“Depression is a mental disorder that is marked by a sad, empty, hopeless, or helpless mood that is present almost every day and lasts most of the day for at least two weeks. Everyone feels sad or anxious from time to time; however, the feelings associated with depression are far more intense and long lasting than the “ups and downs” of everyday life. The feelings interfere with day-to-day activities in families, school, at work, or in other social situations. Sometimes depression involves irritability. Depression may also involve physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep difficulties, and weight changes. It can also be the cause of hopelessness, guilt, and suicidal thoughts.”

Depression can be treated effectively through psychotherapy, medication, social supports, or any combination of these approaches. Those individuals who are experiencing the mildest of depressive symptoms will likely benefit from behavioral or cognitive-behavioral therapy alone, which can arm them with skills to improve resilience and manage symptoms when they occur. Others who are experiencing more severe symptoms may require a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Source: Understanding Depression Caregiver: SAMHSA (http://www.samhsa.gov)

Resources

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Anxiety_Disorder_Resource_Center/Home.aspx

American Academy of Pediatrics—Information for Parents
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Childhood-Depression-What-Parents-Can-Do-To-Help.aspx

American Psychiatric Association
http://www.psychiatry.org/depression

American Psychological Association
http://www.apa.org/topics/depress/index.aspx

Anxiety and Depression Association of America
http://adaa.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness
http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
1-800-273-LIFE (8255)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
http://www.samhsa.gov/disorders/mental

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
http://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline