We all experience ups and downs, good days and bad; but major depression is more serious and long-lasting.

DEFINITION:  Major Depression is a mood disorder marked by intense, long-lasting sadness (two weeks or more) and a loss of interest in once pleasurable activities. Having major depression is very different from feeling sad or being temporarily unhappy.

Unfortunately, too many people with major depression don't seek treatment. There is much needless suffering because they may not recognize the signs of the disorder or they may be embarrassed to admit how they feel because of stigma.

Although treatable, major depression can be life-threatening. While this disorder affects about 17% of the adult population, 11% experience a major depressive episode before age 18.

Symptoms of Major Depression
A person with major depression might...

• feel persistent sadness, anxiety, or have feelings of emptiness
• feel hopeless, pessimistic, guilty, worthless, or helpless
• feel irritable, and/or restless
• lose interest in activities, friends or hobbies
• feel fatigue and decreased energy
• have difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• experience insomnia or sleep too much
• overeat or lose appetite
• have thoughts of suicide or make suicide attempts
• have aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
• People suffering from major depression cannot control their symptoms and sometimes do not know why they feel the way they do.

---

Sadness vs Depression

• Sadness is an emotional state. People feel sad when bad things happen. However, everyday sadness is not a depressive disorder. When someone is sad, they can manage to cope and soon recover without treatment. Major depression is a serious mood disorder that requires treatment.

---

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...

Situational Depression

• can be triggered by a life trauma (like the death of a loved one).
• can be triggered by environmental or external factors
• often goes away in time
• Unlike major depression, someone with situational depression can still experience joyful moments.
• NOTE: Talking about the problem can ease the recovery process.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

• can lead to social withdrawal.
• can lead to increased sleep.
• can lead to weight gain.
• predictably returns every year.
• NOTE: Symptoms tend to show up in winter when there are fewer hours of daylight. (This tends to occur at higher latitudes. As an example, an individual from Southern California who goes to college in New England or Washington may be susceptible.)

• Regular exercise, learning to deal with stress and difficulties, and choosing healthy foods can help manage the symptoms of depression. 
• Reducing screen time and increasing outdoor activities can be beneficial. 
• Working with a mental health professional and taking medication prescribed by a psychiatrist are possible forms of treatment. 
• Family and friends provide important support. 

Although treatable, depression can be life-threatening.

WAYS TO HELP SOMEONE WITH MAJOR OR SITUATIONAL DEPRESSION...

• Don’t take a friend’s withdrawal personally.
• Understand that someone with major depression or situational depression may not want to hang out with you. This is because of the depression, not because of you.
• It can be difficult to be friends with someone diagnosed with depression. They can tend to isolate, be volatile or have bouts of anger.
• Try to create regular opportunities to connect (e.g., having lunch together every Tuesday).

WAYS TO SUPPORT ANYONE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH DISORDER...

• Educate yourself about the disorder.
• Listen to your friend when they want to talk.
• Keep checking in with your friend.
• Use 1st person language. Say,
  “My friend has major depression.” not “My friend is always depressed or depressing to be around.”
• Reassure your friend of your support and understanding.
• People suffering from depression cannot control their symptoms and sometimes do not know why they feel the way they do. They may need extra understanding, because they may be very down or have low energy.

---

HELPFUL THINGS TO SAY...

• “It’s not your fault.”
• “I’m listening.”
• “I am here for you.”
• “It’s the illness that causes these thoughts and feelings.”
• “This must be really difficult for you.”

---

HURTFUL THINGS TO SAY...

• “It’s all in your head.”
• “What’s wrong with you?”
• “Get over yourself, you have no reason to feel that way.”
• “Shouldn’t you be better by now?”

---

DO NOT [HURTFUL ACTIONS]... 

• ...tell a friend to “Snap out of it!”
• ...diagnose.
• ...gossip.
• ...take your friend’s withdrawal personally. 

Find additional information on our Mental Health Disorders page and other suggestions on our Understanding Stigma page >>

Can you answer these questions?

1. What is major depression?
2. What are some symptoms of major depression?
3. How is being really sad different from situational depression? How is situational depression different from Major Depression?
4. What types of treatment are available for people experiencing the symptoms of major depression?
5. What can you do to support someone with major depression?
6. How do you think stigma might affect a person with major depression?

*Hint: Read the MAJOR DEPRESSION facts at the top of this page to find the answers for 1-5. And view our Understanding Stigma page for question #6.