This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified professional. If this is an emergency, call 911 or 988.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.
Depression is more than feeling down, and it is not a weakness or something you can simply will away. It is a common, serious, and treatable medical condition that affects how you feel, think, sleep, and function. Most people improve with therapy, medication, or a combination — and you don’t have to sort out the right path alone. This guide explains what depression is and how to take the next step toward feeling better.
Depression is common: NIMH estimates that in a given year, about 8% of U.S. adults experience a major depressive episode. If this is you or someone you love, you are far from alone, and effective help exists.
What depression looks like
Depression affects mood, body, and thinking, usually for two weeks or longer. Common signs include:
- Persistent sad, empty, or hopeless mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or weight
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
Learn more in depression symptoms, the main types of depression, and what causes and risk factors contribute. Only a professional can diagnose depression — see how depression is diagnosed.
Your treatment options
Treatment is built from a few proven pieces that you and a professional combine to fit your situation:
- Therapy — often first. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based talk therapies help many people. See therapy for depression.
- Medication. Antidepressants can help, especially for moderate to severe depression. See depression medication.
- Combination. Many people do best with therapy and medication together.
- When standard care isn’t enough. For treatment-resistant depression, specialist options such as TMS or Spravato (esketamine)/ketamine may be considered. Our treatment guides explain levels of care.
- Self-care that supports treatment. Regular sleep and movement, connection, and routine help treatment work — but work best alongside it, not instead of it.
Not sure which fits? A short conversation can help you sort it out.
What happens when you call
If you use the helpline on this page, here’s what to expect — no surprises:
- A treatment specialist answers and asks a few questions about what you’re going through.
- It’s a no-pressure conversation. There’s no obligation to enter treatment, and you can stop any time.
- They can help you understand options, including cost and insurance.
- This is an advertising-supported service: calls are answered by a paid advertiser, not by Get Mental Help. If you’d rather not use it, the free SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) and 988 are always available.
Check in on your symptoms
Not sure how much depression is affecting you? Take a private, two-minute, non-diagnostic depression self-check. Nothing is saved, and it can help you decide whether to reach out.
Find depression help in your state
Options, costs, and coverage differ by state. Use Find Help by State for the mental-health agency, Medicaid coverage, crisis lines, and free or low-cost options where you live — part of our State of Mental Health Access data.
What treatment costs
Cost depends on the type of care, your insurance, and your state, so there’s no single number. A few things that help:
- Insurance and Medicaid generally cover mental health treatment; coverage varies by plan and state.
- Free and low-cost options exist everywhere — 988, the free SAMHSA National Helpline, community mental health centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and sliding-scale clinics.
- A specialist (or your state’s resources) can help you find care that fits your budget.
From our clinical review. Depression lies to people. It tells them this is just who they are now, or that reaching out won’t help. Neither is true. The condition is treatable, recovery is the rule rather than the exception, and the first step is almost always smaller than it feels.
Recovery is realistic. If you’re ready, talk to someone about your options now — it’s free to call and there’s no obligation. You can also start with the depression self-check.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sadness and depression?
Sadness is a normal emotion that comes and goes. Depression is a persistent low mood or loss of interest that lasts at least two weeks and interferes with daily life. Unlike ordinary sadness, it usually does not lift on its own — but it is highly treatable.
Is depression treatable?
Yes. Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Most people improve with therapy, medication, or a combination, and many reach full remission with the right support.
When should I get help for depression?
Reach out if low mood or loss of interest lasts more than two weeks, gets in the way of work, relationships, or daily life, or comes with thoughts of self-harm. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 right away.
Sources
- Depression — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Depressive disorder (depression) — Fact sheet — World Health Organization (WHO)
- Depression — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Depression — American Psychological Association (APA)
Reviewed against the sources above. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.