Written with men in mind. Most of this guide applies to everyone. Details specific to women — such as screening ages and risks that differ — are not covered yet; female health guides are being written.
What it is
Depression is more than feeling down for a day or two. It's a common but serious condition that affects how you feel, think and handle daily life — sleep, eating and work.[1][2] It can be treated, and most people get better with the right help.[2]
Depression is diagnosed when symptoms are present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, including either a depressed mood or loss of interest in most activities.[2] Genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors all play a role.[2]
Evidence-based treatment includes psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal therapy), antidepressants — which usually take 4–8 weeks to work — or both; esketamine and brain stimulation (ECT, rTMS) are options for treatment-resistant depression.[2] USPSTF recommends depression screening for all adults (grade B) but finds insufficient evidence to assess routine suicide-risk screening (I statement).[3]
Explore the brain in 3D, including the regions involved in mood and memory.
See it in 3DHow common it is
Men may be less likely to recognise, talk about and seek help for their feelings, so depression in men is at greater risk of going undiagnosed and untreated.[2]
Causes and risk factors
Things you can't change
- Family history and biology.[2]
- Other illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes, which are linked to depression.[1]
Things you can change
Symptoms worth reporting to a doctor
- Persistent sad, anxious or 'empty' mood
- Irritability, frustration, restlessness or anger
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness
- Tiredness or feeling slowed down
- Trouble concentrating, remembering or deciding
- Sleeping too little or too much; appetite or weight changes
- Aches, headaches or digestive problems without a clear physical cause
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Men often see a clinician about physical symptoms rather than emotional ones — it's fine to say how you've been feeling, too.[2]
Get urgent care if…
Screening: who, when and how
USPSTF recommends screening all adults for depression (grade B).[3] Your primary care clinician can do this with a short questionnaire.
How it's diagnosed
Types of treatment
- Talk therapy. In person or online; cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal therapy are evidence-based.[2]
- Medicines. Antidepressants usually take 4–8 weeks to work. Don't stop them without talking to your clinician.[2]
- Other options. For depression that hasn't improved after other treatments: esketamine nasal spray or brain stimulation therapies.[2]
Which option fits depends on the details of each person’s situation. Your care team decides with you.
What you can do
Tell someone
A clinician, a friend, or 988. Saying it out loud is a strong move, not a weak one.[5][2]
Watch the alcohol
Men are more likely to use alcohol or drugs to cope — which can make things worse.[2]
Worried about someone? NIMH's five action steps: Ask directly whether they're thinking about suicide; Be there and listen without judgment; Help keep them safe, including making lethal means less available; Help them connect with 988 or trusted people; and Follow up.[7] You can call or text 988 if you're worried about someone you know.[8]
Questions to ask your doctor
- Could my symptoms be depression?
- What are my treatment options — therapy, medicine, or both?
- How long until I feel better, and what should I do if I don't?
- Could any of my medicines or health conditions be affecting my mood?
- Who do I contact if things get worse between visits?
Myth vs. fact
Related topics
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Trouble getting or keeping an erection is common and treatable — and it can be an early clue to heart and blood-vessel problems worth checking.
Heart disease and heart attack
The leading cause of death for men in the US. Most of it comes from narrowed coronary arteries — and much of it can be prevented.
Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
Testosterone falls only slowly with age. Real hypogonadism needs symptoms plus two low morning blood tests — and treatment isn't right for everyone.
Sources
- NIH National Institute of Mental Health. Depression. Checked 23 October 2026.
- NIH National Institute of Mental Health. Depression (publication). Checked 23 October 2026.
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Depression and Suicide Risk in Adults: Screening (June 2023). Checked 23 October 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide Data and Statistics. Checked 23 October 2026.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Checked 23 October 2026.
- US Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: Top 10 Things to Know. Checked 23 October 2026.
- NIH National Institute of Mental Health. 5 Action Steps to Help Someone Having Thoughts of Suicide. Checked 24 October 2026.
- NIH National Institute of Mental Health. Suicide Prevention. Checked 23 October 2026.
The owner of this website is not a doctor. Human Atlas provides educational anatomy information and does not diagnose, stage, or treat disease. Talk to a qualified clinician about anything concerning your own health.