All About Depression
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions, affecting around 280 million people globally.
A sense of hopelessness, feeling “weighed down,” and losing enjoyment in activities you once loved are common signs of depression. It's a widespread mental health issue with various names, including "the blues," clinical depression, and major depressive disorder (MDD). The World Health Organization estimates about 280 million people are living with depression.
Simple tasks like getting dressed or eating can feel like major hurdles when you have depression. The symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and not everyone with depression appears visibly sad. Even when friends or family notice signs, they may struggle to know how to help.
What is Depression?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 7% of U.S. adults experience depression each year. Clinical depression differs from normal sadness or grief from events like losing a loved one, relationship breakups, or job loss. It consumes you, affecting daily living and persists for weeks, interfering with work, relationships, and overall enjoyment of life.
People with depression often feel a deep emptiness and experience apathy or anhedonia, which is the inability to feel pleasure.
Depression Symptoms and Diagnosis
A mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker usually diagnoses depression. While a general practitioner can make an initial diagnosis, a specialist often provides follow-up and treatment.
If you've experienced most of the following symptoms every day for more than two weeks, you might meet the criteria for a depression diagnosis:
- Persistent feelings of loneliness or sadness
- Lack of energy
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Eating too much or too little
- Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
- Loss of interest in enjoyable activities or socializing
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Depression can manifest differently from person to person, and not everyone will experience every symptom.
Types of Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
MDD is the most common type of depression. It involves a loss of pleasure in activities and a depressed mood lasting at least two weeks. In children and teens, it might appear as irritability instead of sadness.
Postpartum Depression
This type of depression can affect new parents, including those who haven't given birth. It typically starts within the first month after childbirth but can also begin during pregnancy. A history of depression increases the risk.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is triggered by seasonal changes, commonly occurring in winter or fall but can also happen in summer. Persistent sadness or lack of energy during specific seasons may indicate SAD, which can be treated with light therapy, consistent sleep routines, and talk therapy.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
PDD, formerly known as dysthymia, lasts for at least two years and can be harder to treat than other types. However, symptom relief is possible with a tailored treatment plan.
Bipolar Disorder Depression
Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder alternate with episodes of mania or hypomania. Treatment differs from other depression types, and antidepressants may not always be safe.
Other Depression Subtypes
These include depression with anxious, melancholic, psychotic, catatonic, or atypical features. A therapist can help determine if any of these specifiers apply to you.
Depression Risk Factors and Causes
Researchers are still uncertain about the exact causes of depression, but several factors are considered contributors:
- Genetics
- Gut bacteria
- Family history
- Personality
- Environment
- Social factors and upbringing
Anyone can experience depression, but some risk factors increase the likelihood, such as being 2 to 3 times more likely for women. Other risk factors include family history of mood disorders, major life changes, trauma, chronic stress, medical conditions, certain medications, and substance use.
Depression Treatment
Can depression be successfully treated? Yes. The NIMH and numerous studies over the past six decades confirm that clinical depression is treatable with psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, or a combination of both.
Psychotherapy
Effective therapy approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Therapy has minimal side effects and is usually covered by insurance.
Self-Help Strategies
For mild depression, self-help strategies and emotional support can be beneficial. Some herbal remedies, such as St. John’s wort and saffron, may also help. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are crucial in managing depression.
Medication
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for depression. When these aren't effective, additional medications or treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may be considered.
Effective treatment involves recognizing the problem, seeking help, and adhering to a treatment plan. With patience and proper treatment, many people recover from depression.
