• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Choose which site to search.
UAMS Health Logo UAMS Health
  • UAMS.edu
  • MyChart
  • Giving
  • Emergency Room
  • Types of Care
  • Locations
  • Doctors
  • Patients and Guests
  • Referring Physicians
  • Appointments
  • About Us
    • Awards and Recognition
  1. UAMS Health
  2. ARConnectNow
  3. Learn More About Mental Health
  4. Common Mental Health Concerns
  5. Depression
  6. Understanding Depression

Understanding Depression

What is Depression

Everyone feels sad sometimes. But depression is more than sadness. You may be depressed if certain feelings and moods last for more than 2 weeks and get in the way of your life.

What are some signs that I could be depressed?

You may feel:

  • Very sad
  • Hopeless
  • Worthless
  • Guilty
  • Empty or numb
  • Angry
  • Grouchy
  • Like not doing things you used to enjoy

You may notice that your mood gets in the way of your life. It could impact things at home or school. It could also impact your friendships. You may notice changes with:

  • How your body works. You may:
    • Gain or lose weight
    • Sleep too much or too little
    • Feel tired most of the time
    • Move quicker or slower than normal
  • How you think. You may:
    • Be unable to focus
    • Think about harming yourself

Remember, if you feel depressed, you can get better. See below for ways to get help. If you think about harming yourself, reach out for help right away. You can:

  • Call 988: The national helpline for suicide and mental health. Dial ‘988’ and someone will help you.
  • Text the Crisis Text Line: The national text line when you are in crisis. Text HOME to 741741 and someone will text you back and help you.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Call 988
UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • Notice of Privacy Practices
  • Price Transparency

© 2025 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Please share your location to continue