Understanding Depression: The Basics of This Common Mental Health Condition

Posted: March 3, 2025

Depression is more than just temporary sadness—it’s a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Symptoms of depression can significantly interfere with daily life, work, relationships, and overall wellness. Understanding depression is the first step toward seeking support and moving toward hope and healing. Twin Cities Mental Health & Couples Center is here to explain the basics of this common mental health condition.

What Is Depression?

Depression affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. This mood disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. While depression is different for each individual, common symptoms include the following:

Feelings of guilt, sadness, or emptiness
Appetite and weight changes
Insomnia or oversleeping
Physical aches or pains
Loss of interest in social activities or hobbies
Fatigue
Trouble concentrating

There isn’t one single cause of depression—it results from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. People may be more likely to develop depression if they:

Have a family history of depression or mental illness
Experience trauma, such as loss, neglect, or abuse
Have chronic stress or medical conditions
Have brain chemistry differences or hormonal changes
Are addicted to substances
Lack social support

Treatment and Support

While depression is serious, it’s treatable with proper therapeutic techniques. Several effective approaches can help treat this condition, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, interpersonal therapy, and lifestyle changes. Professional support can help individuals better understand their emotions, identify triggers, and develop coping strategies.

Consider Professional Support

If you're looking for therapy for depression, Twin Cities Mental Health & Couples Center in the Twin Cities, MN, region, can help. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward emotional wellness.