Depression is a common, but serious mental health problem. It involves your body, moods, and thoughts. It can touch all parts of your life such as how you eat and sleep, act, or feel about yourself and others. Depression is not the same as a blue mood. Though it may start after a trauma or sad event it lingers longer and is more severe than is expected.

Treatment can help to manage symptoms. Most will get better if they're treated. Without treatment, depression may linger for longer periods of time or recur often. Some may have more severe depression that leads to serious illnesses and increased risk of suicide.

There are many types of mental health problems that feature depression:

• Major depressive disorder
• Dysthymic disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Postpartum depression
• Seasonal affective disorder

There is no one cause of depression. Life events, genes, and your overall mental health may all play a role.

• What are the risk factors for depression?
• What are the symptoms of depression?
• How is depression diagnosed?
• What are the treatments for depression?
• Are there screening tests for depression?
• How can I reduce my risk of depression?
• What questions should I ask my doctor?
• Where can I get more information about depression?