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Depression is increasingly affecting young adults, driven by a combination of developmental, societal, and environmental factors. Gaining a deeper understanding of why this group is particularly vulnerable can offer valuable insights into broader patterns of depression and help shape more effective prevention and treatment strategies (Thapar et al., 2022).

Reference: Thapar, A., Eyre, O., Patel, V., & Brent, D. (2022). Depression in young people. Lancet (London, England), 400(10352), 617–631. https://doi-org.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01012-1

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This post aims to emphasize some factors contributing to women's depression. A few of the causes include puberty, premenstrual problems, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. There is a high risk of depression when going through any of these transitions.

"Women’s increased risk of depression". Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression/art-20047725.

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Not all men experience depression the same way. Instead of the typical sadness, it can show up as exhaustion, irritability, or a loss of interest in hobbies and one's profession.  The majority of men choose not to seek treatment because of social expectations, such as strength and fear of humiliation, which in the end declines their mental health.  This is why men commit suicide at higher rates than women.  To improve the outcome of men’s mental health, knowledge of these disparities must be raised (Mental Health America, 2023).

Mental Health America. (2023). Depression in men. https://www.mhanational.org/men-and-depression

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Depression in men may be the result of an interplay between social, psychological, and biological factors. Depression and mood swings may be the result of hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone levels. Men may acquire psychological issues such as low self-esteem, unresolved trauma, or chronic stress from family or work-related obligations. They can become even more isolated because of social pressure to be emotionally strong or independent, which makes them even less likely to ask for help and more likely to become depressed (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Depression in men: What to know. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-depression-in-men

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The primary anatomical structures associated with depression include the anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and orbitofrontal cortex.

Alterations in brain structure and chemistry, imbalances in neurotransmitters, and disruptions in the stress response system can contribute to the onset and progression of depression.

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The following physiological processes are involved in depression (Wang et al., 2021): altered neurotransmitter signaling, impaired neuroplasticity, and dysregulation of the stress response system. Brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus show decreased activity and size, while the amygdala becomes overactive. Imbalance in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine affects mood, motivation, and emotional regulation. Elevated cortisol levels from HPA axis overactivation can further disrupt brain function.

Reference:

Wang, H., Tian, X., Wang, X., & Wang, Y. (2021). Evolution and Emerging Trends in Depression Research From 2004 to 2019: A Literature Visualization Analysis. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 705749. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.705749Links to an external site.

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Hippocampus is an important area of the brain that is for memory formation and emotional regulation. This area has been found to be smaller in those who suffer from depression. Studies suggest that chronic stress, which frequently occurs in those who suffer from depression, has been shown to interfere with the formation of new brain cells in the hippocampus, leading to its reduced volume. This decrease can explain the frequency of issues with memory and emotional disturbances in depression (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021).

Reference:
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). What causes depression? Harvard Medical School. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-causes-depression

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Studies have shown that depressed individuals exhibit hyperactivation of the amygdala, especially in response to sad or fearful faces, compared to healthy controls. Depressed individuals show increased amygdala activity when processing negative emotions or stimuli, including sad faces, unpleasant scenes, or even subliminal negative primes. The inability to cope with stress plays a major role in developing depression. An overactive amygdala, (mis)regulated by the prefrontal cortex, is a key component of the condition In addition, the overactive amygdala likely creates a cognitive bias toward interpreting the world and oneself negatively.

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A person living with depression may experience persistent feelings of sadness that go beyond occasional unhappiness. This emotional state can be overwhelming and unrelenting, often interfering with daily routines, relationships, and the ability to find joy or motivation in life. Over time, this constant sadness can significantly reduce a person's quality of life, making even simple tasks feel exhausting or meaningless. It may also contribute to feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, and a sense of isolation from others.

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Depression can complicate the management of preexisting medical illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals with depression face an elevated chance of developing substance use disorders, which can further aggravate mental health conditions and heighten the risk of suicide. Chronic depression can markedly diminish persons' quality of life, affecting their capacity to relish experiences and engage in previously enjoyable activities.

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Doctors and mental health professionals use different tools to diagnose depression. One common way is through a clinical interview, where they ask about a person's thoughts, feelings, and daily habits. They look for signs like feeling sad often, losing interest in activities, being tired, or having trouble with sleep or appetite. They may also use a short survey called the PHQ 9, which stands for Patient Health Questionnaire 9. This simple form asks nine questions to measure how often someone has experienced depression symptoms in the past two weeks.

Reference:

Head, J., Stansfeld, S. A., Ebmeier, K. P., Geddes, J. R., Allan, C. L., Lewis, G., & Kivimäki, M. (2013). Use of self-administered instruments to assess psychiatric disorders in older people: validity of the General Health Questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the self-completion version of the revised Clinical Interview Schedule. Psychological medicine, 43(12), 2649–2656. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291713000342

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Another diagnostic method for depression is the Beck Depression Inventory, or BDI. This is a self-report questionnaire made up of 21 questions that ask about how a person has been feeling in different areas, such as mood, energy, sleep, and self-worth. Each answer is given a score, and the total helps show how severe the depression might be. The BDI is often used in clinics, schools, and research settings to help professionals understand a person’s level of depression and track changes over time.

Reference:

García-Batista, Z. E., Guerra-Peña, K., Cano-Vindel, A., Herrera-Martínez, S. X., & Medrano, L. A. (2018). Validity and reliability of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) in general and hospital population of Dominican Republic. PloS one, 13(6), e0199750.

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Long-term depression can have serious effects on the heart. People with depression often experience ongoing stress, which can lead to increased levels of stress hormones like cortisol. This can raise blood pressure, cause inflammation in the blood vessels, and make the heart work harder over time. These changes increase the risk of heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes.

Reference:

Huffman, J. C., Celano, C. M., Beach, S. R., Motiwala, S. R., & Januzzi, J. L. (2013). Depression and cardiac disease: epidemiology, mechanisms, and diagnosis. Cardiovascular psychiatry and neurology, 2013, 695925. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/695925

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Living with depression over a long period can slowly affect the way a person connects with the world. Relationships may grow distant as it becomes harder to engage with others or express emotions, sometimes leading to a deep sense of loneliness. The effects can also spill into responsibilities like work or school, where motivation and focus start to fade. When these areas of life begin to slip, it can lead to a cycle of self-doubt and stress that builds over time. Without care and support, this quiet unraveling can deeply impact a person’s sense of purpose and belonging.

Reference:

Goodman, R. J., Samek, D. R., Wilson, S., Iacono, W. G., & McGue, M. (2019). Close relationships and depression: A developmental cascade approach. Development and psychopathology, 31(4), 1451–1465. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579418001037

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Depression can cause insomnia, making it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or sleep through the early morning hours. Even when you do sleep, it may not feel restful or refreshing.

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Depression can also weaken your immune system, affecting your body’s ability to fight off illness. One of the key ways it does this is by disrupting your hormonal and immune balance. When you're depressed, your body often produces elevated levels of cortisol. In addition to hormonal changes, depression can trigger chronic low-grade inflammation. It can also impair cellular immune responses. When that happens, your body becomes less efficient at responding to infections or even producing antibodies after vaccination. When these changes occur, it weakens your immune defenses, making you more vulnerable to illnesses, ranging from the common cold to more serious infections and chronic diseases.

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Depression can profoundly affect appetite, either increasing or decreasing it, with effects varying from person to person. Some individuals may experience heightened appetite or intense cravings, especially for carbohydrate-rich and sugary foods. This can lead to weight gain, potentially intensifying feelings of guilt or low self-esteem. Conversely, others might face a diminished appetite or a total loss of interest in food, resulting in weight loss and nutritional deficiencies that can worsen both physical and mental health challenges.

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Depression can negatively impact physical health. In addition to problems caused by symptoms like poor appetite, overeating, and sleep issues, depression is also a risk factor for diseases and disorders, such as obesity, diabetes, chronic respiratory disorders, and arthritis. Some individuals with depression experience increased appetite, especially cravings for high-calorie and high-fat foods, leading to overeating and weight gain. Others may also experience loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss.  Depression can cause fatigue and lack of motivation, making it difficult to exercise or engage in physical activity, contributing to weight gain.

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Depression significantly increases the risk of substance abuse because it can lead individuals to use substances as a form of self-medication to cope with negative emotions, such as hopelessness, despair, and low self-esteem. Additionally, substance abuse can further exacerbate depression, creating a cycle where the two disorders worsen each other. Substance abuse can become a way for individuals to cope with the negative feelings associated with depression, such as anxiety, fear, or stress.

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Psychotherapy, also a form known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), helps individuals recognize and change disturbing thinking patterns and behaviors. Seeing a therapist can make stress easier to handle and individuals feel healthier about themselves (American Psychological Association, 2023).

Reference:

American Psychological Association. (2023). Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/understanding-psychotherapy

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Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by increasing the level of serotonin within the brain that can enhance energy levels, sleep, and mood. Antidepressants are typically prescribed for major and moderate depression and may take several weeks to start working (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022).

Reference:

National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Depression: Treatment.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression

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Depression can lead to body movement impairments due to fatigue, pain and or lack of motivation. One physical rehabilitation treatment is Yoga. Which provides Gentle, structured movement practices like yoga can help improve body awareness, reduce stress, and enhance physical function. A Professional Certified Yoga Therapist or Movement Specialist provide this type of treatment.

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Depression can make it challenging to manage activities of daily living. Occupational therapists assist individuals in developing or regaining essential skills for tasks like bathing, dressing and eating.

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Independent Living Skills (ILS) training can be highly beneficial for individuals experiencing depression by providing practical tools and strategies to manage daily life and regain a sense of control and independence. This training focuses on developing essential skills in areas like budgeting, time management, and self-care, which can be particularly challenging for those with depression. ILS training can help individuals establish a structured daily routine, which can be crucial for managing depression symptoms.

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Social skills training (SST) is an evidence-based approach that can be effective in treating depression, particularly when combined with other therapies. It concentrates on instructing individuals on enhancing their social interactions, which depression can adversely affect, and thereby enhancing their overall well-being. Depression often leads to social withdrawal and isolation, which can exacerbate depressive symptoms. SST helps individuals develop the skills to initiate and maintain conversations, manage conflicts, and build positive relationships, thereby reducing social anxiety and promoting social engagement.

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Antidepressant Medication

Antidepressant medications like SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine) are commonly used to treat depression by balancing brain chemicals that influence mood. Generic versions cost around $4–$30 per month, while brand names are more expensive. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, typically cover generics. Without this treatment, individuals may face worsening symptoms, social withdrawal, inability to function at work or school, and increased risk of suicide.

Reference:

Taylor, S., & Stein, M. B. (2005). The future of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in psychiatric treatment. Psychiatry Research, 137(2–3), 79–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2005.08.009

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals manage depression by challenging negative thoughts and improving coping skills. Sessions typically cost $100–$200 each, and many insurance plans offer partial coverage for a set number of sessions per year. Avoiding therapy can lead to chronic depression, poor emotional regulation, relationship problems, and greater long-term functional impairment.

Reference:

Fenn, K., & Byrne, M. (2013). The key principles of cognitive behavioural therapy. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 19(5), 308–315. https://doi.org/10.1177/1755738012471029

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Psychiatric care involves routine evaluations to adjust medications and monitor mental health progress. Initial visits cost $250–$400, with follow-ups ranging from $100–$300. Insurance often covers these visits, though in-network availability can vary. Skipping this care increases the risk of ineffective or unsafe medication use, undiagnosed co-occurring disorders, and overall treatment failure.

Reference:

McMillan, S. S., Stewart, V., Wheeler, A. J., Kelly, F., & Stapleton, H. (2020). Medication management in the context of mental illness: an exploratory study of young people living in Australia. BMC public health, 20(1), 1188. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09237-9

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Cognitive Communication Therapy is utilized to help individuals who have depression to improve cognitive function such as attention, memory, and problem solving which depression impairs. The therapy improves the capacity for clearer thinking and easier communication that allows patients to perform activities of daily living and social interactions with ease. Treatment is typically provided by Speech Language Pathologists or Neuropsychologists with the goal of reducing these cognitive challenges and improving overall function (Mayo Clinic, n.d.).

Reference:
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Psychotherapy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psychotherapy/about/pac-20384616

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Increasing physical activity, such as walking, biking, or yoga, is a proven way to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins and supports brain health by regulating neurotransmitters. Research by Kunugi (2023) emphasizes the role of exercise in improving depressive symptoms and highlights its potential influence on molecular pathways related to brain function.

This lifestyle change might be rated a 7/10 in difficulty for someone with depression due to fatigue and low motivation. Support from a mental health therapist, primary care doctor, or fitness coach trained in mental health can make a big difference.

Reference:

Kunugi, H. (2023). Depression and lifestyle: Focusing on nutrition, exercise, and their possible relevance to molecular mechanisms. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 77(8), 420–433. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.13551

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Our group chose to focus on depression, a widespread mental health disorder marked by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and disrupted daily life. Given its global impact, addressing depression is essential to reducing stigma and improving mental health care.

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Getting enough sleep plays a crucial role in managing—and in some cases, easing—symptoms of depression. Quality sleep helps regulate brain chemistry, boosts mood, and supports cognitive function, all of which are disrupted by sleep deprivation. While adopting better sleep habits can be challenging due to busy schedules and competing priorities, it's a lifestyle change worth considering. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate the difficulty of this change at a 5. A primary care physician might be needed to help achieve this change.

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1.) School-Based Mental Health Education
Mental health education in schools can improve awareness and coping skills among youth, helping prevent depression by increasing early recognition and reducing stigma (Weist et al., 2018). Barriers include lack of trained personnel, limited funding, and inconsistent implementation across districts.

2.) Routine Mental Health Screenings
Routine screenings using tools like the PHQ-9 during primary care visits allow for early detection of depressive symptoms (Siu et al., 2016). Despite their effectiveness, implementation can be limited by time constraints, lack of provider training, and stigma around mental health disclosure.

References:
Siu, A. L., & U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2016). Screening for depression in children and adolescents: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Annals of Internal Medicine, 164(5), 360–366. https://doi.org/10.7326/M15-2957

Weist, M. D., Garbacz, S. A., Lane, K. L., & Kincaid, D. (2018). Aligning and integrating school-based mental health and PBIS: Research and practice. School Psychology Review, 47(2), 316–327. https://doi.org/10.17105/SPR-2017.0117.V47-2

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1.) Awareness Campaigns and Crisis Text Lines
Campaigns such as those by NAMI and NIMH reduce stigma and promote help-seeking behavior, while the Crisis Text Line offers 24/7 emotional support via text messaging. These efforts target individual and community-level change, though barriers like outreach gaps and underfunding exist (2021).

2.) Mental Health Parity and School SEL Policies
Mental health parity laws ensure insurance covers mental health services equitably with physical health care (2011). School-based social-emotional learning programs improve resilience and reduce symptoms of depression, though implementation varies widely by region.

References:

Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta‐analysis of school‐based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x

Gould, M. S., Munfakh, J. L., Lubell, K., Kleinman, M., & Parker, S. (2021). Seeking help from the Internet during adolescence. Journal of Adolescent Health, 48(1), 86–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.06.003

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1.) Mental Health Apps and Teletherapy
Apps like Headspace and Moodpath help users manage stress and monitor mood, while platforms such as Talkspace and BetterHelp connect individuals with licensed therapists (2017). These tools support access and early intervention, though concerns remain about data privacy and app quality.

2.) AI Chatbots and Digital Screening Tools
AI chatbots like Woebot provide on-demand support, and digital tools like the PHQ-9 on patient portals support diagnosis and monitoring (2018). These technologies enhance access, but may lack nuance, empathy, or accuracy when used in isolation.

References:

Fitzpatrick, K. K., Darcy, A., & Vierhile, M. (2017). Delivering cognitive behavior therapy to young adults with symptoms of depression and anxiety using a fully automated conversational agent (Woebot): A randomized controlled trial. JMIR Mental Health, 4(2), e19. https://doi.org/10.2196/mental.7785

Torous, J., Roberts, L. W., & Keshavan, M. (2018). Digital psychiatry and smartphone psychometrics: Real-world data to drive real-world care. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 25(5), 255–265. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000166

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This post is to highlight the causes of depression in young adults. Although depression does not have a single cause, it is influenced by many factors. In young adults especially, some factors are fights with family or friends, changing schools or starting secondary school, experiencing a relationship break-up, recent death, abuse or neglect, or being bullied.

Department of Health & Human Services. "Depression in young people." https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/Depression-in-young-people

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This post highlights the significant gender disparity in depression rates, with women more commonly affected than men. Biological factors such as hormonal fluctuations, along with psychological and sociocultural influences including societal expectations, caregiving roles, and exposure to trauma, contribute to this increased risk (Albert, 2015). Recognizing these factors is essential not only for addressing women’s mental health needs but also for deepening our understanding of depression more broadly.

Reference: Albert P. R. (2015). Why is depression more prevalent in women?. Journal of psychiatry & neuroscience : JPN, 40(4), 219–221. https://doi.org/10.1503/jpn.150205

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1.) Adolescents and Young Adults
Adolescents and young adults experience rapid developmental, hormonal, and social changes that put them at higher risk for depression. Research highlights the importance of early intervention and integrated, multidisciplinary care to prevent long-term mental health issues in this age group (Colizzi, Lasalvia, & Ruggeri, 2020). However, they often face stigma, limited access to care, and a lack of awareness, which hinder early prevention and treatment.

2.) LGBTQ+ Individuals
LGBTQ+ individuals are at significantly higher risk for depression, often due to stigma, discrimination, and minority stress. Studies show they are more than twice as likely to experience depression or suicidal thoughts compared to heterosexual peers (Johns et al., 2021). These individuals may fear judgment from providers and often struggle to find culturally affirming care.

References:

Colizzi, M., Lasalvia, A., & Ruggeri, M. (2020). Prevention and early intervention in youth mental health: Is it time for a multidisciplinary and trans-diagnostic model for care? International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 14(1), Article 23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-020-00356-9

Johns, M. M., Lowry, R., Andrzejewski, J., Barrios, L. C., Demissie, Z., McManus, T., Rasberry, C. N., Robin, L., Underwood, J. M., & Whittle, L. (2021). Transgender identity and experiences of violence victimization, substance use, suicide risk, and sexual risk behaviors among high school students. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(3), 67–71. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6803a3