Clinical depression is more than just being in a bad mood or feeling sad temporarily.
The biggest difference is how long it lasts and how much it affects your life.
To be diagnosed with depression, someone must have symptoms for more than two weeks.
Various factors contribute to depression, including genetics, biological differences, brain chemistry, trauma, and significant life events.
Symptoms of depression include sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Depression is linked with increased risk for substance misuse and suicide, so it’s important to reach out for help.
Treatment for depression can include talk therapy, medication, and self-care practices such as exercise and meditation.
Learn more about depression and its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, as well as how to help a friend.
Avoid using “depressed” or “depression” to describe feelings or emotions. Consider terms such as “sadness” or “feeling blue” instead.
Don’t jump to conclusions about yourself or someone else having depression. If you’re feeling low, consider saying, “I’ve been really down lately, and I’m planning to reach out for help.”
Don’t take online mental health quizzes or list off symptoms in a checklist format.
Try not to oversimplify the cause of depression. Clinical depression is usually a mix of causes, and it can be unhelpful to your audience to imply it’s caused by a single life event.
When sharing personal depression treatment, avoid naming specific medications to decrease the chance of someone self-medicating. Stick to terms such as “medication,” “antidepressant,” or “treatment.”
Remind your followers that speaking up for help is a sign of strength and an important part of feeling your best.
Sometimes people don’t speak up or reach out for help because they’re afraid they’ll be judged if they’re diagnosed with depression. Share examples of people being supportive and understanding.
When sharing self-care or treatment strategies that have helped you cope with depression, mention that the experience is different for everyone and encourage people to reach out to a professional.
Share resources with your followers who may be struggling with depression or other mental health challenges.
Explore topics uniquely relevant to your journey and audience. Engage with content that enhances your understanding and equips you to manage your specific mental health needs effectively.
A Project of The Jed Foundation in collaboration with the Mental Health Storytelling Coalition.
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