Find Your Program

Or browse by

Browse our programs

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners: What You Need to Know About Depression

Find out how you can earn your MSN degree and become a PMHNP helping patients with depression.

People worldwide suffer from depression, and medical professionals may routinely encounter patients with this mental health disorder. If you’re a registered nurse who wishes to earn a degree in order to become a nurse practitioner or work in nursing management, it’s important that you understand depression and how it may affect a patient’s emotional and physical health.

Nursing school students learn about the range of issues affecting patients today, including mental health issues. Find out what you need to learn about patients with depression and how online nursing schools offer great options for earning your master’s degree in nursing.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners: What You Need to Know About Depression

Understanding Depression

There are plenty of misconceptions about mental health disorders, and they can be a barrier to treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than 300 million people worldwide suffering from depression, making it the leading cause of disability.1 The National Institute of Mental Health defines depression as a common but serious mood disorder causing severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating, and working.2 Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

When patients arrive at a hospital or medical facility, they often see a nurse before they see a doctor, so it’s important that nurses understand the different forms of depression and how to spot the signs. Forms of depression include persistent depressive disorder, postpartum depression, psychotic depression, seasonal affective disorder, and bipolar disorder.

Whether looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid, we're here to help.

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Step 1: Contact Information
  • Step 2: Academic Interests

Are you or your spouse an active or retired U.S. military service member?*

By submitting this form, you consent to Walden University's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. You also agree we may contact you at the contact information provided regarding our educational programs and services, including for marketing purposes. WU may use automated systems or generative artificial intelligence to reach out via phone, pre-recorded messages, email and/or text. See our Terms of Service for additional details.