What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that involves persistent feelings of sadness, low mood, and loss of interest or pleasurein activities that were once enjoyable. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, and can interfere with daily life, school, work, and relationships.

Depression is more than just having a “bad day.” Symptoms are typically ongoing and impactful, making it difficult to stay motivated, engaged, or connected.

Common symptoms of depression may include:

• Low mood or irritability (especially in children and teens)
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
• Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or too little)
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Low energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness

For parents, depression may look like a child or teen who is withdrawing, less engaged, more irritable, or struggling with school and daily routines.

Depression can range from mild to severe, but the good news is that it is highly treatable. With the right support—including evidence-based therapy and, in some cases, additional consultation—individuals can regain a sense of motivation, connection, and well-being.

What is Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)?

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), previously known as dysthymia, is a form of chronic depression characterized by a long-lasting, low mood that does not fully go away.

Unlike major depression, which may occur in episodes, PDD involves a more consistent, ongoing sense of sadness or low mood that can feel like a person’s “baseline.” While symptoms may be less intense, they are more persistent and can still significantly impact daily functioning.

To meet criteria, individuals experience a depressed or irritable mood:

• For most of the day, more days than not
• For at least 2 years in adults or 1 year in children and adolescents

Common symptoms may include:

• Low energy or fatigue
• Poor self-esteem
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Feelings of hopelessness

For parents, this may look like a child or teen who seems consistently down, irritable, unmotivated, or less engaged over a long period of time, rather than in shorter episodes.

Although symptoms may feel “less severe” than major depression, their chronic nature can still have a meaningful impact on school, relationships, and overall well-being.

The good news is that Persistent Depressive Disorder is treatable, and with the right support, individuals can experience improved mood, energy, and functioning over time.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, including periods of emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

During a manic or hypomanic episode, individuals may:

• Feel unusually euphoric, energized, or “on top of the world”
• Become more irritable or easily agitated
• Need less sleep but still feel energized
• Talk quickly, have racing thoughts, or act impulsively

Hypomania is a milder form of mania, but can still impact functioning and behavior.

During a depressive episode, individuals may:

• Feel sad, empty, or hopeless
• Lose interest or pleasure in activities they previously enjoyed
• Experience low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulty concentrating

For children and teens, bipolar symptoms may sometimes present as intense mood swings, irritability, changes in energy, or shifts in behavior that are more extreme than typical developmental changes.

Mood episodes can occur rarely or multiple times per year, and the pattern and severity can vary from person to person.

Bipolar Disorder can significantly impact daily functioning, but the good news is that it is treatable. With appropriate care—including therapy and, when indicated, medical support—individuals can achieve greater mood stability and improved functioning.