There’s no set cause for depression, but there are risk factors to look out for. For example, people who have a family history of mental illness are more likely to develop depression. Those who have endured trauma are at risk of developing depression later in life. Stressful living, work, or family situations can sometimes turn into depression or anxiety. Personalities also play a role – a “Type A” personality or a perfectionist may battle depression at least one point in their lives.

People who use drugs and alcohol frequently are also at risk for depression. Drinking or using drugs can give you a “euphoric” feeling, so it may seem unlikely that they cause a change in brain chemistry. But alcohol and other drugs are depressants, so when they’ve worn off, the mind can’t keep up. They also heavily impact your quality of sleep, which the mind and body need for healing.

You may not know if what you’re feeling is depression if you’ve never experienced it before. If you think someone you love is experiencing depression, it’s also important to know what to look out for. The signs and symptoms of depression vary, and they’ll show up differently in young adults/teens than they do in adults. Teens and young adults are already dealing with intense adolescent hormones, so distinguishing between normal hormones and depression can be hard. Adults are independent and set in their ways, so it can be a challenge to notice signs of depression. In both teens and adults, depression manifests as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and self-loathing. Apathy is another common symptom of depression for both teens and adults. This is the feeling of not caring about yourself or the world around you.

For teens, self-loathing will be intense and constant. You may notice changes in the way they dress, the people they hang out with, and the activities they participate in. They might neglect things they once found joy in, like school activities, sports, or hobbies. They may shower, eat, and sleep less frequently. Sleeping too much is also a symptom of depression because it can be a form of escape. Self-harm or suicidal thoughts may also materialize. You might also see drug, alcohol, or tobacco use. Another potential symptom is a disinterest in setting goals or a significant drop in their grades.

With adults, common symptoms usually revolve around lifestyle changes. You’ll see things like job loss, a messy home, or struggles with finances. When depression hits, something as simple as taking a shower can be exhausting. This results in things like poor hygiene. They may also become more isolated or reluctant to see friends. Creative habits might also be on the back burner. Adults will lose the drive to participate in the things that bring them joy. 

If you notice that you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to see your doctor. A doctor will ask you some standard questions and analyze your symptoms. He/she will also need to rule out any illness, virus, or infection. Now and then, your body will mimic the signs of depression if it’s struggling with something physical. Once your doctor has examined you and ruled out anything like that, he/she can proceed with your diagnosis. You may also be referred to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or a treatment program.

Your doctor also needs to determine what subtype of depression you’re struggling with. Different types of depression require different treatments. Subtypes of depression include major depression, chronic depression, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder, and more.

Depression treatment looks a little different for everyone. The methods you’re treated with will depend on your subtype of depression. All depression treatment involves one important element: talk therapy. Talk therapy will guide you through this disorder through education, coping strategies, and personal insight. You’ll learn to identify what’s causing your depression and how to combat it. You’ll confront your traumas so you can move past them. You’ll also learn about what causes depression, what it entails, and what to look out for in the future. Therapy is often stereotyped as for people who are “weak,” but that’s no longer true. Evidence shows that therapy can heal many types of mental illness and save lives in the process.

Medication is also used in some forms of treatment. Many decide to try medication in combination with therapy, and it has proven to be successful.