Easy-to-understand health information
Depression
Depression is not weakness or ordinary temporary sadness. It affects sleep, thinking, physical health, work, and relationships, and it is treatable.
Summary before reading further
What is this topic, and why does it matter?
Persistent sadness, emptiness, or loss of interest with changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, or self-worth warrants assessment.
Psychological therapy, medication, social support, sleep, and activity play different roles. The choice depends on severity, safety, and individual needs.
What happens in the body?
Explain the mechanism step by step.
Genetics, life experiences, physical conditions, hormones, medicines, sleep, and loneliness can contribute. Depression is treatable, and seeking help is not a weakness.
Reward circuits become less responsive.
Previously enjoyable activities may feel less rewarding or motivating.
The stress response remains activated.
Sleep, energy, concentration, and mood are all affected throughout the day.
Negative thoughts repeat themselves.
Repeated focus on negative information can encourage withdrawal and reduce social support.
Values or criteria that you should know
The score supports screening, but individual safety takes priority over the total.
Diagnosis considers mood or interest changes, daily impact, physical causes, medicines, and any periods of abnormally elevated mood.
duration of symptoms
Sadness, loss of interest, or other symptoms
- Reference range
- Temporary low mood is not the same as depression.
- You should make an appointment for an evaluation.
- Symptoms occurring nearly every day for at least two weeks and affecting daily life warrant assessment.
- Should be evaluated urgently
- Thoughts of harming yourself or not wanting to live your life are reasons to seek immediate help. You don't have to wait 2 weeks.
PHQ-9
Screening form, 9 questions, score 0–27
- Reference range
- PHQ-9: 0–4 minimal; 5–9 mild.
- You should make an appointment for an evaluation.
- Scores of 10–14 indicate moderate symptoms, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe. Interpret them alongside a clinical interview.
- Should be evaluated urgently
- Any response indicating self-harm needs a safety assessment, regardless of the total score.
Causes · Symptoms · Examination · Care
See important information in one place.
Causes and related factors
- Genetics, bereavement, traumatic experiences, or chronic stress.
- Chronic diseases, postpartum pain, and hormonal changes
- Alcohol, drugs, certain medications, and loneliness
Common symptoms
- Sad mood or loss of interest most days
- Changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, guilt, or reduced concentration.
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm require immediate support.
How do doctors check?
- Evaluate symptoms for at least 2 weeks and impact on life.
- Assess for bipolar disorder, substance use, thyroid disease, and other physical causes.
- Always assess safety and support.
Start taking care of it systematically.
- psychotherapy, medication, or both according to severity
- Build support for sleep, activity, and social connection gradually.
- If you think about harming yourself Contact an emergency hotline or someone you trust immediately.
Important things you should know
Keep these points in mind.
Physical symptoms are very common.
Pain, tiredness, insomnia, or changes in your digestive system can be part of the disease.
Healing takes time
Finding the right medication or therapy may take several adjustments. An initial lack of improvement does not mean treatment cannot help.
Asking about suicide does not increase risk.
Asking directly about self-harm opens a path to support and safety planning.
Daily food and care
Start with manageable everyday steps.
- Regular balanced meals with vegetables, fruit, beans, whole grains, and adequate protein support energy but do not replace treatment.
- Limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs, which can impair mood, sleep, and decision-making.
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Main references
