October is a time of transition. The leaves begin to turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and deep red, and a chill fills the air. For many, the shorter days and longer nights provide a welcome reprieve from the busyness of summer. However, these seasonal changes can also provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and check in on our mental well-being.
October is Depression Awareness Month, making it an appropriate time to talk about mental health and, more specifically, depression.
Depression is More Common Than Many People Realize
According to the American Psychiatric Association, nearly 30% of adults have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives.
Despite how common depression is, many people do not receive professional support. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about 40% of people experiencing symptoms of depression receive counseling or therapy.
Understanding Depression
Having depression does not mean that you are broken. Depression is a medical condition, not a personal weakness. According to the Cleveland Clinic, depression is "a common mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and function each day. It can cause ongoing sadness, low energy, and a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed."
It is normal to feel sad, discouraged, or overwhelmed from time to time. However, if those feelings persist for more than two weeks and begin to interfere with daily life, that may be a sign of depression.
Treatment and Support Can Make a Difference
Treatment options may include counseling, therapy, lifestyle changes, support groups, medication, or a combination of these strategies. In fact, the CDC reports that more than 1 in 10 adults in the United States take prescription medication to help manage depression.
Depression is not limited to adults. Children and adolescents are also experiencing depression and anxiety-related symptoms. According to the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 40% of U.S. high school students reported experiencing symptoms of depression in 2023, defined as feeling so sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in a row that they stopped doing some usual activities.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression
While depression can affect people in different ways, the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion identifies several common warning signs, such as:
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Feeling hopeless, empty, or persistently sad
Having difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions
Sleeping too much or too little
Gaining or losing weight without intending to
Feeling tired or lacking energy
Becoming unusually irritable or restless
Resources for Help and Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, help is available. Talking with a trusted friend, family member, healthcare provider, or mental health professional can be an important first step. Below are a couple of national mental health resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, confidential support for people in distress or crisis.
SAMHSA's National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Free and confidential treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Depression is common, support is available, and no one has to face it alone.
Resources:
- Talk with your doctor about depression - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
- What is Depression? American Psychiatric Association
- CDC New Reports Highlight Depression Prevalence and Medication Use in the U.S.
- Mental Health Conditions and Care
- Youth Mental Health: The Numbers