant Effects](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/does-phentermine-increase-anxiety/) [Read More »](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/does-phentermine-increase-anxiety/) [![ibuprofen pain relief vs mood](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201344%20768'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![ibuprofen pain relief vs mood](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1d285475-be91-49d8-9267-84233ac4cbf9.jpg)](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/will-ibuprofen-help-with-anxiety/) #### [Will Ibuprofen Help With Anxiety? Pain Relief vs. Mood Effects](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/will-ibuprofen-help-with-anxiety/) [Read More »](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/will-ibuprofen-help-with-anxiety/) [![anxiety medication ibuprofen interactions](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201344%20768'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ![anxiety medication ibuprofen interactions](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1d98d045-aeaf-499c-9672-9b41021706a2.jpg)](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/what-anxiety-medications-should-not-be-taken-with-ibuprofen/) #### [What Anxiety Medications Should Not Be Taken With Ibuprofen?](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/what-anxiety-medications-should-not-be-taken-with-ibuprofen/) [Read More »](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/what-anxiety-medications-should-not-be-taken-with-ibuprofen/) ### Signs of Depression What You Need to Know About The Signs of Depression [Read More](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/signs-of-depression/) ### Reach Out Today\! ## When You Need Crisis Support - Our Depression Crisis Hotline Is Here Experiencing a mental health crisis can feel overwhelming and scary. Whether you’re having thoughts of self-harm, feeling unable to cope, or just need someone to talk to right now, immediate help is available. Our crisis hotline provides free emergency mental health support 24/7. Call our national depression hotline to speak with trained therapists who specialize in crisis intervention and depression treatment. [GET HELP NOW](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/blog/) ## FAQ's Is the National Depression Hotline really free? Yes, our free depression hotline is completely free for crisis support calls. There’s no cost to call [(866) 629-4564](tel:8666294564) and speak with a professional therapist 24/7. Ongoing depression treatment sessions may be covered by insurance, and we’ll help verify your coverage. Who answers when I call the depression hotline? When you call our national depression hotline, you’ll speak directly with trained professional therapists who specialize in depression, anxiety, and crisis support. Our staff is available 24/7 to provide immediate help and guide you toward appropriate treatment. What is the depression hotline phone number? The depression hotline phone number is [(866) 629-4564](tel:8666294564). Our crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are completely confidential and you can reach out anytime you need support. Can I call if I'm just feeling sad, or is this only for severe depression? Absolutely. Our sadness hotline is here for anyone experiencing emotional distress, whether it’s persistent sadness, overwhelming emotions, or clinical depression. You don’t need to wait until things get worse – reaching out early can prevent a crisis. Do you provide ongoing depression treatment or just crisis support? We provide both. Our national therapy hotline offers immediate crisis support for free, plus ongoing depression treatment with professional therapists. We create personalized treatment plans and work with most insurance providers for continued care. [Call +1-866-629-4564](tel:+18666294564) ## Free 24/7 Depression Hotline ### Get in Touch with the National Depression Hotline Struggling with depression or PTSD can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. When you reach out to our national depression hotline, you’re connecting with professional therapists available 24/7. We’re here to listen, assess your needs, and provide depression treatment options. Your path to recovery begins with a single call to our free depression hotline. [![](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-new.png)](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/) #### Quick Links: - [Home](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/) - [About Us](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/about-us/) - [Contact](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/contact-us/) - [Blog](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/blog/) #### Resources: - [Depression and Addiction](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-and-addiction/) - [Depression and Anxiety](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-and-anxiety/) - [Depression and work](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-and-work/) - [Depression Statistics](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/depression-statistics-in-the-us/) #### Support Groups: - [NAMI](https://www.nami.org/) - [Mental Health America](https://mhanational.org/) - [National Prevention Suicide Hotline](https://988lifeline.org/) - [Copyright 2026 - National Depression Hotline](https://nationaldepressionhotline.org/) A Safe Place to Reach Out for Support You Deserve Support. 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Readable Markdown	## What You Need to Know About Depression Life can be hard for all of us. Things just go wrong sometimes, and they can leave us feeling bad. The important thing to know is that this is completely normal for everyone and that the feeling will likely pass. For a number of people, though, these feelings do not pass, and they might not even seem like they are tied to an obvious occurrence. This is called depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, and it can have a major impact on your life. Suffering from depression can prevent you from being able to engage in everyday life as well as deeply affect how you think and feel. It can change sleeping habits and how you eat. When unmanaged, depression can even lead to substance use disorder and thoughts of ending your life. It is an illness that can affect anyone. Thankfully, there is help available. ## How to Recognize Depression In order to make a [depression diagnosis](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression), five symptoms of depression must be exhibited daily for a period of roughly two weeks. Common signs of depression include: - Persistent sadness - Ongoing anxiety - A feeling of emptiness - Feelings of hopelessness - A lack of self-worth - Nonstop feelings of guilt - A feeling of helplessness - Lack of interest in activities or hobbies that typically give one pleasure - Fatigue or a dramatic loss of energy - Inability to concentrate or remember things - Inability to make decisions - Change in sleeping habits - A reversal in appetite or a change in weight - Ailments without a clear physical cause that do not respond to treatment - Thoughts of death or suicide ## Depression Does Not Look the Same in Everyone Age is a big determining factor in how depression can look different from person to person. Older adults may report a lack of emotion or may show signs of sadness or grief that do not immediately read as depression. They are also more likely to have underlying pain or medical conditions that could be contributing factors to their depression. With adults in middle age, it is common to see gastrointestinal issues, decreased libido, and insomnia. In younger adults, depression can combine with other disorders. Some examples would be substance use disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. They are also more likely to have an overall negative view of life. In older children and teens, excessive sleeping and eating are common. Also common for older children and teens are other disorders such as eating disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorder. Older children and teens are more likely to get into trouble at school. Young children with depression may regularly pretend to be sick, try to get out of going to school, become clingy to a parent, or regularly worry that they will die. ## Ways to Help a Loved One With Depression When a loved one or friend is depressed, it is easy to feel helpless. However, there are things that you can do. - Help them to see a medical professional - Let them know that the depression will ease if they are willing to receive treatment and give it some time - Help them to maintain their plan for treatment - Help them get to their therapy appointments - Include them in uplifting activities such as walks, hikes, and outings - Be patient with them and offer understanding as well as encouragement ## How to Help Yourself When You Are Depressed It is hard when you are depressed to get even the most basic life tasks accomplished. First and foremost, you need to be willing to accept and receive help. Once you are receiving treatment for your depression, here are some other things you can do as you begin to feel better over time: - Go easy on yourself - Eat regular and healthy meals - Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity - Do what you can as you are able - Prioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait - Keep connections with other people - Share your feelings with those whom you trust - Do not make important life decisions until you feel more like yourself - Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol, including prescription meds that haven’t been prescribed to you ## Are There Different Kinds Of Depression? There are actually a number of different forms of depression. Two common forms of depression are [major depression and persistent depressive disorder](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/major-depressive-disorder-vs-persistent-depressive-disorder). With major depression, you have the symptoms of depression for the bulk of two weeks, interfering with your normal life. Persistent depressive disorder can have milder versions of the symptoms, but the time frame is longer. Two years is typical for this kind of depression. Depression is common during or after pregnancy. The type of depression during pregnancy is called [perinatal depression](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/perinatal-depression), while the type of major depression one experiences after giving birth is known as postpartum depression. The time of year can actually be a factor in depression. [Seasonal affective disorder](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651) is a type of depression that can come and go with the seasons. Typically, this type of depression begins in the late fall or early winter and dissipates once spring and summer come around. An extremely severe type of depression that is accompanied by symptoms of psychosis is also possible. With this type of depression, you may also experience hallucinations and/or delusions. ## Depression and Substance Abuse Depression and substance abuse regularly go hand-in-hand. In a published study, a [staggering 93%](https://mecp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43045-020-00029-w) of a studied group expressed different levels of depression that accompanied substance use. Dealing with depression or substance abuse is not easy. It can be even more difficult if you are struggling with both. When there is a mental health problem that is not being treated, a substance use issue is liable to get worse. In turn, when substance use increases, depression is likely to increase as well. Together, this can be especially dangerous as someone who is depressed and is also suffering from substance use disorder is more likely to [overdose](https://www.purdue.edu/research/researchatpurdue/new-study-shows-strong-link-between-depression-and-opioid-related-deaths/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CFor%20every%20additional%201%20percent,University,%20who%20led%20the%20study.). Depression is also a [symptom of withdrawal](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112). Acute withdrawal symptoms can occur in the early days and weeks following cessation of substance use. If you are dealing with withdrawal symptoms, it is important to have professional help with your detoxification. Having help with your mental health during this time is also imperative to managing symptoms like depression. ## Depression Treatment Options Depression treatment most often involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Should these options not show a reduction in symptoms, brain stimulation therapy is sometimes administered. When a case of depression is mild, the treatment often focuses on psychotherapy with medication following should the client not improve. With more moderate to severe cases of depression, both medication and psychotherapy are employed in tandem at the onset. ### Medication It is important to give medication an opportunity to have a positive effect on depression, and that can take some time. Antidepressants can take [one to six weeks](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-long-does-it-take-for-antidepressants-to-work-2584277) to have an effect on mood. Other depression symptoms may be affected beneficially before moods, such as appetite, sleeping habits, and focus. [Esketamine](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/esketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression) is a medication option for clients who have treatment-resistant depression. It is delivered nasally by a medical professional and its effects act rapidly to treat depression. The client then typically continues taking medication orally to maintain the abatement of depression symptoms. It is worth noting that there are no natural products that have been approved by the FDA to treat the symptoms of depression. That being said, some clients have reported finding benefits in Vitamin D or St. John’s Wort in the alleviation of their symptoms of depression. Another natural option that is not approved by the FDA is [SAMe](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/natural-remedies-for-depression/faq-20058026). This is a synthetic version of a chemical that naturally occurs within the body. It should be noted that not enough studies have been conducted to determine how effective it actually is in treating depression, and it can have side effects for people with bipolar disorder. These types of supplements should be approved by a medical professional and should not be seen as a substitute for antidepressants. ### Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is used to teach clients to change the habits that factor into their depression as well as to find new ways of thinking. Therapy can be part of a group or one-on-one. In both situations, it is led by a licensed and trained mental health professional. Two common types of psychotherapy to treat depression are [cognitive behavioral therapy](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/esketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression) and [interpersonal therapy](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1414693/). ### Brain Stimulation Therapy Another option for the treatment of depression is brain stimulation therapy. This form of therapy is most commonly utilized when other treatments have been unsuccessful. Brain stimulation therapy involves magnetic waves or electricity stimulating the brain. ## Getting Help for Depression and Substance Use Whether you are battling depression, substance use, or both, it is vital that you know that you are not alone and that there is help available for you. It may not feel like it now, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The first step toward a better tomorrow is being able to recognize that there is a problem and that you need assistance.
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