More than a bad stretch. And more treatable than it feels from the inside.
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. It affects how you feel, think, and handle everyday things like sleeping, eating, and working. When symptoms last two weeks or more, it's time to talk to someone.
What it can look like
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or irritability
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Fatigue, trouble concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide. If this is you, please call or text 988 now.
Depression takes different forms: persistent depressive disorder that lasts years at a lower intensity, perinatal depression during or after pregnancy, seasonal depression in the winter months, and depression with psychotic features. Sometimes what looks like depression is part of bipolar disorder, which is why a careful evaluation matters.
How we treat it
Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. Most people improve with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. We'll start with a full evaluation, choose a first step together, and adjust based on how you respond. For depression that hasn't responded to standard treatment, we can discuss further options and referrals.
Common questions
How is depression different from feeling sad?
Sadness is a normal response to loss or disappointment, and it lifts. Depression lasts two weeks or longer, colors most of the day, and comes with changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, or interest in things you used to enjoy. Feeling worthless or hopeless, or thinking about death, are signs it's time to talk to someone.
How long does it take antidepressants to work?
Most people notice some improvement in two to four weeks, with the full effect closer to six to eight weeks. Side effects, if any, tend to show up first and fade. We schedule an early follow-up so we can adjust the dose or switch medications without losing time.
Will I need to be on medication forever?
Not necessarily. For a first episode, treatment usually continues for several months after you feel well, then we talk about tapering. People who have had several episodes often do better staying on a maintenance dose. Either way, stopping is something we plan together, never abruptly.
I've tried medication before and it didn't help. Is there any point?
Yes. A first medication works for roughly half of people, and the odds improve with a careful second choice, a dose adjustment, adding therapy, or treating something that was missed, like a thyroid problem, sleep apnea, or bipolar disorder. For depression that hasn't responded to standard treatment, we'll discuss further options and referrals.
What if I'm having thoughts of suicide?
Please call or text 988 right now, or go to the nearest emergency room. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and open 24 hours a day. Once you're safe, we're here to help with what comes next.