# DepressionResource

> DepressionResource.org is a source-cited depression library for the general public: symptoms, types, treatment education, screening tools, a safety-plan template, a support-person guide, and state resources for all 50 states. Medically reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA. Ad-free, sells nothing, not medical advice. It is the depression layer of The Shrink Network.

## Key sections: /symptoms/ /types/ /treatment/ /screening-tools/ /glossary/ /state-resources/ (state pages)
## Facts: publishes no advertising; every article has a named reviewer and last-reviewed date.
## Safety: every page surfaces 988. The site's Suicide and Crisis page is https://depressionresource.org/suicide-and-crisis/

DepressionResource is the depression layer of The Shrink Network (https://shrinknetwork.com/), focused on symptoms, lived experience, treatment education, and next steps. DepressionResource.org explains depression in clinical but accessible language. Every clinical page is written for the general reader and reviewed by a board-certified psychiatrist, with sources cited in line. This index is generated automatically from the live site, so it stays current as pages are added or updated.

For the full text of the site's most important pages in a single file, see https://depressionresource.org/llms-full.txt

## Crisis support

- [Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.](https://depressionresource.org/suicide-and-crisis/): Suicide and crisis resources. Call or text 988 anytime. A psychiatrist's guide to crisis support, what to expect, and how to help someone.
- [Safety plan template](https://depressionresource.org/safety-plan/): A free, printable safety plan for a suicidal crisis, based on the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention. Six steps with fillable fields and save-to-device.
- [How to help someone with depression: a guide for support people](https://depressionresource.org/support-person-guide/): A practical guide for family, partners, and friends supporting someone with depression: warning signs, what to say, asking about suicide, and when to call 988.

## Start here

- [What depression can feel like](https://depressionresource.org/symptoms/): What depression actually feels like, broken into its parts by a psychiatrist: emotional numbness, low motivation, sleep and appetite changes, and more.
- [Depression types](https://depressionresource.org/types/): Major, persistent, postpartum, bipolar, and seasonal depression, explained by a psychiatrist, with how clinicians tell the types apart.
- [Depression treatment, explained](https://depressionresource.org/treatment/): Depression treatment, explained by a psychiatrist: therapy, antidepressants, psychiatric evaluation, and options for treatment-resistant depression.
- [Living with depression](https://depressionresource.org/living-with-depression/): Living with depression day to day: a psychiatrist's practical guide to sleep, movement, structure, work, relationships, and relapse prevention.
- [Depression screening tools](https://depressionresource.org/screening-tools/): Depression and anxiety screening tools explained: the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, what the scores mean, and how a psychiatrist uses them in care.
- [Free depression worksheets](https://depressionresource.org/worksheets/): Download 10 free printable depression worksheets as PDFs: behavioral activation planner, mood calendar, sleep diary, relapse prevention plan, medication log, and more.
- [Depression resources](https://depressionresource.org/resources/): Depression resources: national crisis lines, treatment locators, screening tools, and a state-by-state directory, curated by a psychiatrist.
- [Depression glossary](https://depressionresource.org/glossary/): A plain-language glossary of depression terms, from anhedonia to remission, each defined and reviewed by a board-certified psychiatrist.
- [State-by-state depression resources](https://depressionresource.org/state-resources/): Depression resources for all 50 states and DC: crisis lines, state mental health agencies, NAMI and MHA affiliates, and treatment locators.
- [How to find a therapist or psychiatrist](https://depressionresource.org/find-a-therapist/): How to find a therapist or psychiatrist: a step-by-step guide to directories, insurance, cost, and making the first call, from a psychiatrist.
- [Depression FAQ](https://depressionresource.org/faq/): Plain-language, physician-reviewed answers to common questions about depression: symptoms, types, treatment, crisis support, and finding care.

## Symptoms

- [Emotional numbness in depression](https://depressionresource.org/symptoms/emotional-numbness/): Why emotional numbness happens during depression, what it actually feels like, and the practical steps that help. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Suicidal thoughts in depression](https://depressionresource.org/symptoms/suicidal-thoughts/): Suicidal thoughts are a symptom, not a verdict. A psychiatrist explains passive and active thoughts, warning signs, and how to get help now.
- [Low motivation in depression](https://depressionresource.org/symptoms/low-motivation/): Why low motivation happens during depression, what it actually feels like, and the practical steps that help. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Fatigue and depression](https://depressionresource.org/symptoms/fatigue-and-depression/): Why fatigue happens during depression, what it actually feels like, and the practical steps that help. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Sleep changes in depression](https://depressionresource.org/symptoms/sleep-changes/): Why sleep changes happen during depression, what they actually feel like, and the practical steps that help. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Appetite changes in depression](https://depressionresource.org/symptoms/appetite-changes/): Why appetite changes happen during depression, what they actually feel like, and the practical steps that help. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Loss of interest in depression](https://depressionresource.org/symptoms/loss-of-interest/): Why loss of interest happens during depression, what it actually feels like, and the practical steps that help. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Guilt and worthlessness in depression](https://depressionresource.org/symptoms/guilt-and-worthlessness/): Why guilt and worthlessness happen during depression, what they actually feel like, and the practical steps that help. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Brain fog in depression](https://depressionresource.org/symptoms/brain-fog/): Why brain fog happens during depression, what it actually feels like, and the practical steps that help. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Irritability in depression](https://depressionresource.org/symptoms/irritability/): Why irritability happens during depression, what it actually feels like, and the practical steps that help. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.

## Types of depression

- [High-functioning depression](https://depressionresource.org/types/high-functioning-depression/): High-functioning depression is one of the patterns depression takes. What it looks like, how it's different from other depressions, and what to do. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Major depressive disorder](https://depressionresource.org/types/major-depressive-disorder/): Major depressive disorder is one of the patterns depression takes. What it looks like, how it's different from other depressions, and what to do. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Persistent depressive disorder](https://depressionresource.org/types/persistent-depressive-disorder/): Persistent depressive disorder is one of the patterns depression takes. What it looks like, how it's different from other depressions, and what to do. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Seasonal depression](https://depressionresource.org/types/seasonal-depression/): Seasonal depression is one of the patterns depression takes. What it looks like, how it's different from other depressions, and what to do. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Postpartum depression](https://depressionresource.org/types/postpartum-depression/): Postpartum depression is one of the patterns depression takes. What it looks like, how it's different from other depressions, and what to do. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Bipolar depression](https://depressionresource.org/types/bipolar-depression/): Bipolar depression can look identical to major depression but needs different treatment. A psychiatrist explains how clinicians tell them apart.
- [Depression and grief](https://depressionresource.org/types/depression-and-grief/): Depression and grief is one of the patterns depression takes. What it looks like, how it's different from other depressions, and what to do. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Depression related to medical illness](https://depressionresource.org/types/depression-related-to-medical-illness/): Depression related to medical illness is one of the patterns depression takes. What it looks like, how it's different from other depressions, and what to do. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Depression with anxiety](https://depressionresource.org/types/depression-with-anxiety/): Depression with anxiety is one of the patterns depression takes. What it looks like, how it's different from other depressions, and what to do. Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [Treatment-resistant depression](https://depressionresource.org/types/treatment-resistant-depression/): What treatment-resistant depression actually means, why most cases that look resistant aren't, and the next-line options that work (augmentation, TMS, ketamine, ECT). Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.

## Treatment

- [Antidepressant comparison](https://depressionresource.org/treatment/antidepressant-comparison/): Compare antidepressant classes: SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, and more. A psychiatrist explains how clinicians choose, with side effects and cautions.
- [Stopping antidepressants](https://depressionresource.org/treatment/stopping-antidepressants/): Stopping antidepressants safely: a psychiatrist explains tapering, discontinuation symptoms, and what to expect, so you can plan it with a prescriber.
- [Exercise for depression](https://depressionresource.org/treatment/exercise-for-depression/): Exercise has real, measured antidepressant effects. A psychiatrist explains the evidence, how much you need, and how to start when motivation is low.
- [Therapy types for depression](https://depressionresource.org/treatment/therapy-types/): Therapy types for depression compared: CBT, IPT, behavioral activation, ACT, MBCT, and DBT. A psychiatrist explains what each one does best.
- [Antidepressant withdrawal and discontinuation](https://depressionresource.org/treatment/antidepressant-withdrawal/): Antidepressant withdrawal explained: symptoms, timeline, and how to taper safely. A psychiatrist on what discontinuation actually feels like.
- [SSRI side effects](https://depressionresource.org/treatment/ssri-side-effects/): SSRI side effects, explained by a psychiatrist: what's common, what passes in the first weeks, what lasts, and what to do about each one.
- [CBT vs DBT for depression](https://depressionresource.org/treatment/cbt-vs-dbt/): CBT vs DBT for depression: a psychiatrist explains how the two therapies differ, what each treats best, and how to choose between them.
- [TMS for depression](https://depressionresource.org/treatment/tms-for-depression/): TMS for depression: a psychiatrist explains how transcranial magnetic stimulation works, what a course involves, the side effects, and the evidence.
- [Ketamine and esketamine for depression](https://depressionresource.org/treatment/ketamine-and-esketamine/): Ketamine and esketamine for depression: a psychiatrist explains the evidence, safety, REMS rules, cost, and who these treatments are for.
- [Light therapy for depression](https://depressionresource.org/treatment/light-therapy-for-depression/): Light therapy treats seasonal and some non-seasonal depression. A psychiatrist explains how it works, who it helps, and what light box to buy.

## Topics and guides

- [What causes depression?](https://depressionresource.org/topics/what-causes-depression/): What causes depression? A psychiatrist explains the biology, genetics, life history, and medical contributors, in plain language.
- [When should I see a doctor for depression?](https://depressionresource.org/topics/when-to-see-a-doctor-for-depression/): When should you see a doctor for depression? A psychiatrist explains the same-day red flags, the gray zone, and what the first visit involves.
- [Depression in men](https://depressionresource.org/topics/depression-in-men/): Depression in men often looks like irritability, anger, or withdrawal. A psychiatrist explains the presentation, the risk, and treatment.
- [Depression in women](https://depressionresource.org/topics/depression-in-women/): Depression affects women at roughly twice the rate of men. A psychiatrist explains the lifecycle and hormonal factors, and how it's treated.
- [Depression in teens](https://depressionresource.org/topics/depression-in-teens/): Depression in teens can look like irritability or withdrawal. A psychiatrist explains the warning signs, screening, and treatment that works.
- [Depression statistics in 2026](https://depressionresource.org/topics/depression-statistics/): Depression statistics for 2026: prevalence, demographics, and trends in the US, with sourced data and a psychiatrist's plain-language context.
- [Depression in older adults](https://depressionresource.org/topics/depression-in-older-adults/): Depression in older adults is common and treatable, not a normal part of aging. A psychiatrist explains presentation, causes, and treatment.
- [Depression and sleep](https://depressionresource.org/topics/depression-and-sleep/): Depression and sleep are tightly linked. A psychiatrist explains insomnia, hypersomnia, and the sleep changes that support recovery.
- [Depression and alcohol](https://depressionresource.org/topics/depression-and-alcohol/): Alcohol and depression feed each other. A psychiatrist explains how they interact, why drinking deepens depression, and what to do about it.
- [I was just diagnosed with depression. What now?](https://depressionresource.org/topics/just-diagnosed-with-depression/): Just diagnosed with depression? A psychiatrist walks through what the diagnosis means, the first treatment decisions, and what to expect next.
- [My partner has depression. How can I help?](https://depressionresource.org/topics/how-to-help-someone-with-depression/): How to help a partner or family member with depression: a psychiatrist explains what to say, what to avoid, and how to ask about suicide.
- [How long does depression last?](https://depressionresource.org/topics/how-long-does-depression-last/): How long does depression last? A psychiatrist explains typical timelines with and without treatment, and what affects how fast you recover.
- [Depression vs. sadness: what’s the difference?](https://depressionresource.org/topics/depression-vs-sadness/): Depression or just sadness? A psychiatrist explains how to tell normal low mood from a clinical condition, and when it's time to seek help.
- [Anhedonia: when pleasure stops registering](https://depressionresource.org/topics/anhedonia/): Anhedonia is the loss of pleasure or interest, a core symptom of depression. A psychiatrist explains what it feels like, why it happens, and what helps.

## Screening tools

- [The PHQ-9 depression test](https://depressionresource.org/screening-tools/phq-9/): The full PHQ-9 depression questionnaire with an interactive scorer, severity bands, a printable version, and what your score does and doesn't mean.
- [The GAD-7 anxiety test](https://depressionresource.org/screening-tools/gad-7/): The full GAD-7 anxiety questionnaire with an interactive scorer, severity bands, a printable version, and what your score does and doesn't mean.
- [Depression test (PHQ-9)](https://depressionresource.org/screening-tools/depression-test/): Take the validated PHQ-9 depression screen. Nine questions, plain-language scoring, and clinician-reviewed guidance on what your score means.

## Editorial and trust

- [Shariq Refai, MD, MBA](https://depressionresource.org/about/shariq-refai/): Shariq Refai, MD, MBA is a board-certified psychiatrist, author of three books on mental health, and the editor and medical reviewer of DepressionResource.org.
- [Editorial standards](https://depressionresource.org/editorial-standards/): The editorial standards behind DepressionResource.org: how articles are written, sourced, fact-checked, and reviewed by a psychiatrist.
- [Medical review process](https://depressionresource.org/medical-review-process/): How DepressionResource.org reviews content: every page is checked for clinical accuracy by a board-certified psychiatrist before it publishes.
- [Sources and evidence](https://depressionresource.org/sources-and-evidence/): The sources behind DepressionResource.org: the clinical guidelines and peer-reviewed literature behind every article, and how to read them.
- [Corrections policy](https://depressionresource.org/corrections-policy/): How DepressionResource.org handles corrections: how to report an error, our review process, and how we publish corrections in the open.
- [AI use and editorial assistance policy](https://depressionresource.org/ai-policy/): How DepressionResource.org uses AI tools for narrow, non-clinical help only. Every clinical page is written and reviewed by a board-certified psychiatrist.
- [Relationships and financial disclosure](https://depressionresource.org/financial-disclosure/): DepressionResource.org financial disclosure: how the site is funded, the editor’s financial interests, and what the site does and doesn't earn revenue from.
- [International readers](https://depressionresource.org/international-disclaimer/): DepressionResource.org is published from the United States. What that means for readers outside the U.S.: clinical guidance, regulations, and crisis lines.
- [Contact us](https://depressionresource.org/contact/): Contact DepressionResource.org for corrections, source questions, accessibility, privacy, or media inquiries. We don't offer individual medical advice.
- [Press and media inquiries](https://depressionresource.org/press/): Press resources for journalists: bio, credentials, verified identifiers, expertise, ready-to-use quotes, headshot, and contact for Shariq Refai, MD, MBA.
- [About DepressionResource.](https://depressionresource.org/about/): DepressionResource is the practical layer for depression. Written by an editorial team and medically reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA. About what this site is, why we built it, and how the editorial review actually works.
- [Books by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA](https://depressionresource.org/books/): Mental health books written by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, the medical reviewer of this site. Listed as related reading, not sold here.

## Legal

- [Privacy policy](https://depressionresource.org/privacy-policy/): DepressionResource.org privacy policy: what data we collect, how it's used, your rights under GDPR and US state law, and how to contact us.
- [Terms of use](https://depressionresource.org/terms-of-use/): DepressionResource.org terms of use: the rules for using this site, intellectual property, disclaimers, and governing law.
- [Cookie policy](https://depressionresource.org/cookie-policy/): DepressionResource.org cookie policy: what cookies we use, why, and how to manage them. We don't run advertising trackers.
- [Accessibility statement](https://depressionresource.org/accessibility-statement/): DepressionResource.org accessibility statement: our WCAG 2.2 Level AA conformance, known limitations, and how to report an accessibility issue.
- [Medical disclaimer.](https://depressionresource.org/medical-disclaimer/): What DepressionResource is and isn't. General education, not medical advice. No doctor patient relationship. Talk to a licensed clinician. Call 988 if in crisis.

## Machine-readable

- [Concept graph](https://depressionresource.org/concepts.json): this site's pages mapped to shared Shrink Network concept IDs
- [Sitemap](https://depressionresource.org/sitemap.xml)

## Network

DepressionResource is one layer of The Shrink Network (https://shrinknetwork.com/), a family of independent, source-cited mental health sites that share concept IDs and cross-link. Sibling layers:

- [Shrinktionary](https://shrinktionary.com/): plain-language definitions of psychiatric terms (canonical concept IDs).
- [Shrinkopedia](https://shrinkopedia.com/): in-depth explainers of mental health concepts.
- [AnxietyResource](https://anxietyresource.org/): the anxiety condition layer, mirroring this site's format.
- [AnxietyResearch](https://anxietyresearch.org/): mental health access data and research summaries.
- [PsychiatryRx](https://psychiatryrx.com/): medication reference for psychiatric drugs.
- [ShrinkDaily](https://shrinkdaily.com/): short daily explainers of mental health concepts.
- [shrinkMD](https://shrinkmd.com/): telepsychiatry care from licensed clinicians.

## Toolkit resources (from shrinknetwork.com)

Print-friendly companions to DepressionResource content:

- [Cognitive distortions reference](https://shrinknetwork.com/toolkit/cognitive-distortions/): the ten CBT thinking errors.
- [Cognitive reframing worksheet](https://shrinknetwork.com/toolkit/cognitive-reframing-worksheet/): the CBT thought-record.
- [SSRI comparison reference](https://shrinknetwork.com/toolkit/ssri-comparison/): the six US-common SSRIs from FDA labeling.
- [Medication half-life chart](https://shrinknetwork.com/toolkit/medication-half-life-chart/): typical adult half-lives.

## Optional

- Reviewer: Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, board-certified psychiatrist and editor of DepressionResource.org.
- Publisher: shrinkMD Publishing, LLC, 7901 4th St N, STE 300, St. Petersburg, FL 33702.
- Contact: support@depressionresource.org
- Last generated: 2026-07-24