Major depressive disorder (depression) is a medical condition that can negatively impact your mood, behavior, and thinking. It is treatable. Depression can cause sadness or loss of interest concerning activities you may have enjoyed before. Depression can cause a host of emotional and physical issues that can impact your ability to perform at work and at home.
The symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe. Depression symptoms may include:
- Having a depressed mood or feelings of sadness
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite, leading to changes in weight (not related to dieting)
- Difficulties sleeping (either too much or too little)
- Increased fatigue or loss of energy
- Slowed or agitated movements
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Difficulties concentrating or making decisions
- Having thoughts of suicide or death
A depression diagnosis requires a change from your previous level of functioning and lasts two weeks or more, with symptoms on more days than not. It is essential to rule out other medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies, that can mimic depressive symptoms.
16.6% of people (one in six) will experience depression at some point in their lives. Depression can strike at any age, but the most common age of onset is from the late teens till the mid-20s. Depression is more common in women than it is in men, with 1/3 of women experiencing depression at least once in their life. Moreover, there is approximately a 40% chance of heritability linked to depression amongst first-degree relatives.
Depression is different from feelings of sadness or grief
A person can experience difficult times throughout life; sometimes, it includes losing someone you love, losing a job, or the end of a relationship. In these situations concerning the loss, it is common to feel sadness or grief. People who have experienced loss might refer to themselves as “depressed.”
The grief process may differ for each person, and although it is different from depression, it does share many of the same characteristics as depression. Both grief and depression can cause extreme sadness and withdrawal from your usual activities. Nonetheless, being sad is different than being depressed, and grieving is different than depression.
| Grief | Depression |
| Grief can bring up painful feelings in waves. These feelings mix with positive memories of the deceased | Sadness can cause a low mood or decrease in pleasure for up to two weeks. |
| Usually, one maintains their self-esteem during grief. | Unhappiness can lead to feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing, and even suicide. |
| This may bring to mind thoughts of death regarding “joining” the loved one who recently deceased. | Overthinking of Depressed is ending one’s own life because they feel worthless, unworthy of living, or unable to deal with the pain. |
Sometimes depression and grief can co-exist. For some, the loss they experience may lead to depression. Experiencing grief and depression together may lead to more severe symptoms with a longer duration than if grief would occur independently
It is helpful to distinguish between depression and grief since it would help people get the proper support and treatment.
Depression Risk Factors
Depression can strike anyone, even those who appear to have an “ideal life” and “have it all together.”
A variety of factors can cause depression:
- Biochemistry: The composition of certain chemicals in our brain may affect depressive symptoms.
- Genetics: Depression has a genetic component. In identical twin studies, if one twin is diagnosed with depression, there’s a 70% chance that the other twin will also have the disorder.
- Personality: Depression is more common in people with low self-esteem and who are easily overwhelmed or pessimistic.
- Environmental Factors: Some people may be more susceptible to depression if they are in an environment that constantly exposes them to violence, abuse, neglect, or poverty.
How depression is treated
Depression is one of the most manageable mental disorders. Nearly all people with depression experience some symptom relief. Treatment is successful for between 80% and 90% of depression sufferers.
A licensed professional, like a psychologist, should do a thorough diagnostic evaluation before making a diagnosis. The assessment may be conducted by a psychologist or other licensed mental health professional. An evaluation will look at specific symptoms, family history, cultural and environmental factors and help determine the proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. Furthermore, a primary care physician should conduct a physical examination to rule out any general medical conditions that may mimic depressive symptoms, such as thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, or other medical conditions.
Medication:
Brain chemistry may be a factor in depressive symptomatology and play a role in treatment. A psychiatrist or PCP might prescribe antidepressants to help alter the brain chemistry that contributes to symptoms of depression. Although antidepressants can provide some relief within the first few days, full effects may take up to three months to see. A patient may feel little to no improvement after several weeks.
However, if you feel your medication is not working for you, have side effects, or have medication problems, it is essential to inform your psychiatrist or doctor. Your psychiatrist or doctor can adjust the dosage of the medication or substitute the antidepressant.
Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy, also commonly referred to as talk therapy, can be used to treat depression. Mild depression may benefit from talk therapy alone. However, moderate to severe depression may require talk therapy alongside psychotropic medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a modality used by therapists that is beneficial in treating depression. CBT does not focus on the past, but rather it focuses on problem-solving in the present moment. CBT helps people recognize cognitive distortions that contribute to their current state. It helps them identify and challenge negative and distorted thinking to impact their mood, behaviors, and actions positively. The severity of symptoms may affect the duration of therapy; treatment may last a few weeks or significantly longer. Usually, significant improvement occurs within 10 to 15 sessions.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):
Individuals suffering from severe major depression who have not responded well to other treatments may be good candidates for ECT. A team consisting of a psychiatrist, anesthesiologist, and a nurse/physician assistant typically managed this medical procedure. In the 1940s, psychiatry used ECT as a last resort. However, ECT has improved through the years. With scientific advancements, ECT has gained recognition as an effective treatment option for severe, treatment-resistant depression.
Coping and self-help
There are many things that people can do to decrease the severity of depressive symptoms. A solid foundation consisting of the three pillars of mental and physical health is an excellent place to start — nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Regular exercise is a positive way to improve mood and create a positive feeling. Furthermore, providing yourself with approximately 7-9 hours of quality sleep a night and eating healthy while avoiding alcohol may improve mental health.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, reach out to a licensed clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or another mental health professional in your state. Depression is treatable with proper treatment and diagnosis; asking for help is the hardest step.
NOTE : *All the information published in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Any information provided here is offered in generic form. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
