Mental Health
Depression
An introduction to depression and what survey-based depression estimates do and do not capture.
Beginner explanation
Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, but those feelings usually pass. Depression — also called major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression — is different. It can cause severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks and handles daily activities such as sleeping, eating or working.[1]
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, race or ethnicity, income, culture or education. Research suggests that genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors all play a role. Depression is treatable.[1]
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. In a life-threatening situation, call 911.[1, 2]
Key definitions
- Major depression
- Depressed mood or loss of interest, most of the time for at least 2 weeks, that interferes with daily activities.
- Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
- Less severe depression symptoms that last much longer, usually at least 2 years.
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in late fall and early winter.
- Perinatal depression
- Depression during pregnancy or after childbirth; more than the “baby blues.”
- Psychotherapy
- Talk therapy or counselling that teaches new ways of thinking and behaving.
Sources[1]
Condition characteristics
Common signs and symptoms include:[1]
- Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
- Irritability, frustration or restlessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Fatigue or feeling slowed down; difficulty concentrating, remembering or deciding
- Sleeping too little, waking too early or oversleeping; changes in appetite or weight
- Aches, pains or digestive problems without a clear physical cause
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Source[1]
Not everyone has every symptom. To be diagnosed, a person must have symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks, including depressed mood or loss of interest. Depression can look different by age: children may seem anxious or cranky, and older adults may report a lack of emotion rather than sadness.[1]
Risk factors
Women are diagnosed with depression more often than men. Men may be less likely to recognize, talk about or seek help for their feelings, which puts them at greater risk of depression going undiagnosed and undertreated.[1]
Depression often occurs with other illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and chronic pain, and each can make the other worse. CDC notes that depression increases the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and that chronic conditions raise the risk of mental health conditions.[1, 2]
CDC lists wider risk factors for poor mental health, including discrimination, lack of access to housing, health care, education or employment, adverse childhood experiences, social isolation, chronic medical conditions and alcohol or drug use.[2]
Prevention and public health context
Treatment usually involves psychotherapy, medication or both, chosen with a health professional based on a person’s needs and preferences; finding the right treatment can take some trial and error. Anyone with persistent symptoms should talk to a health care provider, who can also rule out other causes such as thyroid disorders.[1]
CDC promotes a public health approach that reduces risk factors and strengthens protective factors — such as stable relationships, social connection, positive coping skills and access to health services — before conditions develop or worsen.[2]
Texas data context
The PLACES depression measure on MedEquity estimates the share of adults who report ever being told by a doctor, nurse or other health professional that they had a depressive disorder (depression, major depression, dysthymia or minor depression). It is a lifetime diagnosis measure, not current depression.[3]
Because it depends on having been diagnosed, it can reflect access to care as well as illness: people who never saw a health professional are not counted. CDC also advises against using PLACES to track change over time.[1, 4]
Related measures on the Explore map
- Depression among adults (modeled estimate)
Advanced material (optional)
Bipolar disorder includes depressive episodes along with manic or hypomanic episodes. Depression can also occur with symptoms of psychosis, a severe form that includes delusions or hallucinations.[1]
When psychotherapy and medication do not reduce symptoms enough, brain stimulation therapies may be considered. For milder depression, psychotherapy is often tried first; people with moderate or severe depression are usually prescribed medication as part of initial treatment.[1]
References
- Depression (publication). National Institute of Mental Health (NIH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression (accessed 2026-10-18).
- About Mental Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about/index.html (accessed 2026-10-18).
- PLACES Measure Definitions: Health Outcomes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/places/measure-definitions/health-outcomes.html (accessed 2026-10-18).
- PLACES: Frequently Asked Questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/places/faqs/index.html (accessed 2026-10-18).