Depression: Treatment, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Online Care

At Talkiatry, we know that navigating mental health can feel overwhelming. Our mission is to make it easier—starting with information you can trust. As a national mental health practice with over 600 psychiatrists and other providers, we combine clinical excellence with real-world understanding to deliver incredible care and reliable information. This article has been medically reviewed by the same doctors who treat our patients every day, ensuring it meets the highest standards. Whether you’re seeking care now or simply looking to learn more, we’re here to help.

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 1 in 6 Americans will experience depression at some point in their lives. The good news is that it’s a highly treatable condition. With the right combination of professional support, medication, and/or therapy, and healthy habits, many people find significant relief from their symptoms.

What is depression?

It’s normal for everyone to feel sad or have rough patches. When feelings of sadness, despondency, lack of motivation, and/or loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy are persistent and negatively affect quality of life, it may be depression. Depression can impact every part of daily life—work, relationships, sleep, appetite, and even physical health. 

There are different levels of severity: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild depression might feel like a lingering cloud that makes it hard to find joy in everyday activities. Moderate depression can make it harder to function at work or school, and severe depression can make even basic tasks like getting out of bed feel overwhelming. 

Depression is a chronic condition, meaning it can last for months or even years if untreated. Treatment is incredibly effective at managing symptoms and helping people feel better. If you're here learning more about depression, that's an important and empowering first step—you deserve support and care.

What are the different types of depression?

There are several types of depression, and each has its own unique features: 

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent and intense feelings of sadness and loss of interest that interfere with daily functioning and last for two weeks or more.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Long-term (two years or more) depression that is less severe but more chronic.
• Bipolar Depression: Depressive episodes that occur within bipolar disorder, alternating with periods of mania or hypomania.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depression that usually occurs during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter.
• Postpartum Depression: Depression that occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Severe depression and irritability in the week or two before menstruation.
• Atypical Depression: Depression symptoms that can improve temporarily in response to positive events but also involve increased appetite, sleep, and rejection sensitivity.

While these types of depression can have overlapping symptoms, knowing exactly what you’re experiencing, with the help of a qualified professional, is the first step toward finding the right treatment.

How to know if you’re depressed: common symptoms of depression

Common symptoms of depression can include: 

• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Sleep disturbances (either insomnia or sleeping too much)
• Fatigue or low energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Restlessness or slowed movements
• Thoughts of death or suicide  

If you're experiencing several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it's a good idea to reach out to a mental health professional to talk through what you’re experiencing. For a deeper look at how depression can feel day to day, read more here. If you’ve been feeling worse over time, this guide can help you understand why and what steps to take. 

What causes depression?

Depression doesn't have a single cause. It’s often the result of a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Chemically, depression is linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which help regulate mood. Genetics can also play a role, as depression tends to run in families. 

Life experiences, such as trauma, loss, stress, or major life changes, can trigger depression as well. Chronic illness, substance use, and even certain medications can contribute. In some cases, physical symptoms like hair loss can be linked to depression, either directly or through stress-related causes. Understanding that depression is not a personal failure, but a real health condition with real causes, is an important part of healing. Managing it is like managing any other chronic condition.

How a psychiatrist can help

A psychiatrist’s first job is to listen. It can be incredibly validating to have someone hear about your experiences with depression in a judgment-free environment. Psychiatrists are trained to recognize the signs of depression, diagnose the condition, and build a personalized treatment plan that gives you the best chance of feeling better. 

Remember, your relationship with your psychiatrist doesn’t stop after diagnosis. They’ll work with you over time, checking in, adjusting your treatment if needed, and supporting you every step of the way. Whether that includes medication, therapy referrals, or both, having an expert to help you navigate and plan your care can make a big difference. If you're considering starting medication, here’s a guide to what that process looks like.

Depression diagnosis

Diagnosing depression usually starts with a screening—a few simple questions about how you’ve been feeling. Many clinicians use something called the PHQ-9. It’s a clinical scale, a series of questions that helps clinicians understand the severity of your symptoms (and if used regularly, to track your progress). 

If the screening suggests depression, you’ll move on to a full evaluation. This involves a deeper conversation about your symptoms, medical history, and daily life. They also refer to the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals, to determine if you meet the criteria for depression. A thoughtful, thorough evaluation helps ensure you get the right kind of care. 

Many people note a sense of relief or empowerment about their diagnoses. Having the right one opens up the possibilities of treatment–it’s a crucial part of the healing journey.

Psychiatry vs. therapy

Psychiatry and therapy are both powerful tools for treating depression, and they often work best together. Psychiatry focuses on diagnosing conditions and managing them with medication when needed. Therapy, on the other hand, focuses on helping you process your experiences, build coping skills, and work toward emotional healing. 

You don’t have to choose one over the other. Many people find that combining both approaches gives them the best chance at recovery.

Depression medication alternatives

Treatment for depression doesn’t always mean medication alone. Other options include: 

• Talk therapy (psychotherapy): Working through thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with a trained therapist.
• Lifestyle changes: Exercise, nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness practices can all support better mental health.
• Specialized treatments: Options like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or ketamine therapy for more severe or treatment-resistant depression. 

Your psychiatrist will help you understand all your options and find a plan that works for you.

Online depression treatment: how Talkiatry can help

At Talkiatry, we make it easier to get high-quality depression care. Our psychiatrists meet with you virtually, so you can get evaluated and treated from home. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized plan—whether that involves medication, therapy referrals, or both—and we’ll be with you every step of the way. 

Our staff is highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of depression. Our matching process ensures we find the right on-staff clinician to support your care. If you’re interested in getting started, it only takes about 10 minutes.