• Mental Health
• Depression

Do I Have Depression?

Published: July 16, 2025
Updated: July 16, 2025
4 mins

Feeling low or emotionally drained from time to time is more common than people realize. Millions of people wrestle with these feelings every year, and understanding what you’re going through is the first step toward feeling better.

In this article, we’ll break down the signs of depression, explore what causes depression, and look at whether it can be passed down through genetics. We’ll also help you better understand the difference between a passing mood and a clinical condition – and how to know when it’s time to seek support.

What is Depression?

Depression is clinically defined as a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, along with a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. According to mental health professionals, this state must last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks to meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

It’s important to understand that feeling sad – especially after a difficult event or loss – is a normal part of being human. But when that sadness lingers, intensifies, or interferes with your ability to function, it may be something more. Unlike temporary emotional lows, major depressive disorder affects a person’s daily life and can lead to serious disruptions in sleep, energy, focus, appetite, and even physical health.

While depression is categorized as a mental illness, it’s both common and treatable. With the right support and treatment, many people recover fully or learn how to manage their symptoms effectively. 

What are Signs and Causes of Depression?​​

Depression affects people in different ways, but there are several common warning signs and symptoms to be aware of – some you can feel internally, and others that may show up in your behavior. 

Common symptoms of depression

Depression involves ongoing emotional and physical changes that can interfere with daily life. The most recognized symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness

• Fatigue or low energy

• Sleep disturbances (either sleeping too much or not enough)

• Loss of interest in hobbies or making decision

• Irritability or restlessness

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Thoughts of death or suicide (in more severe cases) 

These depression symptoms can vary in intensity, and not everyone will experience them the same way.

Signs of depression in women

The signs of depression in women often include emotional symptoms like tearfulness, mood swings, and overwhelming guilt. Hormonal changes – related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, postpartum periods, or menopause – can play a significant role in how symptoms of depression in women develop or intensify. Women are also more likely to internalize their feelings, which can make their symptoms less visible to others. 

Signs of depression in men

The signs of depression in men can look different and are sometimes harder to spot. While men may still experience sadness and low energy, symptoms of depression in men often show up as irritability, anger, or even aggression. They may also engage in risk-taking behavior, misuse alcohol or drugs, or withdraw socially. Because of societal expectations, men are often less likely to talk about how they’re feeling, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

What Causes Depression?

Depression is a complex condition that can stem from a mix of biological, psychological, environmental, and genetic factors. For many, it’s not just one cause but a combination of influences that lead to a depressive episode.

Biological causes

A key area of research focuses on neurochemical imbalances in the brain, particularly with neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals help regulate mood, sleep, and motivation. When these systems are out of balance, it can contribute to depression symptoms such as low energy, sadness, and a lack of interest in life.

Psychological causes

Negative thought patterns, low self-esteem, or chronic feelings of hopelessness can all play a role in the development of depression. People with a history of anxiety or unresolved emotional trauma may be more prone to depression due to how they process stress or internalize emotions.

Environmental causes

Life events and surroundings often shape how we feel. Major stressors like job loss, relationship problems, financial strain, or the death of a loved one can be causes of depression, especially if the stress is prolonged or overwhelming. Early-life trauma or unstable home environments can also leave lasting psychological effects that increase the risk of depression later in life.

Lifestyle-related causes

Your daily habits and physical health can also affect your mood. Poor sleep, lack of exercise, substance use, and chronic illnesses (like diabetes or heart disease) are all factors that can contribute to depression. Even things like diet and social isolation can impact brain health and emotional resilience.

Is depression genetic?

While having a family history of depression doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop it, research suggests there is a hereditary component. If a close relative – like a parent or sibling – has experienced depression, your risk is higher. Environment, lifestyle, and coping skills also matter.

Are Online Depression Tests Accurate?

Online depression tests are incredibly popular, and while they can be a helpful first step, they’re not designed to give you a diagnosis. They may prompt you to recognize changes in mood, sleep, motivation, or overall functioning that you hadn’t fully processed before.

In that sense, a depression quiz can raise self-awareness and encourage people to seek help sooner rather than later. But, no “Am I depressed?” quiz can account for the full complexity of your life, your mental health history, or the nuances of your symptoms. That’s why speaking with a licensed professional who will look at both emotional and physical factors is so important in diagnosing depression.

Most reputable online tools are based on clinically recognized screening tools – like the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). This questionnaire asks about symptoms like sleep problems, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. Each question is scored, and the total can suggest whether someone might be experiencing mild, moderate, or severe depression.

Again, even if your results indicate possible depression, it doesn’t confirm a diagnosis. Rather, it's a sign that it may be time to reach out to a mental health provider for a full evaluation.

How LifeMD Can Help

With LifeMD, you can connect with a licensed healthcare provider who will work with you to better understand your treatment options and help you manage life with depression. If appropriate, LifeMD-affiliated providers can prescribe FDA-approved medications such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Wellbutrin (bupropion), or Lexapro (escitalopram) as part of your care plan.

Get started today by learning more about how to best put your mental health first.

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