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Description & Source: This short video from the National Institute of Mental Health on YouTube explains what depression is, common symptoms, and how treatment can help.
Target Audience: The video seems aimed at the general public, especially people who may be struggling or know someone with depression.
Evidence-Based: Yes, it’s reliable. The NIMH is a federal agency, and their content reflects current research (NIMH, 2024).
Use in Public Health/Clinical Decision-Making: Videos like this make mental health info easy to understand, which can encourage people to seek help sooner. Nurses could even use it to help explain depression to patients and families.
DEI Consideration: The video includes diverse people which makes it more inclusive for different populations.

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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Description & Source: This podcast from a Christian mom series focuses on balancing faith, family, and mental health. The host shares her own struggles with depression and anxiety while raising kids and invites a guest therapist to talk about coping strategies.
Target Audience: The target audience is Christian mothers who may be experiencing stress, depression, or anxiety while trying to care for their families.
Evidence-Based: The therapist’s advice is rooted in counseling and clinical practices, which aligns with evidence-based approaches. For example, the American Psychiatric Association (2020) supports therapy and faith-based coping as part of a holistic approach to depression.
Use in Public Health/Clinical Decision-Making: Podcasts like this help normalize mental health conversations within faith communities. Nurses working with mothers could recommend resources like this for support outside of clinical care.
DEI Consideration: While supportive for Christian moms, it may not be inclusive for people from different faith traditions. However, it does highlight how cultural and spiritual values are important in addressing mental health.

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I am a wife, mama, church leader, and Marriage and Family Therapist turned coach. Two years ago God called me into the unknown when He asked me to start the Morning Mama podcast after a miscarriage turned my life upside down.

I am a dreamer, a recovering perfectionist, and a deep thinker who also happens to dislike poetry. My favorite days are spent creating content for you with a cup of coffee in my hand or adventuring through the woods with my kids in tow.

There's also nothing that lights me up quite like helping women find freedom and step into calling. I have personally spent decades healing from depression, anxiety, anger, and a deep sense of inadequacy, so I get it mama- I have been there too. And it is my greatest honor to walk out this healing journey with you as you step into your beautiful unknown.

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I am a wife, mama, church leader, and Marriage and Family Therapist turned coach. Two years ago God called me into the unknown when He asked me to start the Morning Mama podcast after a miscarriage turned my life upside down. I am a dreamer, a recovering perfectionist, and a deep thinker who also happens to dislike poetry.

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Description & Source: This Instagram post from Mental Health America emphasizes the importance of suicide prevention by encouraging individuals to reach out for help. It highlights the availability of support through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, offering confidential assistance 24/7.

Target Audience: The post is directed at individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide, as well as their friends and family members, to raise awareness about available resources and encourage seeking help.

Evidence-Based: The message aligns with suicide prevention strategies endorsed by organizations like Mental Health America (MHA) which emphasize the significance of crisis intervention and support services in preventing suicide.

Use in Public Health/Clinical Decision-Making: Social media platforms like Instagram can serve as effective tools for disseminating mental health resources and reducing stigma. Healthcare professionals can utilize such platforms to share information about available support services and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.

DEI Consideration: The post is inclusive and accessible, using straightforward language and a supportive tone to resonate with a diverse audience.

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Mental Health America on Instagram: "Content warning: This post discusses suicide.

You deserve to live a life full of joy, peace, love, and adventure. This life is worth living.

Each September, #SuicidePreventionMonth calls on each of us to consider our role in preventing suicide and to raise awareness of available resources and support options, like @988lifeline and @crisistextline.

If you’re struggling with your mental health and you’re not sure where to start, taking a mental health test is a gentle first step. Mental Health America’s free and anonymous online tests can help you understand what you’re experiencing and what steps you can take before you reach a point of crisis. Take a test today at the 🔗 in our bio.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please know that help is available. Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach a trained counselor at Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

Thank you for staying. 🧡"

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13K likes, 43 comments - mentalhealthamerica on September 2, 2025: "Content warning: This post discusses suicide.

You deserve to live a life full of joy, peace, love, and adventure. This life is worth living.

Each September, #SuicidePreventionMonth calls on each of us to consider our role in preventing suicide and to raise awareness of available resources and support options, like @988lifeline and @crisistextline.

If you’re struggling with your mental health and you’re not sure where to start, taking a mental health test is a gentle first step. Mental Health America’s free and anonymous online tests can help you understand what you’re experiencing and what steps you can take before you reach a point of crisis. Take a test today at the 🔗 in our bio.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please know that help is available. Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach a trained counselor at Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

Thank you for staying. 🧡". 

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mental Health America (@mentalhealthamerica)

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Description & Source: This Facebook post from the CDC’s Mental Health Awareness Month campaign encourages people to reach out to an older friend or relative to let them know they are seen and cared for.

Target Audience: Adults who have older family members or friends, as well as caregivers who want to support mental health in older adults.

Evidence-Based: Yes, the CDC uses national data and research to support their recommendations for social connection as a protective factor against depression in older adults (CDC, 2024).

Use in Public Health/Clinical Decision-Making: Posts like this help raise awareness about the importance of social support for older adults, which nurses can reinforce in patient education and community outreach.

DEI Consideration: The post shows diversity in race and gender among older adults, highlighting that mental health support is important for everyone even the elderly.

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30K views · 151 reactions | May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Reach out to an older friend or loved one and remind them that you see them 👀, hear them 👂, and support them 💕. Mental health awareness is part of healthy aging. Start the conversation. https://bit.ly/448zzh8 | CDC

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Reach out to an older friend or loved one and remind them that you see them 👀, hear them 👂, and support them 💕. Mental health awareness is part of healthy aging....

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Description & Source: Mayo Clinic’s depression webpage explains causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
Target Audience: Adults looking for trustworthy medical information.
Evidence-Based: Yes. Mayo Clinic bases its content on clinical guidelines and current research (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
Use in Public Health/Clinical Decision-Making: Clinicians can direct patients to this site because it’s reliable and easy to read.
DEI Consideration: While the site is credible, it may be hard to understand for people with lower health literacy or limited internet access.

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Overview

What is depression? A Mayo Clinic expert explains.

Learn more about depression from Craig Sawchuk, Ph.D., L.P., clinical psychologist at Mayo Clinic.

Hi, I'm Dr. Craig Sawchuk, a clinical psychologist at Mayo Clinic. And I'm here to talk with you about depression. Whether you're looking for answers for yourself, a friend, or loved one, understanding the basics of depression can help you take the next step.

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness that won't go away. Unfortunately, there's a lot of stigma around depression. Depression isn't a weakness or a character flaw. It's not about being in a bad mood, and people who experience depression can't just snap out of it. Depression is a common, serious, and treatable condition. If you're experiencing depression, you're not alone. It honestly affects people of all ages and races and biological sexes, income levels and educational backgrounds. Approximately one in six people will experience a major depressive episode at some point in their lifetime, while up to 16 million adults each year suffer from clinical depression. There are many types of symptoms that make up depression. Emotionally, you may feel sad or down or irritable or even apathetic. Physically, the body really slows down. You feel tired. Your sleep is often disrupted. It's really hard to get yourself motivated. Your thinking also changes. It can just be hard to concentrate. Your thoughts tend to be much more negative. You can be really hard on yourself, feel hopeless and helpless about things. And even in some cases, have thoughts of not wanting to live. Behaviorally, you just want to pull back and withdraw from others, activities, and day-to-day responsibilities. These symptoms all work together to keep you trapped in a cycle of depression. Symptoms of depression are different for everyone. Some symptoms may be a sign of another disorder or medical condition. That's why it's important to get an accurate diagnosis.

What causes depression?

While there's no single cause of depression, most experts believe there's a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors that contribute to depression risk. Biologically, we think about genetics or a family history of depression, health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or thyroid disorders, and even hormonal changes that happen over the lifespan, such as pregnancy and menopause. Changes in brain chemistry, especially disruptions in neurotransmitters like serotonin, that play an important role in regulating many bodily functions, including mood, sleep, and appetite, are thought to play a particularly important role in depression. Socially stressful and traumatic life events, limited access to resources such as food, housing, and health care, and a lack of social support all contribute to depression risk. Psychologically, we think of how negative thoughts and problematic coping behaviors, such as avoidance and substance use, increase our vulnerability to depression.

The good news is that treatment helps. Effective treatments for depression exist and you do have options to see what works best for you. Lifestyle changes that improve sleep habits, exercise, and address underlying health conditions can be an important first step. Medications such as antidepressants can be helpful in alleviating depressive symptoms. Therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches skills to better manage negative thoughts and improve coping behaviors to help break you out of cycles of depression. Whatever the cause, remember that depression is not your fault and it can be treated.

To help diagnose depression, your health care provider may use a physical exam, lab tests, or a mental health evaluation. These results will help identify various treatment options that best fit your situation.

Help is available. You don't have to deal with depression by yourself. Take the next step and reach out. If you're hesitant to talk to a health care provider, talk to a friend or loved one about how to get help. Living with depression isn't easy and you're not alone in your struggles. Always remember that effective treatments and supports are available to help you start feeling better. Want to learn more about depression? Visit mayoclinic.org. Do take care.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living.

More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.
Depression care at Mayo Clinic
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Symptoms

Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include:

Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness

Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters

Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports

Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much

Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort

Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain

Anxiety, agitation or restlessness

Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame

Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things

Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide

Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

For many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships with others. Some people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

Depression symptoms in children and teens

Common signs and symptoms of depression in children and teenagers are similar to those of adults, but there can be some differences.

In younger children, symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, clinginess, worry, aches and pains, refusing to go to school, or being underweight.

In teens, symptoms may include sadness, irritability, feeling negative and worthless, anger, poor performance or poor attendance at school, feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive, using recreational drugs or alcohol, eating or sleeping too much, self-harm, loss of interest in normal activities, and avoidance of social interaction.

Depression symptoms in older adults

Depression is not a normal part of growing older, and it should never be taken lightly. Unfortunately, depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated in older adults, and they may feel reluctant to seek help. Symptoms of depression may be different or less obvious in older adults, such as:

Memory difficulties or personality changes

Physical aches or pain

Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems or loss of interest in sex - not caused by a medical condition or medication

Often wanting to stay at home, rather than going out to socialize or doing new things

Suicidal thinking or feelings, especially in older men

When to see a doctor

If you feel depressed, make an appointment to see your doctor or mental health professional as soon as you can. If you're reluctant to seek treatment, talk to a friend or loved one, any health care professional, a faith leader, or someone else you trust.

When to get emergency help

If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number immediately.

Also consider these options if you're having suicidal thoughts:

Call your doctor or mental health professional.

Contact a suicide hotline.

In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential.

U.S. veterans or service members who are in crisis can call 988 and then press "1" for the Veterans Crisis Line. Or text 838255. Or chat online.

The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).

Reach out to a close friend or loved one.

Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone else in your faith community.

If you have a loved one who is in danger of suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Or, if you think you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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Causes

It's not known exactly what causes depression. As with many mental disorders, a variety of factors may be involved, such as:

Biological differences. People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain, but may eventually help pinpoint causes.

Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression. Recent research indicates that changes in the function and effect of these neurotransmitters and how they interact with neurocircuits involved in maintaining mood stability may play a significant role in depression and its treatment.

Hormones. Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. Hormone changes can result with pregnancy and during the weeks or months after delivery (postpartum) and from thyroid problems, menopause or a number of other conditions.

Inherited traits. Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives also have this condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing depression.

Risk factors

Depression often begins in the teens, 20s or 30s, but it can happen at any age. More women than men are diagnosed with depression, but this may be due in part because women are more likely to seek treatment.

Factors that seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering depression include:

Certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem and being too dependent, self-critical or pessimistic

Traumatic or stressful events, such as physical or sexual abuse, the death or loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or financial problems

Blood relatives with a history of depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism or suicide

Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or having variations in the development of genital organs that aren't clearly male or female (intersex) in an unsupportive situation

History of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorder, eating disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder

Abuse of alcohol or recreational drugs

Serious or chronic illness, including cancer, stroke, chronic pain or heart disease

Certain medications, such as some high blood pressure medications or sleeping pills (talk to your doctor before stopping any medication)

Complications

Depression is a serious disorder that can take a terrible toll on you and your family. Depression often gets worse if it isn't treated, resulting in emotional, behavioral and health problems that affect every area of your life.

Examples of complications associated with depression include:

Excess weight or obesity, which can lead to heart disease and diabetes

Pain or physical illness

Alcohol or drug misuse

Anxiety, panic disorder or social phobia

Family conflicts, relationship difficulties, and work or school problems

Social isolation

Suicidal feelings, suicide attempts or suicide

Self-mutilation, such as cutting

Premature death from medical conditions

Prevention

There's no sure way to prevent depression. However, these strategies may help.

Take steps to control stress, to increase your resilience and boost your self-esteem.

Reach out to family and friends, especially in times of crisis, to help you weather rough spells.

Get treatment at the earliest sign of a problem to help prevent depression from worsening.

Consider getting long-term maintenance treatment to help prevent a relapse of symptoms.

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Depression (major depressive disorder) - Symptoms and causes

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Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest and can interfere with your daily functioning.

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Description & Source: This blog post from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) discusses the misconception that depression is always visible. It emphasizes that mental illness doesn't have a specific appearance, and individuals with depression may not show obvious signs.

Target Audience: General public, including individuals who may not recognize the signs of depression in themselves or others.

Evidence-Based: Yes, NAMI provides information supported by research and clinical expertise, highlighting the importance of understanding that depression can be present without outward symptoms.

Use in Public Health/Clinical Decision-Making: This resource can help healthcare professionals educate patients and the community about the varied presentations of depression, promoting better recognition and support.

DEI Consideration: The post addresses a common misconception that can affect individuals from all backgrounds, encouraging a more inclusive understanding of mental health.

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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

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Description & Source: In this TikTok video, creator Eliana Ghen illustrates the contrast between common misconceptions of depression and its true manifestations. She emphasizes that depression isn't always visible and can affect individuals differently.

Target Audience: General public, particularly younger audiences active on TikTok, who may benefit from a relatable and visual representation of depression.

Evidence-Based: While the video provides a personal perspective, it aligns with mental health education that highlights the varied presentations of depression, as supported by organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Use in Public Health/Clinical Decision-Making: Visual platforms like TikTok can effectively raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues. Healthcare professionals can utilize such content to engage with younger populations and promote open discussions about mental health.

DEI Consideration: The video presents a diverse representation of individuals, acknowledging that depression can affect people from all walks of life, thereby promoting inclusivity and understanding.

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How the world sees depression vs. How it really can look…

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@elianaghen
How the world sees depression vs. How it really can look…
♬ original sound - Vladimir Grand - Vladimir Grand

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Description & Source: A public health campaign image promoting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Target Audience: Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, or families/friends looking to support loved ones.
Evidence-Based: Yes, it’s a national resource backed by SAMHSA and other mental health organizations.
Use in Public Health/Clinical Decision-Making: Posters and graphics like this are life-saving because they provide immediate crisis contacts. Nurses can display these in clinics and ERs.
DEI Consideration: The lifeline offers multilingual support and TTY for hearing-impaired users, which promotes inclusivity.