Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a persistently low mood, decreased energy, and a loss of interest in everyday activities. As one of the most common mental health conditions, depression can cause you to feel sad, empty, and hopeless. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for depression.

Depression Basics

Health-depressive-disorder-overview
What Is Depression?

Types

Depressed woman lying on the couch
What Are the Different Types of Depression?

Treatment Options

Mature woman take some pills at home
Signs Your Antidepressant Isn't Working for You
Female Doctor Talking to Patient
The Risks and Benefits of Going Off Antidepressant Medications
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7 Foods for Depression
A Doctor Prepares a Ketamine IV Drip in a Clinic room while Patient Sits on a Couch
Ketamine Infusions Show Growing Promise for Treating Anxiety and Depression
Close-up of distraught woman resting her chin on hand
What Supplements Are Good for Depression?

Explore Depression

Stressed parent sitting on the floor near crib
Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression (PPD)
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Eating More Fruit May Help Prevent Depression Later in Life, Study Shows
Person standing on scale
Which Antidepressants Cause the Most Weight Gain? New Study Offers Answers
Tired overheated young Asian woman sitting on floor in kitchen near electric fan, cooling down at home during extreme summer heat.
SSRIs and Heat: Why Doctors Are Urging People on Antidepressants to Keep Cool This Summer
A jogger runs in Preston Park, in Brighton, south of England, at sunrise
Study Finds Yoga, Walking, and Jogging May Help Treat Depression
Health Overview Illustration -Tardive Dyskinesia
What Is Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)?
Person at computer, looking off in the distance, apathetic
What Is Apathy?
woman looking out window from bed
Depression Rates Are Higher Than Ever—Experts Say These 5 Things Need to Change
Possible antidepressant withdrawal symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of SSRI Withdrawal
man sitting on towel in hot yoga class
Hot Yoga Might Help Treat Depression Symptoms, Study Finds
Young depressed woman sitting at dining table during breakfast and thinking of something.
Physical Signs and Symptoms of Depression
young woman sitting on her bed feeling sad
What Causes Depression?
Senior Man Getting a Medical Examination
Are Weight Gain Medications Safe? When To Use Them
Senior woman in pain talks with docotr
What Are Brain Zaps During Antidepressant Withdrawal?
Friends talking
10 Things To Know From Those Who Have Attempted Suicide
Friend supporting friend who seems depressed.
What To Say to Someone Who's Depressed
Asian senior man has an insomnia or sleepless on bed at home due to stress, nervous and concern
How Daylight Saving Time Affects Mental Health
Person paying with a credit card.
How Debt Affects Mental Health—And What Can You Do About It
Surgeon talking to a patient in a hospital bed post-surgery.
Why You Might Experience Post-Surgery Depression
Unrecognizable man sitting in bed
22 Celebrities Who Experienced Depression
man sitting with friend and consoling him
Why People Die by Suicide
Woman doing yoga
5 Exercises for Anxiety To Help You Relax
Couple looks at their phone and reads instructions to take their medicine.
9 Medications That Can Cause Depression
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Can Depression Cause Low Libido?
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11 Types of Meditation That Can Help Treat Depression
Woman consoles man who appears upset.
4 Possible Reasons Why Mental Health Is Getting Worse
Organizing kitchen drawer
Perfectionism and Anxiety: The Problem With Trying to Be Perfect
hand reaching towards light clock
Patients Who Screen Positive For Depression Are Not Getting Timely Follow-Up Care Study Shows
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How Depression May Cause Sleep Problems