What Are the Symptoms of Major Depression?
We all feel sad sometimes. But if you’ve been feeling very low for more than two weeks, you may be experiencing depression.
Sadness, anger, and tiredness are all natural human emotions. We usually manage these feelings without them interfering too much with our lives.
Depression, however, is a serious condition that affects your mental and physical health. It influences your mood, self-perception, and even your eating and sleeping habits.
Depression is a mental health condition that lasts two weeks or more, characterized by feelings of sadness, emotional sensitivity, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in things you usually enjoy.
The good news is that depression is treatable. Various treatments, including therapy, self-care, and sometimes antidepressants, can help.
What is depression?
Depression is a common mental health disorder, affecting millions of people worldwide. It's one of the leading causes of disability globally and in the United States.
Depression goes by several names, including major depressive disorder, major depression, and clinical depression.
Everyone feels sad or lonely occasionally, which is normal. But persistent low or hopeless feelings, especially if lasting over two weeks, might indicate depression.
Depression can arise without an apparent cause, though sometimes it follows stressful life events like loss or relationship changes. If these low moods persist or are severe, they may be considered depression.
Types of depression
Depression isn't one-size-fits-all. Different types include:
- Persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia): Less intense but lasts for two years or more.
- Depressive psychosis: A combination of severe depression with delusions or hallucinations.
- Bipolar disorder: Alternating periods of high energy and severe depression.
- Atypical depression: Brief improvements in mood in response to positive events.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Severe depression or anxiety related to the menstrual cycle.
- Seasonal affective disorder: Depression during winter or shorter daylight periods.
- Situational depression (Adjustment disorder): Triggered by stressful life events, typically resolving within six months.
- Postpartum depression: Occurs during pregnancy or within 12 months after childbirth.
- Major depression: The most common type, also known as clinical depression.
Symptoms of major depression
Major depression can cause a range of symptoms lasting two weeks or more. You don't need all the symptoms for a diagnosis, but typically a combination of the following:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness: Deep sadness, hopelessness, self-loathing, or guilt.
- Loss of interest in activities: Lack of interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed.
- Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks: Trouble with daily activities, chores, or work.
- Irritability: Common in men and children, marked by anger and aggression.
- Changes in sleep patterns: Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
- Changes in appetite: Either increased or decreased appetite, leading to weight changes.
- Anxiety: Often co-occurs with depression, causing nervousness and restlessness.
- Physical aches: Aches, pains, headaches, or increased sensitivity to pain.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide: Even fleeting thoughts of death or self-harm are serious symptoms.
Causes
Depression can result from various factors, including:
- Brain structure: Smaller hippocampus or less active frontal lobe.
- Biochemistry: Differences in brain chemicals.
- Family history: Genetic predisposition.
- Trauma: Stressful or traumatic events, especially in childhood.
- Medical conditions: Chronic illness, pain, insomnia, or ADHD.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to abuse, violence, poverty, or trauma.
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional can diagnose depression through a conversation and physical examination. They may ask about your family history and could order blood tests to rule out other conditions. If no other cause is found, they might refer you to a mental health expert who will evaluate your mood, behavior, and daily activities. A depression-rating questionnaire might be used as part of the diagnosis process.
When to talk with a doctor
If you notice symptoms of depression, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.
What’s next?
If diagnosed with depression, various treatment options are available. Therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication can help manage and alleviate symptoms. Reaching out to loved ones and building a support system is also crucial in navigating depression.
