Sadness happens
Sadness is a normal emotion everyone feels. You may feel sad when you experience a loss or disappointment, like when a relationship breaks up. You may feel down and cry. There are many reasons why people feel sad for a while, and it usually gets better or goes away with time.
Depression is different
Depression is more than regular sadness. It makes it hard to enjoy your regular activities. You may eat more, or less. Or sleep more, or less. You may feel grouchy or have trouble concentrating and making decisions. These may be signs of depression if they last more than two weeks.
How do you know it’s depression?
Talk with your health care provider. They will ask you questions — called a “depression screening” — about how you feel and any trouble doing things you usually do. Providers ask these questions because not everyone recognizes signs of depression, or they may think they can “just wait it out.” Sometimes your provider will order medical tests, too.
What if you have depression?
If you have depression, it can be helpful to know that it is common, and not anyone’s fault. Depression affects people no matter their age, education, income, race, or culture.
Depression is treatable by talking with a counselor, taking medication, or both. Untreated depression can keep you from doing things like seeing family and friends or taking care of yourself and others. Treating depression can help you feel more like yourself again.
How to get help
- If you have a primary care provider (PCP), make an appointment to talk with them as soon as possible.
- If you do not have a PCP, call 211 and ask for help finding a clinic near you.
What if I’m in crisis?
Don’t wait. If you are in crisis, experiencing emotional distress, or worried about someone you know:
- Call or text 988
- TTY users: use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
- To chat, visit 988lifeline.org
- If you can’t call, text, or chat, go to the nearest emergency room for help.