Depression Health Center

Depression Questions
Get answers.

Medications
When do you need them?

Depression Quiz
Check symptoms.

Depression Overview

Everyone has felt depressed. Yet the sadness and other symptoms of depression that are intense and last for long periods of time, can signal clinical depression or major depression, a serious medical illness that needs professional care.

Select a Chapter

Latest Headlines

Deep Brain Stimulation Helps Depression
Researchers are becoming increasingly convinced that tiny electric shocks delivered deep into the brain could mean new hope for patients with severe depression and other mental illnesses.

Read Full Article

Community & Resources

Blogs

More Blogs

If you’re battling depression, Patricia Farrell, PhD is the friend you want in the trenches.

Boards

More Boards

Experts

More Expert Advice

Depression Essentials

Depression in:

Tests &
Medications

Bipolar Disorder: Get on Track, Stay on Track

Top Search Terms for Depression

Depression Tests

Causes of Depression

Suicide Warning Signs

Manic Depression

Postpartum Depression

Types of Depression

Teen Depression

Symptoms of Depression

Antidepressants

Symptom Checker

Major Depression

Dysthymia

Understanding Depression - Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms?

For major depression, you may experience five or more of the following for at least a two-week period:

Persistent sadness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, including sex
Difficulty concentrating and complaints of poor memory
Worsening of co-existing chronic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
Insomnia or oversleeping
Weight gain or loss
Fatigue, lack of energy
Anxiety, agitation, irritability
Thoughts of suicide or death
Slow speech; slow movements
Headache, stomachache, and digestive problems