Depression is a mood disorder that results in a constant sense of melancholy and boredom. It affects how you feel, think, and behave and can cause a number of mental and physical issues. It is also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression. You can struggle with performing routine daily tasks, and you might occasionally think life isn’t worth living.
Depression is more than just a case of the blues, it’s not a sign of weakness, and you can’t suddenly “snap out” of it. Treatment for depression may be lifelong. Don’t give up, though. Depression may worsen and last longer if left untreated. In extreme circumstances, it may result in suicide or self-harm. Medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two usually helps depressed people feel better.
Types of Depression
Depressive disorders are categorized as follows in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Association:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD): often known as clinical depression, is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness on the majority of days for at least two weeks, along with additional symptoms including difficulty sleeping, a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, or a change in appetite. This is both the most severe and most prevalent type of depression.
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Mild to moderate depression that persists for longer than two years is referred to as persistent depressive disorder. Compared to major depressive illness, the symptoms are less severe. PDD was once referred to as dysthymia by medical professionals.
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): In children, DMDD results in repeated episodes of extreme irritability and persistent irritability. Typically, symptoms appear around the age of 10.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): With PMDD, you have mood symptoms such as severe irritability, anxiety, or depression in addition to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. After your period begins, these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but they can occasionally be so bad that they seriously affect your daily life.
Symptoms of Depression
Although you might only experience depression once in your lifetime, most people experience many bouts. During these episodes, symptoms can include any of the following and may last for the majority of the day:
- Sadness, tears, emptiness, or a sense of futility
- Irrational behavior, irritation, or frustration, especially about trivial issues
- Loss of enjoyment or interest in the majority of everyday activities, including sex, hobbies, and sports
- Sleep disorders, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Due to fatigue and a lack of energy, even simple tasks need more effort.
- Weight loss and decreased appetite, or weight gain and increased desires for food
- A feeling of unease, anxiety, or worry
- Sluggish speech, posture, or other body movements
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness, a fixation on mistakes made in the past, or self-blame
- Problems with memory, concentration, decision-making, and thought
- Thoughts of suicide, death, or other suicidal behavior on a regular basis or repeatedly
- Undiagnosed physical issues like headaches or back pain
Who is affected by Depression?
Anyone can experience depression, including both adults and children. In comparison to men and those assigned male at birth, women and those assigned female at birth are more prone to experience depression.
Depression is more likely to occur if you have certain risk factors. As an illustration, the following circumstances are linked to higher rates of depression:
- Seizure disorders.
- Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
- Cancer.
- Macular degeneration.
- Chronic pain.
- Stroke.
- Multiple sclerosis.
What Causes Depression?
The precise etiology of depression is unknown. They believe that several elements, such as the following, have influenced its development:
- Brain chemistry: Depression is a result of an imbalance of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
- Genetics: You’re nearly three times as likely to experience depression as the general population if you have a first-degree relative (a biological parent or sibling) who has the illness. But depression can exist even when there is no familial history of the condition.
- Stressful Life events: Difficult situations including the death of a loved one, trauma, divorce, loneliness, and a lack of support can cause depression.
- Sickness: Chronic pain and long-term illnesses like diabetes can contribute to sadness.
- Medication: Depression is a side effect of some drugs. use of drugs and alcohol can also cause depression or make it worse.
Prevention Tips
How do I avoid depression? Although you can’t always avoid depression, you can lower your risk by doing the following:
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
- Using constructive coping methods to deal with stress.
- Regularly engaging in self-care practices including yoga, meditation, and exercise.
If you’ve previously struggled with depression, you could be more prone to do so again. As soon as you see any signs of depression, seek assistance.
When to Visit the Doctor
Make a quick appointment with your doctor or a mental health expert if you’re feeling depressed. Talk to a friend or loved one, a health care provider, a member of your faith, or another someone you trust if you are hesitant to get help.
Related: Social Anxiety Disorder
Management and Treatment
One of the most manageable mental health issues is depression. About 80% to 90% of depressed individuals who seek treatment eventually have a positive response.
Options for Treatment include:
- Psychotherapy: Talking with a mental health professional is a part of psychotherapy (talk therapy). Your therapist assists you in recognizing and altering unhelpful feelings, attitudes, and behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular form of psychotherapy out of the several available. Short-term therapy is all you need on occasion. Some people stay in counseling for months or even years.
- Medication: Antidepressants, a class of prescription drugs, can help alter the brain chemistry that underlies depression. Antidepressants come in a variety of forms, and choosing the right one for you may take some time. Although some antidepressants have adverse effects, they frequently get better over time. Speak with your healthcare provider if they don’t. Perhaps a different drug would be more effective for you.
- Complementary medicine: Treatments that you might receive in addition to conventional Western medicine are referred to as complementary medicine. Therapies like acupuncture, massage, hypnosis, and biofeedback can enhance the health of people with mild depression or persistent symptoms.
- Brain stimulation therapy: People who suffer from severe depression or depression coupled with psychosis may benefit from brain stimulation therapy. Electroconvulsive treatment (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) are examples of brain stimulation therapies.
Additionally, there are activities you may do at home to lessen the symptoms of depression, such as:
- Exercising on a regular basis.
- Having time with the people you value
- Sleeping well (not too much or too little).
- Consuming a balanced diet.
- Staying away from alcohol, which is a depressant.
Takeaway
Millions of people worldwide experience depression each year. Even if there doesn’t seem to be a reason, anyone can get depressed. It’s good to know that depression may be treated. Speak with your healthcare professional if you experience depressive symptoms. The sooner you get assistance, the faster you’ll recover.