Learn • Anywhere
Rumie logo

Jamie is a star college student.

From the outside, his life seems perfect. On the inside, though, Jamie barely has the motivation to do anything. He feels fake every time he smiles. At the end of a day, Jamie goes home and wishes that he could disappear.

Flaticon Icon

Though many in Jamie's life would never guess it, Jamie is struggling with major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression.

Clinical depression is a condition generally characterized by a lowness in mood and a loss of interest in activities, even activities they used to enjoy.

Did you know?

There are different types of depression, including persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia), postpartum depression, psychotic depression, seasonal affective disorder, and major depressive disorder.

Depression Can Affect Anyone

As Jamie shows us, depression doesn't have one look.

Flaticon IconDepression can impact anyone, not just the people who seem to be the most lonely, sad, or unmotivated.

Understanding the signs of depression can help you know when it's time to support a friend or ask for help yourself.

The Signs Of Depression

According to the DSM-5, someone can be diagnosed with clinical depression if they:

  • Experience 5 or more of the below symptoms (including either or both of a depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure)

    • To the point of distress or impairment

    • During the same 2-week period on a daily or near-daily basis

Symptoms

Flaticon Icon

  • Having a depressed mood

  • Significantly less enjoyment of activities most of the day

  • Significant weight loss or gain without dieting, including decreased or increased appetite

  • A slowing down of thoughts and physical movement that's noticeable to others

Flaticon Icon

  • Fatigue or very low energy

  • Feeling worthlessness or guilt at high levels

  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

  • Thinking often of death, having suicidal ideation, or making plans to end one's life

Quiz

Leslie notices that her friend Hannah has been acting differently lately. Hannah has started taking much longer to respond to texts and often says no to invitations to hang out. What is the best way for Leslie to check in with Hannah?

Did you know?

Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression (Mayo Clinic, "Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap", 2019).

Caring For Someone With Depression

Clinical depression can be treated through therapy and prescription medicine.A strong support system makes this journey easier.

If someone you know begins to display signs of depression or is acting differently than usual, check in with them.

While momentary feelings of sadness or disinterest are human, it's important to recognize when patterns of these behaviors set in.

Flaticon Icon

If you notice that your friend Sally is upset, and she tells you that it's because she had a hard day at work, this doesn't mean Sally has depression.

But, if you notice that she seems disappointed in herself most days, and is consistently unhappy with her life, this may be a sign of something more. By talking to her, you're able to provide her support.

Flaticon Icon

Remember, depression doesn't have one look!

When in doubt, check in.

Quiz

Rob has been canceling plans with you and your friends for the past few weeks, saying he's busy. When you see him, he seems a bit distracted and down. What should you do?

Take Action

Flaticon Icon

If you notice differences in a person's standard behaviors, check in with them.

Regardless of whether the person is struggling with depression, you can still be a help to their mental health.

If you think your friend might be experiencing depression:

License:

This Byte has been authored by

MM

Mandy Mekhail

Strengths-Based & Cultural Responsive Practitioner

This Byte has been reviewed by

YS

Yasmin R. Singh

RP (Qualifying), MA

English

🍪 We use technical and analytics cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. more info