Research digest — not medical advice. Full disclaimer · How we rate evidence
Major Depressive Disorder
Persistent low mood with loss of interest and energy
Overview
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It is a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities.
First Steps
- 1Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to rule out physical causes (thyroid, B12, anaemia).
- 2Reach out to a trusted friend or family member — isolation worsens depression.
- 3Call or text 988 (Canada and US) for immediate crisis support, or text HOME to 741741 (US) / CONNECT to 686868 (Kids Help Phone, Canada) for text-only support if you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm.
Symptoms
Persistent low mood
commonSad, anxious, or "empty" feeling most of the day
Loss of interest
commonAnhedonia — loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Fatigue
commonDecreased energy regardless of rest
Sleep disturbance
commonDifficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Appetite or weight change
commonSignificant change in either direction
Interventions & Treatments
SSRI/SNRI Antidepressants
Most evidence-backed optionFirst-line medication class for moderate-to-severe depression.
How it works
Increases synaptic serotonin (and noradrenaline for SNRIs), gradually rebalancing mood-regulation circuits over 4-6 weeks.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Most evidence-backed optionStructured short-term psychotherapy targeting thought patterns and behaviours.
How it works
Identifies and restructures cognitive distortions that perpetuate low mood; pairs this with behavioural activation to rebuild engagement with rewarding activities.
Interpersonal Therapy
Most evidence-backed optionTime-limited therapy focused on resolving interpersonal difficulties.
How it works
Targets grief, role disputes, role transitions, and interpersonal deficits that trigger and maintain depressive episodes.
Research cited
- [1]APA Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Depression Across Three Age CohortsAmerican Psychological Association(2019)medical guideline
- [2]NICE Guideline CG90: Depression in Adults — Recognition and ManagementNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence(2009)medical guideline
- [3]CANMAT 2016 Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Adults with Major Depressive DisorderKennedy SH et al.(2016)medical guideline
Sidebar
Medical Disclaimer
This is a research summary, not medical advice. Body Signals is an independent research digest — it summarises published research for informational purposes and is not a healthcare provider. Mental health care works best with a qualified provider. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Canada and US). For text-only crisis support: text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line, US) or CONNECT to 686868 (Kids Help Phone, Canada). Canadian LGBTQ+ youth can reach LGBT Youth Line 1-800-268-9688 or Trans Lifeline 1-877-330-6366; US LGBTQ+ youth can reach the Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386. In an emergency, call 911. Evidence ratings for mental health interventions default to B (standard clinical treatments with established research); individual response varies.
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