April is Stress Awareness Month

Depression Symptoms & Types

Do you know the common depression symptoms? Do you know about different types of depression? Learn more about depression so you can talk openly with your doctor. Find out the warning signs of more serious depression problems so you can prevent depression complications.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Depression

Are you depressed? The symptoms of depression may surprise you. Read more and see if you or a loved one suffers with depression.

Health Check: Are You More Than Just Sad or Down?

The WebMD Depression Health Check explores and evaluates your personal health and lifestyle history to help you manage your health and your family’s health better.

Types

Depression Types

All depression types are not the same. Learn about the different types of depression, the signs and symptoms, and talk to your doctor about treatment.

Major Depression

Read about the causes and symptoms of major depression and the available treatments. Talk openly with your doctor if you have these major depression symptoms because help is available.

Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)

Chronic depression or dysthymia is a milder form of depression that affects millions. Find out if you or a loved one has chronic depression.

Atypical Depression

Many people with depression don't have the typical symptoms. Learn about the causes and treatment of atypical depression, with symptoms that include weight gain, sleeping too much, and feeling anxious.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is increasingly common. Discover the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and seek early medical treatment to keep it from affecting your life.

Bipolar Depression (Manic Depression)

Learn all about the mood swings of bipolar depression (manic depression) from the elated highs of mania to the major depression lows.

Seasonal Depression (SAD)

Do you get depressed during certain times of the year? Learn when seasonal affective disorder is most likely to affect people and what your doctor can do to help you manage the symptoms.

Psychotic Depression

Learn all about psychotic depression -- psychosis, hallucinations, and other signs -- and know when to call the doctor for a medical evaluation.

What Is Serotonin Syndrome?

Get information about serotonin syndrome including causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Complications

Depression Complications

From chronic illnesses such as heart disease to pain perception, sex, and sleep -- discover how untreated depression can complicate your life.

Sexual Problems

What does depression have to do with sex? Learn how depression and depression medicines can affect sexual desire and sexual performance.

Sleep Problems

Find out how depression disturbs sleep and get some effective tips to help your sleep problems.

Warning Signs

Untreated Depression

Learn the dangers of untreated depression and how this may lead to serious and life threatening problems, even suicide.

Depression and Suicide

Learn more about suicide, including who is at risk, warning signs, and when to call for medical assistance.

Everyday Foods That May Help Fight Depression

Turkey

The traditional Thanksgiving bird has the protein building-block tryptophan, which your body uses to make serotonin. That's a brain chemical that plays a key role in depression, researchers say. In fact, some antidepressant drugs work by targeting the way your brain uses serotonin. You can get the same mood-boosting effect from chicken and 

soybeans.

Carrots

They’re full of beta-carotene, which you can also get from pumpkin, spinach, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe. Studies have linked this nutrient to lower levels of depression. 

Leafy Greens

They’re packed with folate, which your brain cells need to work well and which may help protect against depression. You can also get folate from lentils, lima beans, and asparagus.