Question 1

What is Depression?

Accepted Answer

Depression is a mental illness that leads to low mood, reduced energy levels, and changes in sleep. This affects everyday activities like attending school and work. As the condition worsens, patients might have suicidal thoughts. Although stress and past trauma can cause depression, it can take time to identify and address causes, and genetic factors may also be at play.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of Depression?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of Depression are: (1) Having suicidal thoughts. (2) Stressed over daily life. (3) Headache worsens in crowded places. (4) Fatigue or low energy that is worse in the morning. (5) Headache that worsens with emotional stress or anxiety. (6) Decreased motivation. (7) Recent changes in mental state. (8) Headache that worsens with lack of sleep. (9) Pain at the back of the head. (10) Feeling sad for no particular reason / feelings of grief

Question 3

How can Depression be treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment typically involves a combination of counseling therapy, life changes, and medications (antidepressants). A strong support network is helpful, as the recovery process can take months or even years.

Question 4

Is Euthanasia the Right Choice? The Medical Reality and Approved Next Steps

Accepted Answer

There are several factors to consider. Where it is legal, euthanasia or medical aid in dying is generally limited to incurable illness with persistent, unbearable suffering despite optimal treatment, requires clear decision-making capacity and voluntary, repeated requests, and is only considered after independent medical review and robust palliative and mental health care are offered.

Approved next steps include talking with your doctor, requesting a palliative care consult, getting a mental health evaluation, learning your local legal requirements, and involving trusted supports; see below for safeguards, alternatives, and other important details that could change which actions you take.

Question 5

Why Do I Feel This Way? Postpartum Depression & Medically Approved Next Steps

Accepted Answer

Postpartum depression is a common, treatable medical condition that can cause intense sadness, anxiety, irritability, numbness, or trouble bonding beyond the baby blues, often driven by hormonal shifts, sleep loss, and the stresses of new parenthood.

There are several factors to consider. See below for medically approved next steps that can change what you do next, including when to seek urgent care for any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby and how doctors, therapy, medication, social support, and basic health strategies can help you recover.

Question 6

Feeling Constantly Down? Why Your Serotonin Is Low & Medical Next Steps

Accepted Answer

Persistent low mood can involve low serotonin activity, but depression is rarely just one chemical issue; stress, poor sleep, nutrient gaps, hormonal shifts, medical conditions, and genetics often contribute. There is no reliable blood test for brain serotonin, so diagnosis is clinical, with doctors also checking thyroid and vitamin levels and treating with therapy, SSRIs or SNRIs, and targeted lifestyle changes.

See below for step by step next moves, red flag symptoms that need urgent care, and practical tips on symptom tracking, screening tools, labs to request, and habits that can meaningfully support serotonin.

Question 7

Is it Depression? Why Your Brain Is Shutting Down & Medical Next Steps

Accepted Answer

There are several factors to consider: a brain that feels foggy or like it is shutting down can be depression if multiple symptoms such as persistent low mood, loss of interest, extreme fatigue, sleep or appetite changes, and poor concentration last 2 or more weeks and disrupt life, but thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, anemia, sleep problems, medications, and burnout can mimic it.

Your next steps are to do a quick symptom check, book a medical and mental health evaluation to rule out other causes and discuss effective treatments like therapy and antidepressants, and seek urgent help for any thoughts of self harm. See the complete guidance below for key red flags, specific tests, and decision points that can change which path is right for you.

Question 8

Can’t Feel Joy? Why Your Brain Is Muting Pleasure & Medically Approved Next Steps

Accepted Answer

Anhedonia is the loss of the ability to feel pleasure, often linked to depression and a blunted dopamine reward system, and it can also result from chronic stress, medical conditions like thyroid problems or Parkinson's disease, or medication effects.

There are several factors and medical next steps to consider, from screening and a doctor evaluation to therapy, medication adjustments, and urgent help if you have thoughts of self harm; key signs, workup details, and actionable steps are explained below.

Question 9

Feeling Numb? Why Your Oxytocin is Low and the Medically Approved Next Steps

Accepted Answer

Emotional numbness can stem from low oxytocin activity, but there are several factors to consider including depression, chronic stress, trauma, social isolation, and hormonal or medical conditions. See below to understand how oxytocin fits into the bigger picture.

Medically approved next steps include seeing a clinician for screening and labs, treating underlying mood issues, and using evidence-based supports like safe touch and social connection, exercise, mindfulness, sleep optimization, and stress reduction. Intranasal oxytocin is not first line and is reserved for select cases with a specialist, and urgent care is needed for red flags like suicidal thoughts or sudden neurological changes, with complete details and a practical plan outlined below.

Question 10

Still Struggling? How SSRIs Work and Your Medically Approved Next Steps

Accepted Answer

SSRIs keep more serotonin available between brain cells to stabilize mood and anxiety, typically showing early improvement in 2 to 4 weeks and full effect by 6 to 8 weeks; if progress is limited, doctors may adjust the dose, switch or add medications, add therapy like CBT, and check for contributing issues such as thyroid or vitamin problems.

There are several factors to consider. Side effects, timing for reassessment, avoiding abrupt stoppage, and urgent red flags like suicidal thoughts can change what you should do next; see the complete guidance below to understand your safest, medically approved options with your clinician.

Question 11

Brain Fog? Why Your Serotonin is Muted + Medically Approved Steps

Accepted Answer

Brain fog can reflect muted or dysregulated serotonin that disrupts sleep, stress response, and mood, but there are several factors to consider, including thyroid disease, iron or B12 or vitamin D deficiency, perimenopause, inflammation, sleep apnea, and medication effects.

Medically approved steps include consistent sleep, morning sunlight, regular movement, balanced nutrition and gut care, therapy, and when appropriate clinician guided SSRIs, plus knowing red flags and which labs prompt a doctor visit; see below for the complete guidance, checklists, and safety cautions that could change your next steps.

Question 12

Drowning in Fog? Why Venlafaxine Resets Your System + Medically Approved Next Steps

Accepted Answer

Venlafaxine, an SNRI, can lift mental fog by restoring serotonin and norepinephrine balance, often improving energy, focus, and mood over 4 to 8 weeks. There are several factors to consider, including common side effects, blood pressure monitoring, and the need for a slow taper rather than stopping suddenly.

For medically approved next steps, speak with a clinician to rule out other causes, discuss whether venlafaxine fits your history, and consider pairing medication with therapy while giving it adequate time. See the complete guidance below, including red flag symptoms that need urgent care and practical timelines that could change your next steps.

Question 13

Feeling Detached? Why Your Brain Mutes Oxytocin & Medical Next Steps

Accepted Answer

Feeling detached can reflect muted oxytocin signaling driven by chronic stress, depression, trauma, relationship strain or isolation, hormonal changes including thyroid issues, and some medical or neurological conditions. There are several factors to consider; see below for how oxytocin fits within broader brain chemistry and which symptoms point to an underlying disorder.

Medical next steps include a primary care evaluation for thyroid and vitamin problems, mental health screening, evidence based therapy, and when appropriate medication, with urgent care if symptoms are severe or involve self harm thoughts; full step by step guidance and key red flags are outlined below.

Question 14

Heavy Fog? Why Your Brain Is Stuck and How Lexapro Resets Calm + Next Steps

Accepted Answer

That heavy, stuck brain fog often comes from depression or anxiety where serotonin signaling and stress circuits are dysregulated; Lexapro, an SSRI, can gradually rebalance these pathways to ease worry and lift mood, focus, and sleep over several weeks.

There are several factors to consider for safe and effective use, including the expected timeline, common and urgent side effects, who should avoid it, how to start or taper, lifestyle and therapy supports, and what to do if it does not work; see the complete guidance below to choose the right next steps with a clinician.

Question 15

Stuck in a Gray Loop? Why Fluoxetine Works + Expert-Approved Next Steps

Accepted Answer

Fluoxetine works by increasing serotonin availability in the brain, which can lift low mood, energy, and interest; early improvements often appear in 2 to 4 weeks and fuller effects by 6 to 8 weeks, and it is a first-line, generally well tolerated option that can be even more effective with therapy.

There are several factors to consider, including potential side effects, who should use caution, how long to stay on it, what to do if it is not enough, and expert-approved supports like sleep, gentle movement, social connection, and regular follow-ups; see below for important details that can shape your next steps and when to seek urgent care.

Question 16

Am I Depressed or Just Tired? The 30-45 Woman’s Guide & Next Steps

Accepted Answer

For women 30 to 45, there are several factors to consider: ordinary tiredness has a clear cause and improves with rest, while depression often lasts 2 or more weeks and brings loss of interest, emotional heaviness, hopelessness, and fatigue that does not lift even after sleep.

See below for crucial details that can change your next steps, including medical conditions to rule out, when to seek urgent help, and practical actions like using a symptom check, asking your doctor about labs and screening, and starting proven treatments.

Question 17

Depression in Women 30-45: Recognizing the Signs & Your Next Steps

Accepted Answer

Depression in women 30 to 45 is common; key signs lasting two weeks or more include persistent sadness or numbness, loss of interest, irritability, fatigue, sleep or appetite changes, trouble concentrating, and social withdrawal, often influenced by stress, hormonal shifts like postpartum or perimenopause, medical issues such as thyroid disorders, and past trauma.

If these symptoms affect daily life, start with a self-assessment, then speak with a clinician for screening and possible labs, consider evidence-based therapy and, when appropriate, medication, and support recovery with sleep, movement, nutrition, reduced alcohol, and social connection; seek urgent help for any self harm thoughts. There are several factors to consider that can change the right next step for you, so see the complete guidance below.

Question 18

Low Dopamine in Women: Symptoms & Your 5-Step Action Plan

Accepted Answer

Low dopamine in women can present as low mood, loss of motivation or pleasure, brain fog, fatigue, sleep and libido changes, and cravings, often shifting around PMS, postpartum, perimenopause, or menopause. The 5-step plan centers on better sleep, daily movement, protein and key micronutrients, stress reduction, and medical evaluation for issues like depression, thyroid or iron problems, and other causes.

There are several factors to consider, including when symptoms need urgent care, how estrogen affects dopamine, and what to know about supplements and medication interactions. See the complete guidance below to choose the safest next steps for your health.

Question 19

Mental Health After 65: 7 Signs Every Woman Should Not Ignore

Accepted Answer

For women over 65, the 7 mental health signs not to ignore are persistent sadness, loss of interest, significant sleep changes, increased anxiety, memory or thinking problems that affect daily life, social withdrawal, and thoughts that life has no purpose.

There are several factors to consider, and the complete guidance below explains what each sign can look like, how they relate to physical health and medications, when to seek urgent care or talk to a doctor, and practical next steps and tools that can shape your healthcare journey.

Question 20

Vraylar Over 65: Navigating Mental Health in Seniors

Accepted Answer

For adults over 65, Vraylar may help with schizophrenia, bipolar I episodes, and as an add-on for major depression, but it requires careful use. There are several factors to consider, including the boxed warning in dementia-related psychosis, higher risks of movement symptoms, dizziness and falls, and metabolic changes; see details below.

Doctors often start low and go slow, monitor weight, glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, review other medications, and watch for delayed side effects since it stays in the body a long time; never stop it on your own and seek urgent care for severe confusion, fever with stiffness, fainting, or suicidal thoughts. Important nuances, alternatives, and what to discuss with your clinician are explained below to guide your next steps.

Question 21

Are natural supplements safe for depression?

Accepted Answer

Natural supplements might help with depression, but their safety and effectiveness can vary. It's important to talk to a doctor before using them. See below to understand more.

Question 22

What is serotonin syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin syndrome is a serious condition that happens when there is too much serotonin in the brain, often caused by certain medications. See below to understand more.

Question 23

What is the difference between depression and clinical depression?

Accepted Answer

The terms "depression" and "clinical depression" are often used interchangeably, but they can refer to different concepts. Depression is a general term that encompasses a range of mood disorders, while clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a specific diagnosis characterized by more severe and persistent symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning.

Question 24

Are there any facial signs of depression?

Accepted Answer

Facial signs of depression can manifest as reduced facial expressions, changes in eye contact, and overall appearance. These signs can reflect the emotional state of an individual and may be noticeable to others.

Question 25

What are the signs and symptoms of “smiling depression”? What are risk factors?

Accepted Answer

"Smiling depression" refers to individuals who appear outwardly happy and functional while privately struggling with depressive symptoms. Recognizing the subtle signs, such as loss of interest or pleasure, changes in sleep and appetite, and persistent fatigue, is crucial for seeking help.

Question 26

What are some noticeable behavior changes in people with depression and anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Both depression and anxiety are characterized by changes in appetite, declines in energy and motivation, as well as changes in work performance.

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Depression Quiz

Check your symptoms and find possible causes with AI for free

What is Depression?

Typical Symptoms of Depression

Diagnostic Questions for Depression

Treatment of Depression

Tell your friends about us.

Think you might haveDepression?

How Ubie Can Help You

People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes

User Testimonials for Depression

Symptoms Related to Depression

Diseases Related to Depression

FAQs

Ubie is supervised by 50+ medical experts worldwide

Ubie is recognized by healthcare and tech leaders

References

Check your symptoms and
find possible causes with AI for free

Think you might have
Depression?