About Depression

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Understanding Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad. People who are clinically depressed are not just moody or feeling "blue" for a few days. They experience long periods of feeling very down -- or in some cases, very anxious or extremely tired -- for several weeks or months. Drug and/or alcohol abuse may also be signs of depression. Because depression can change the way a person feels, thinks, and behaves, it can have negative effects on all aspects of a person's life, from school to work to family and social life. Read more about depression.

What Depression Isn't

Depression is not a sign of a weak personality, nor is it something to be ashamed of. It is a real medical illness. People with depression cannot "just snap out of it" -- no more than it would be possible for a person with an HIV infection, diabetes, or some other medical illness to "just snap out of it." The good news is that depression can be treated effectively. Read more about treatments for depression.

What Causes Depression?

In addition to external, societal factors that may contribute to depression, there are other reasons why a person might become depressed. These include traumatic life experiences such as the death of a loved one, certain diseases or medications, substance abuse, hormonal changes, or a family history of depression. Sometimes the cause of depression is unknown.

Whatever the circumstances, depression is caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Normally, these "chemical messengers" help nerve cells communicate with one another by sending and receiving messages, and they may also influence a person's mood. In the case of depression, the available supply of the chemical messengers is low, so nerve cells can't communicate effectively.

Is sexual desire affected by depression?

Although a decrease in libido is a common symptom of depression, not every depressed person experiences this symptom. In a study involving gay men, a minority of individuals reported experiencing an increase in sexual desire when they were depressed and/or anxious.⁴

What causes depression?

The causes of depression are not always clear. It may be caused by an event or for no apparent reason at all. Genes may also play a role in not providing your brain with enough serotonin.

What are the symptoms of depression?

The symptoms of depression may differ from person to person. Some symptoms may include a persistent depressed or irritable mood, lack of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities or hobbies, a sudden change in weight, change in sleep habits, agitation or restlessness, constant fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, or frequent thoughts of death or suicide.

How do I know if I suffer from depression?

If you think you may be suffering from depression, take our Depression Self-Screener. The results are anonymous. Be sure to share your answers with your healthcare professional so he or she can properly diagnose your condition and provide appropriate treatment. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression.

FAQs about Anxiety

What causes anxiety?

The exact causes of generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, are difficult to explain. Research suggests that environmental and genetic factors (a family history of GAD) may make a person more likely to develop the disorder. GAD may also be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain-in particular, dopamine and serotonin, which are believed to regulate mood and behavior.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

People with generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, suffer from persistent worry and tension that is much worse than the anxiety most people experience from time to time. The main symptom of GAD is an exaggerated or unfounded state of worry and anxiety, often about such everyday matters as health, money, family, or work. Many GAD sufferers seem unable to relax and may startle easily. In addition, GAD is often accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension.

How do I know if I suffer from GAD?


If you think you may be suffering from GAD, take our Anxiety Self-Screener. The results are anonymous. Be sure to share your answers with your healthcare professional so he or she can properly diagnose your condition and provide appropriate treatment. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose GAD.

What are the available treatments for GAD?

There are two major approaches to treating GAD that can be used alone or together. Counseling, or psychotherapy, can help people find new ways to cope with problems and understand more about anxiety and how to avoid it. There are also several types of anti-anxiety medicines. These use different approaches to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. The most widely used type is called an SRI. These work by changing the balance of a substance in the brain believed to influence mood, called serotonin. These medicines may take several weeks to be effective, but they work well and are generally safe.

Depression Self Assement<<Self Assement Tool