What is Depression?

Depression is a serious mood disorder that causes feelings of despair or sadness and interferes with your daily activities nearly every day for at least two weeks. It is the most common mental health disorder, with almost 18 million Americans currently diagnosed. 

There are several types of depression:

• Major depression – The most common form of depression. Defined as symptoms of depression impacting daily activities for at least two weeks.
• Persistent depressive disorder – Symptoms of depression, usually milder than major depression symptoms, lasting for two years or more. Women are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder.
• Perinatal depression – Symptoms of depression that occur during pregnancy or within 4 to 8 weeks after delivery.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms of depression that occur in a seasonal pattern and usually last for about 4 or 5 months. Some people experience summer SAD, while most people experience winter SAD and it usually occurs in people living in more northern states.
• Depression with symptoms of psychosis – Depression symptoms are accompanied by an alteration in a person’s perception of reality. Some symptoms of psychosis may include hallucinations, paranoia, and inappropriate behavior.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

Depression can manifest in many ways. It does not look the same in every person. You may experience a few symptoms, and others may experience many symptoms. 

Some common depression symptoms include:

• Persistent sad mood
• Hopelessness
• Irritability or anger
• Frustration
• Restlessness
• Guilt
• Worthlessness
• Helplessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty making decisions
• Decreased energy
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
• Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
• Withdrawing from family/ friends
• Difficulty meeting daily family and work responsibilities
• Decreased sexual desire or performance
• Increased engagement in high-risk activities
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911.

What Causes Depression?

Some of the causes and risk factors that may play a role in the development of depression include genetics, biochemistry, personality, and environment.

Genetics

Stanford Medicine has reported about half of the incidences of depression are related to genetics. People with a parent or sibling with depression are two to three times more likely to develop depression.

Biochemistry

It is believed that an imbalance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin causes depression. This is the basis for many depression medications. However, newer research shows more of an association than a cause-and-effect relationship, but people still report successful outcomes with antidepressants, which modify neurotransmitter uptake.

Personality

Experts have observed that people who are pessimistic, have low self-esteem, or have poor coping skills in stressful situations are more likely to experience depression.

Environment

People with exposure to poverty, abuse, neglect, and violence may be more likely to develop depression. Those who experience high levels of anxiety in childhood are more vulnerable to the development of depression in adulthood.

There is a common incidence of depression in people who are diagnosed with chronic diseases such as cancer, COPD, diabetes, and heart disease.

What is the Treatment for Depression?

The good news is that depression is among the most treatable of mental health disorders. Treatment is most effective the earlier it is started. 

Almost all people with depression who seek treatment find some relief, and 80 to 90% respond well to treatment. Some common forms of treatment include therapy, medication, and brain stimulating therapy. A combination of treatments may be necessary in some cases..

Therapy

Talking with a licensed mental health provider can help you uncover and address the causes of depression. This may involve talking through traumatic experiences to gain perspective and closure.

A mental health provider can help you learn to develop healthy coping strategies in stressful situations. They can also help you develop healthy habits known to reduce depression symptoms, such as getting regular exercise, eating a nutritious diet, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.

Medication

Antidepressants are a common and effective treatment. They generally take several weeks to show their full effect, and you may note improvements in your sleep and appetite before you feel the impact on your mood.

Some people experience side effects from antidepressants, such as agitation, constipation, difficulty urinating, drowsiness, dry mouth, and erectile dysfunction. It may be necessary to try different antidepressants before finding the one that works best for you. Combination therapy may also be an option.

It is crucial to notify your provider right away if you have increasing thoughts of suicide when starting a new medication.

Brain stimulating therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most common and successful brain-stimulating therapy for people with chronic, major depression resistant to counseling and medication. It is performed under general anesthesia and usually requires six to twelve treatments.

Where Can You Find Help for Depression?

Call your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns. Click here to schedule an appointment with our office. You can also use online resources like ZocDoc to locate a provider in your area.

You may be nervous about speaking with a provider about your depression concerns, but there are resources to help you prepare for your appointment. Treatment is most effective the earlier it is started.

More information about depression can be found at the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Alliance on Mental Health, and Mental Health America.

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911.