Published on Jan 16, 2024 | 3:43 PM
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Understanding Depression, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and changes in mood, thinking, and physical functioning. Unlike temporary sadness, depression lasts for weeks or months and can significantly interfere with daily life.
Depression is a medical condition, not a personal weakness, and it can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.
Depression can present in different forms depending on symptoms and timing.
Major depressive disorder involves persistent symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is a chronic, lower-grade form of depression lasting two years or more.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) occurs during certain seasons, most commonly winter.
Postpartum depression affects some individuals after childbirth.
Depression symptoms vary from person to person and may change over time.
Emotional symptoms can include persistent sadness, hopelessness, irritability, guilt, or feelings of emptiness.
Cognitive symptoms may involve difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, or negative thought patterns.
Physical symptoms can include fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, body aches, headaches, or low energy.
Not everyone with depression experiences all symptoms, and severity can range from mild to severe.
Depression results from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Genetics, brain chemistry, hormone changes, chronic illness, trauma, prolonged stress, sleep disruption, and substance use can all contribute. Depression is not caused by a lack of motivation or willpower.
Depression is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation based on symptom history, duration, and impact on daily functioning.
Healthcare providers also assess for medical conditions, medications, and life factors that may contribute to depressive symptoms.
Depression is highly treatable, and treatment is individualized.
Options may include therapy, lifestyle changes, stress-management strategies, and medication when appropriate. Many people benefit from a combination of treatments, and improvement often occurs gradually over time.
Daily habits play an important role in mood regulation.
Sleep quality, physical activity, nutrition, social connection, substance use, and stress levels can influence depressive symptoms. Small, consistent changes can support recovery alongside medical treatment.
Medical care is recommended when depression interferes with work, school, relationships, or daily activities, or when symptoms persist or worsen.
Urgent help is needed for thoughts of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or inability to function safely. Immediate support can be life-saving.
Call-On-Doc provides confidential, clinician-guided care for depression through telehealth.
Through a virtual visit, patients can:
Discuss symptoms and concerns
Receive evaluation and treatment recommendations
Access ongoing care and medication management when appropriate
Healthcare that fits your life — not your calendar.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of harming themselve please reach out to one of the following organzations for more assistance
or call 988
International Association for Suicide Prevention www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts
updated 01/26/2026 Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.
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