What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that affects how a person feels and can disrupt how they function in daily life.  A lot of people describe depression as feeling sad or down and being uninterested in things that you used to enjoy.

While everyone feels sad or down at times, there is a difference between being sad and being depressed. Usually if we feel sad, we know what we are sad about. With depression you may feel sad, hopeless, guilty, or feel nothing at all for weeks or longer and you may not really understand why.

Depression is treatable and symptoms can improve with therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases medications. While it can feel overwhelming to ask for help and get mental health care when you are experiencing depression, it is important. Let us help connect you to care.

What does depression feel like?

Any significant change in mood can be a sign of depression. You also may feel:

  • Sad, hopeless, angry
  • Changes in sleep
  • Changes in appetite
  • Tired or lack of energy
  • Restless, irritable, or frustrated
  • Trouble concentrating or remembering
  • Guilty, worthless, or not enough
  • Thoughts of being better off dead or wanting to die

When is depression a problem?

Not all experiences with depression are the same. The symptoms can vary in how bad they feel and how long they last. If you have been experiencing symptoms of depression it is a good idea to check in with a doctor or a mental health therapist.

Whether the symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe there are ways we can help you feel better. Some options may be medications, therapy, or things you can do at home on your own.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, there are resources you can use to get help. You can call or text the Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. It’s available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365-days a year. The lifeline connects you with a trained crisis worker who can talk to you about the problems you’re facing and help direct you to the right treatment for you.

Resources for Depression

Help Lines

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7.

Help Lines

Behavioral Health Services Navigation Line

When you call the Intermountain Behavioral Health Services Navigation line, you can expect to talk to someone who can help you access your needs and connect you with the right resources.

Mobile Apps

myStrength App

For self-guided mental health, access myStrength for free with registration code MYHEALTHPLUS. Download the app on Apple App Store/Google Play or:

Websites

Treatment Locator

The Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator sponsored by the Subtance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can you help you anonymously seek behavioral health treatment anywhere in the United States.

Websites

Live On

Live On provides resources for those struggling with suicidal ideation or other mental health concerns.

Websites

National Institute of Mental Health

Learn more about depression, including signs, symptoms, and risk factors.

Intermountain Services

Connect Care: Behavioral Health

Connect Care virtual appointments can be done anywhere in Utah, Idaho, or Nevada using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Intermountain Services

Mindfulness

Intermountain offers free guided mindfulness classes that can help reduce stress.