Depression
The most viral and common term nowadays is “Depression” which everyone says that they have and they go to therapy. Kids have also started to believe that they are suffering from depression when in reality they don’t even know what that is. So, what is depression exactly, Right? Let’s discuss
Depression, scientifically called a major depressive disorder, is a very common and serious medical condition that negatively affects your feelings and behavior. Luckily, it is treatable. It causes chronic sadness and a loss of interest in the activities that the person once used to enjoy. It can create various emotional and physical issues and decrease your capacity to function and perform your tasks at work or home.
Table of Contents
Symptoms
The indications of depression can range from normal to severe and it might include:-
- Persistent sad or depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once the person enjoyed
- Changes in appetite and also weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Increased purposeless physical movement (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions noticeable by others)
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Prevalence and Heritability
In any given year depression affects an estimated 1 in 15 adults (6.7%). Around one in six people are going to experience depression at some point in their life. Depression might occur at any age due to any circumstances but this often begins in a person’s late teens to mid-20s. Women are more likely to experience depression than men are, with some studies also showing that approximately one-third of women are going to experience a major depressive phase in their life. There are very high chances of heritability which is approximately 40% when first-degree relatives like parents, children, and siblings have depression.
Depression vs. Sadness or Grief
Well more often than not people confuse sadness with depression and we all know that there are moments in everyone’s lives when they face huge levels of sadness which could be the death of a loved one, loss of a job, or a relationship ending. Those who are experiencing the loss may describe themselves as “depressed”. Sadness and depression are not the same. Grief and depression are both emotional states that may lead to feelings of sadness and detachment. But, they are different in a very significant manner:
- While experiencing grief painful feelings may come in waves, often mixed with positive memories of the person that they have lost. During the depression, mood or interest in things is decreased for most of the 2 weeks.
- In grief, while self-esteem may fluctuate, depression often involves a persistent sense of worthlessness.
- Grief is when thoughts of death arise in a person’s mind when thinking of or fantasizing about “joining” the deceased loved one. In major depression, due to the feeling of being worthless or unable to cope with the pain of depression, thoughts are focused on ending one’s life.
Risk factors for Depression
Depression might even affect a person who appears to live in relatively ideal circumstances.
Factors that play a role in Depression are:-
- Biochemistry: Certain chemical differences in the brain can contribute to the causes of Depression.
- Genetics: Depression might run in families as well. For, if one identical had depression at some point in life then there are 70 percent chance that the other twin will have it as well at some point in life.
- Personality: Pessimistic people, people with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress appear to be more likely to experience depression.
- Environmental factors: Some people might become more vulnerable to depression due to continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse, or poverty.
Stress relief toys, like stress ball, can help alleviate physical tension while managing overwhelming emotions.
Unwynnd Stress Balls
Clefairy Desktop Punching Bag
“This is an affiliate link. See the full disclaimer in the footer at the end of this page”
Types of Depression
Feeling down sometimes is normal, but if you’re sad most of the time and it is affecting your daily life then you might have clinical depression. This condition can be treated with medication, Changes in lifestyle, and talking to a therapist.
Major Depression
A person might have “major depressive disorder” if they feel depressed most of the time for most of the days of the week. Other symptoms might include:
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Weight loss or gain
- Trouble falling asleep or feeling sleepy in the daytime
- Feeling restless, sluggish, agitated, or else very slowed down physically or mentally
- Being tired and without energy
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of suicide
If you’re struggling with sleep disturbances, a weighted blanket can help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety.
Try a Weighted blanket that suits you the best
“This is an affiliate link. See the full disclaimer in the footer at the end of this page”
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder is when your depression lasts for two years or longer. It is a new term for two conditions that were previously known as Dysthymia (low-grade persistent depression) and chronic major depression. The symptoms might include:-
- Not eating enough or overeating
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Lack of energy, or fatigue
- Low self-esteem
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling hopeless
Bipolar Disorder
A person who has Bipolar disorder, which is also known as “manic depression” experiences mood swings that range from extremes of high energy with an “up” mood to low “depressive”. In the low phase, there will be symptoms of major depression. Whether you’re in a high or a low period, medication can bring your mood swings under control. Your doctor might prescribe you a mood stabilizer, such as lithium. The FDA has approved 3 medications to treat the depressive phase.
- Seroquel
- Latuda
- Olanzapine-fluoxetine combination
There’s no evidence from studies that conventional antidepressants are more helpful than a placebo (a sugar pill) in treating depression, so they are not generally recommended to people with Bipolar disorder. Also, some conventional antidepressants may increase the risk for a small percentage of people with bipolar disorder, causing a “high” phase of illness or speeding up mood swings over time.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
It is a period of major depression that mostly happens during the winter season when the days get shorter and a person gets less and less sunlight and it goes away in the spring and summer. Antidepressants and light therapy can help with SAD. In light therapy, you would have to sit in front of a special bright light box for about 15-39 minutes each day.
A light therapy lamp can be an effective treatment for SAD by mimicking natural sunlight.
Guina Light Therapy Lamp
“This is an affiliate link. See the full disclaimer in the footer at the end of this page”
Psychotic Depression
This includes the symptoms of Depression along with “psychotic” symptoms, such as:
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- Delusions (false beliefs)
- Paranoia (wrongly believing that others are trying to harm you)
Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression
Women suffering from major depression in the weeks and months after childbirth may have peripartum depression. Approximately 1 in 10 men might also go through peripartum depression. Antidepressant medications can be effective in much the same way as they are for major depression which is not linked to childbirth.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Women might have PMDD at the start of their period with depression and other symptoms as well. They might also have:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Trouble concentrating
- Fatigue
- Change in appetite or sleep habits
- Feelings of being overwhelmed
'Situational' Depression
You can have a depressed mood when you’re managing a stressful event in your life, such as the death of a family member, a divorce, or losing a job. This isn’t a technical term in psychiatry, your doctor might call this “stress response syndrome”. Someone can get through a period of depression that is related to a stressful situation with the help of Psychotherapy.
Atypical Depression
It is considered as a “specifier” which describes a pattern of depressive symptoms. This is different from the persistent sadness of typical depression. In atypical depression, a positive event can temporarily improve your mood. Other symptoms also include:
- Increased appetite
- Sleeping more than usual
- Feeling of heaviness in your arms and legs
- Oversensitivity to criticism
Treatment-Resistant Depression
There are many reasons your depression might be treatment-resistant, you might have other conditions which are making your depression difficult to treat. About one-third of people try several treatment methods without success If you’re diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, your doctor might recommend some less conventional treatment options. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often helpful in this situation.
Journaling can be a great tool for tracking emotions and practicing gratitude. Try this planner below or a therapy-oriented journal to get started.
DOODLE A5 Productivity Planner
“This is an affiliate link. See the full disclaimer in the footer at the end of this page”
Getting help
Remember, depression is a serious but treatable condition. With the right support and treatment, anyone can manage their symptoms and improve the quality of their life.
For more detailed information on depression and its treatment options, consider consulting a mental health professional.
