Depression

Depression

Information only — not a diagnosis. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. If you’re thinking about suicide or are in crisis, call or text 988. ASL users can reach 988 Videophone; TTY users can dial 711, then 988 

Overview: What is Depression?

Depression is a health condition that affects how you feel, think, and act. It can make daily life — like sleeping, eating, working, or going to school — much harder. It is common and treatable. 

Doctors diagnose depression by looking for several symptoms that last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks and that cause problems in daily life. 

Depression vs. Sadness or Anxiety

  • Sadness is a normal feeling that usually goes away with time. 
  • Depression lasts longer and causes bigger changes in sleep, appetite, energy, and interest in activities. 
  • Anxiety means feeling very worried, nervous, or on edge.

Anxiety and depression can happen together, but they are not the same. 

Common Signs and Symptoms

People show depression in different ways. These are common signs (you don’t need all of them): 

  • Feeling sad, empty, or irritable most days. 
  • Less interest in favorite activities. 
  • Sleep changes — sleeping too little or too much. 
  • Appetite or weight changes. 
  • Low energy or feeling slowed down. 
  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions. 
  • Aches or pains without a clear cause. 
  • Thoughts of death or suicide. (Get help now: call/text 988.) 

What Depression Can Look Like

For some people, especially those who use different ways to communicate, signs may be seen as changes from their usual (baseline) behavior:

  • Pulling away from others or loss of interest in usual routines.
  • More irritability, agitation, or new self-injury.
  • Sleep, eating, or hygiene changes (e.g., not wanting to bathe or change clothes).
  • More difficulty focusing or following steps.
  • Unexplained pain or health complaints. (Always check for a medical cause first.)

Why People with IDD May Have Increased Risk

Many adults with IDD report higher rates of anxiety and depression and face more barriers to mental health care. Reasons can include communication barriers, trauma or bullying, chronic pain or health issues, changes in routine, and limited access to trained providers. 

Recent national survey data show adults with IDD report much higher daily depression symptoms and are more likely to face cost barriers to therapy compared with adults without IDD. 

Another challenge is diagnostic overshadowing — when new mental health symptoms are mistakenly seen as “just part of the disability,” which can delay help. 

How to help prevent depression (everyday steps) 

Small, steady habits can support mood and health: 

  • Keep a routine for sleep, meals, movement, and enjoyable activities. Routines support brain health and reduce stress. 
  • Move your body most days. Physical activity reduces depression and anxiety symptoms and lowers the chance of developing depression. Walking, dancing, wheeling, or chair exercises all count. 
  • Stay connected with family, friends, work, school, or community groups. Social support protects mental health. 
  • Keep regular health checkups, including annual wellness and dental visits, to catch medical causes of mood changes. 
  • Practice calming skills — slow breathing, music, prayer, favorite hobbies, time in nature. These can reduce stress. 

What to do if you're experiencing depression

  • Tell someone you trust: A family member, friend, Care Manager, teacher, or doctor. Ask: “Can you help me make an appointment?” 
  • See a healthcare provider. Many people feel better with counseling, medication, or both. Ask for communication supports you use (plain language, visuals, extra time). 
  • Try small steps: Regular sleep, balanced meals, gentle movement, and time with people you like. 
  • If you’re in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for free, confidential help 24/7. ASL users can call 988 Videophone; TTY users can dial 711, then 988. 

what to do if you support someone with idd

  • Notice changes from the person’s usual baseline (sleep, eating, interest, behavior). Write down what you see and when it started. 
  • Ask about feelings in the person’s preferred way (plain words, visuals, devices, signs). Give time for answers. 
  • Schedule a health visit to check for medical causes and to ask about depression. Bring notes and any communication tools. 
  • Help with supportive routines (regular sleep, meals, activities, movement, and connection). 
  • If there are safety concerns, stay with the person and contact 988. Use 988 Videophone for ASL, or 711, then 988 for TTY. Call 911 if there is immediate danger. 

screening and diagnosis (for supporters and providers)

  • Ask providers to adapt screening (plain language, visuals, extra time) and to consider tools designed for IDD, such as the Glasgow Depression Scale (self-report) and its Carer Supplement. 
  • Watch for atypical presentations (e.g., irritability, behavior change) and avoid diagnostic overshadowing. 
  • Use a whole person approach: Check health (pain, thyroid, sleep, dental), environment, and life events/trauma when evaluating mood change. 

When to seek urgent help

  • You or the person talks about wanting to die or feeling hopeless and unable to stay safe. Call or text 988 (ASL Videophone available; TTY 711, then 988). For immediate danger, call 911. 

References and Further Reading