Understanding Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly known as depression, is a serious mental health condition that goes far beyond feeling sad or tired. It affects your mood, energy, motivation, relationships, sleep, appetite, and ability to function.

If you've been feeling low, unmotivated, or disconnected for more than two weeks, and it's impacting your daily life — you're not alone, and support is available.

If you’re in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 in the U.S. for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free). If you’re outside the U.S., contact local emergency services.

Major Depressive Disorder

  • Core Symptoms

    Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day (feeling sad, empty, or irritable)

    Loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities

  • Additional symptoms

    Appetite or weight change

    Sleep problems

    Observable slowing or restlessness

    Low energy/fatigue nearly every day

    Feelings of worthlessness or excessive/inappropriate guilt

    Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

    Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, or a suicide plan/attempt

  • Clinician's will check for:

    Symptoms cause real‑life impairment (work, school, parenting, relationships)

    Not better explained by substances, a medical condition, or a manic/hypomanic episode

  • Common accompanying symptoms

    Irritability, anxiety, or panic

    Physical complaints (headaches, stomach issues, body pain)

    “Brain fog” (slow thinking, forgetfulness)

    Social withdrawal and circadian rhythm shifts (late nights, low a.m. energy)