It’s never too early to reach out for support. Some signs to look out for that might indicate need for treatment include lack of interest in activities you previously enjoyed, feeling sad, empty, or hopeless, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than is typical for you, irritability, and finding it more difficult to manage life responsibilities. It is normal for moods to be up and down but if you are experiencing these symptoms for two weeks or more then therapy can be a helpful tool.

There is no single "best" therapy for everyone, but research consistently shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Activation (BA), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are among the most effective treatments for depression. For mild to moderate depression, therapy alone is often enough to help people feel better. For more severe depression, a combination of therapy and medication may be more effective than either treatment alone. The best approach depends on the severity of your symptoms, your personal preferences, and any other concerns you may be struggling with, such as anxiety, trauma, OCD, or an eating disorder.

Reference: Mavranezouli, I., et al. (2024). A systematic review and network meta-analysis of psychological, psychosocial, pharmacological, physical and combined treatments for adults with a new episode of depression. EClinicalMedicine, 75, 102780.

Not necessarily. Many people with mild to moderate depression experience significant improvement through therapy alone. Evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Activation (BA), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) can be highly effective in reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life.

For individuals with more severe depression, medication may be recommended in addition to therapy. Research suggests that combining therapy with antidepressant medication is often more effective than either treatment alone for severe or persistent depression. The decision to use medication is personal and should be based on the severity of your symptoms, your treatment history, your preferences, and any other mental health concerns you may be experiencing.

A therapist can help you determine whether therapy alone is likely to be sufficient or whether a referral to a medication provider may be beneficial.

Reference: Mavranezouli, I., et al. (2024). A systematic review and network meta-analysis of psychological, psychosocial, pharmacological, physical and combined treatments for adults with a new episode of depression. EClinicalMedicine, 75, 102780.

Many people who are struggling with depression worry that they are lazy, unmotivated, or simply not trying hard enough. In reality, depression can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Symptoms such as low energy, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in activities, feelings of hopelessness, and changes in sleep or appetite can make it much harder to function the way you normally would.

Laziness is often described as not wanting to do something. Depression is often wanting to do something but feeling emotionally, mentally, or physically unable to get started. If you find yourself feeling stuck, exhausted, disconnected from things you used to enjoy, or critical of yourself for not doing enough, depression may be playing a role.

A mental health professional can help you determine whether what you're experiencing is depression, burnout, stress, another mental health concern, or a combination of factors.