Topics
Depression topics
Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA·Updated September 23, 2026·16 guides
These are the questions people actually bring into my office. Is this sadness or something more? What happens after a diagnosis? Why does it look so different in a teenager than in my father? Each guide answers one of them in plain language, with sources you can check.
Is this depression?
For when something feels off and you are trying to put a name to it.
Depression vs. sadness: what’s the difference?
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.
About 10 minutes · Reviewed
Languishing: not depressed, but not okay
A psychiatrist explains languishing, the flat middle ground between flourishing and depression: how to tell it from depression, and small steps out.
About 8 minutes · Reviewed
Anhedonia: when pleasure stops registering
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.
About 12 minutes · Reviewed
What people mean by a “nervous breakdown”
A "nervous breakdown" isn't a diagnosis. A psychiatrist explains what it usually turns out to be, the warning signs, and when to get urgent help.
About 9 minutes · Reviewed
When should I 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.
About 11 minutes · Reviewed
What causes depression?
What causes depression? A psychiatrist explains the biology, genetics, life history, and medical contributors, in plain language.
About 13 minutes · Reviewed
After a diagnosis
What happens next, how long it lasts, and how the people around you can help.
I was just diagnosed with depression. What now?
Just diagnosed with depression? A psychiatrist walks through what the diagnosis means, the first treatment decisions, and what to expect next.
About 12 minutes · Reviewed
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.
About 12 minutes · Reviewed
My partner has depression. How can I help?
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.
About 13 minutes · Reviewed
Depression across a life
How depression shows up differently by age and sex, and what the numbers say.
Depression in teens
Depression in teens can look like irritability or withdrawal. A psychiatrist explains the warning signs, screening, and treatment that works.
About 8 minutes · Reviewed
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.
About 8 minutes · Reviewed
Depression in men
Depression in men often looks like irritability, anger, or withdrawal. A psychiatrist explains the presentation, the risk, and treatment.
About 7 minutes · Reviewed
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.
About 8 minutes · Reviewed
Depression statistics in 2026
Depression statistics for 2026: prevalence, demographics, and trends in the US, with sourced data and a psychiatrist's plain-language context.
About 7 minutes · Reviewed
Depression and daily life
Two of the things that most often travel with depression.
Depression and sleep
Depression and sleep are tightly linked. A psychiatrist explains insomnia, hypersomnia, and the sleep changes that support recovery.
About 8 minutes · Reviewed
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.
About 8 minutes · Reviewed
Looking for something else?
If you want the clinical picture of a specific kind of depression, start with types of depression. For how a symptom feels day to day, see symptoms. For medications, therapy, and newer options, see treatment. And in-depth articles lists every long guide on the site in one place.
If you are thinking about suicide or are worried about someone, call or text 988 any time, or go to our crisis page.
Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA. Last reviewed September 23, 2026.