What Is Depression?

Ages 3-5 Simple Explanation

You know how sometimes you feel really sad, like when you lose your favorite toy or when a friend can't play? That's normal sadness, and it usually goes away after a while. But depression is when that really heavy, sad feeling stays for a long, long time and doesn't seem to go away.

You know how sometimes when you're sick, you don't feel like doing anything fun, not even eating your favorite snack? Depression can feel a little like that. Someone with depression might not want to play, might feel tired all the time, or might not smile as much as they used to.

You know how it's not your fault when you catch a cold? Depression is like that too. It's not something a person chooses, and it's not because they did something wrong. Their brain just needs some extra help to feel better.

If someone in your family seems really sad for a long time, you can show them love by giving them a hug, drawing them a picture, or just sitting with them. And remember, grown-ups like doctors can help people with depression start to feel better.

Ages 6-8 More Detail

Everyone feels sad sometimes, and that's a normal part of life. But depression is different from regular sadness. When someone has depression, they feel really down, empty, or hopeless for a long time, usually weeks or even months. It doesn't just go away on its own the way normal sadness does after a bad day.

Depression can change the way a person acts and feels in many ways. Someone with depression might stop wanting to do things they used to love. They might feel tired all the time, have trouble sleeping, or sleep way too much. They might feel like nothing is fun anymore, or they might get upset or frustrated more easily than before.

Depression isn't something a person chooses. You can't just "cheer up" or "snap out of it" when you have depression, even if someone tells you to. It happens because of changes going on inside the brain, and sometimes it's triggered by hard things happening in a person's life, like losing someone they love or going through a big change.

The good news is that depression can get better with help. Talking to a counselor or therapist can make a real difference. Sometimes doctors also recommend medicine that helps the brain work more smoothly. Having caring people around who listen and offer support is incredibly important too.

If you ever feel deeply sad for a long time and it won't go away, or if you notice that someone in your family seems different and down, it's important to talk to a trusted grown-up. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of, and asking for help is one of the bravest things a person can do.

Ages 9-12 Full Explanation

Depression is a condition that goes far beyond ordinary sadness. Everyone has bad days or rough patches, but depression is when a deep, heavy sadness or a feeling of emptiness lasts for weeks or months at a time. It can drain your energy, steal your interest in things you normally enjoy, and make it hard to concentrate, eat, or sleep normally.

Depression can look different from person to person. Some people feel incredibly sad and cry often. Others feel numb and empty, like they can't feel much of anything at all. Some people become irritable and snap at others. Kids and teens with depression might see their grades drop, pull away from friends, or lose motivation for hobbies and activities they used to care about.

There are many possible reasons someone might develop depression. Sometimes it runs in families, meaning your body and brain may be more likely to experience it if a close relative has. Difficult life events, like losing a loved one, going through a parents' divorce, being bullied, or dealing with a big move, can also bring it on. Often, it's a combination of factors, and it is never the person's fault.

The most important thing to know about depression is that it is treatable. Talking to a therapist or counselor gives you a safe space to work through your feelings and learn coping strategies. In some cases, doctors may also suggest medication that helps balance the chemistry in the brain. Physical exercise, strong social connections, and healthy routines also play a big role in recovery.

If you think you or someone you know might be dealing with depression, please reach out to a trusted adult, whether that's a parent, a teacher, a school counselor, or a coach. It takes courage to say, "I think something is wrong and I need help." But that one step can be the beginning of feeling like yourself again. You are not alone, and you do not have to tough it out in silence.

Depression does not mean you're broken, lazy, or weak. It is a real condition, just as real as a broken bone, and just like a broken bone, it needs proper care to heal. With the right support, people recover from depression every day, and there is every reason to believe that things can get better.