Clinical depression (Big D) is a psychiatric disorder affecting millions and is fundamentally different from transient low moods (little d). Clinical depression does not typically lift after a few days, with exercise, or after a series of good sleeps. Symptoms can be persistent and severe, requiring accurate recognition of warning signs, consistent self-management tools, appropriate medication, and sufficient support. With proper treatment and monitoring, clinical depression can be managed well and episodes can become less frequent. Casual use of the word depression can minimize the lived experience of those with clinical depression, so awareness and empathy are important.
You've probably said it: "I feel depressed." It's a quip that's thrown around a lot. But clinically diagnosed depression is not like I'm depressed today depression; it's nothing like the approximately 280 million people 1 who live with clinical depression. The word is the same, but the animal is completely different. Its bite is more lethal. Does your depression pass in a few days? Mine doesn't.
When I have enough support and experience, when I'm able to see my warning signs early enough, when I'm using my self- management tools consistently, when I take the right dose of the right combination of the right medication, my Big D depression can be managed well, very well. I am happy to report the Big D's are now few and far between. But before that, not so much.
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