Depression is a debilitating mental illness that significantly impacts the quality of life of the people who suffer from it. Due to a lack of energy and inability to concentrate it can affect how one is able to cope with everyday challenges. It can cause one to feel anxious and to isolate themselves from their friends and family. It can be a source of marital and relationship problems, and cause lack of productivity at work and school. It can interfere with one’s sex life. Some people turn to drugs and alcohol to try to alleviate the pain they are experiencing. Other’s turn to self-mutilation as a coping strategy. It can cause uncomfortable physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach pain. It can decrease immune system functioning, cause premature death with medical conditions, and is a leading cause of suicide. Living with depression is not only hard for those who suffer from it, also it affects their family, friends, and colleagues. How does one know if they are depressed, and what can be done about it?
Types of Depression:
Major Depression
According to the DSM, a manual used by the psychiatric profession to diagnose mental illnesses, major depressive disorder is indicated if 5 or more of the following symptoms are present for a 2-week period, and the symptoms cause a significant disruption in the individual’s relationships or work. At least one of the symptoms needs to be a depressed mood or loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
- Feels sad, empty, or hopeless most of the time
- Loss of interest in activities the individual previously found pleasurable
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
- Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much
- Feeling restlessness or slowed down
- Feeling tired or having no energy
- Feeling worthlessness or guilty
- Trouble to concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling suicidal
Bipolar Depression
Also known as manic depression, bipolar depression is indicated when an individual’s moods shift between major depressive episodes and manic episodes. If 3 or more of the following symptoms are present for a 1-week period, and the symptoms cause a significant disruption in the individual’s social or occupational functioning, it is considered a manic episode.
- Decreased need for sleep (for example feeling rested after sleeping only 3 hours)
- Talkative or feeling a strong need to keep talking
- Having many ideas and thoughts racing in the head
- Being easily distracted
- Increase in goal-directed activity or agitation with increase in purposeless activity
- Risky behavior such as buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, drugs, fighting, or foolish business investments.
Persistent Depression
Persistent depression, also known as dysthymic disorder, is a chronic form of depression where a depressed mood and at least two of the symptoms of major depression are present most of the time for at least a two-year period.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder occurs when the symptoms of major depression occur during the changing seasons oftentimes in the fall or winter when there is not as much sunlight, although it can also occur at the beginning of spring or summer.
Psychotic Depression
Psychotic depression is when a person with major depression also exhibits psychotic symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations. They may hear voices or see things that are not there. They may have illogical ideas, neglect hygiene, or get angry for no reason.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is when symptoms of major depression appear within one week to one month after childbirth. It can affect both men and women. While it is normal to experience a mood change after childbirth, one should be concerned if the sad mood lasts more than two weeks.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is when symptoms of major depression occur just before menstruation and disappear when menstruation begins. The symptoms are more severe than PMS and affect the ability to function in relationships, work, and school.
Situational Depression
Situational depression occurs after normal, traumatic life changes such as divorce, death of a loved one, retirement, empty nesting, a major illness, experiencing a natural disaster, or loss of a job. It manifests within 90 days of the traumatic event and is a shorter-term form of depression.
Atypical Depression
With atypical depression, the symptoms of major depression will improve if something positive happens, in contrast to melancholic depression where positive experiences seldom create a change in the sad mood.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why is depression hard to understand?
A: For the one suffering from depression, it can feel normal. They may have suffered so long that they do not even realize how it is affecting their life. Sometimes the sadness is hidden from family and friends with a smile or a shrug because they do not want to be a burden on others. If a loved one does find the courage speak about their struggle, please try to be empathetic. It is hard to understand something that has not been experienced personally. For many people feelings of sadness are a normal part of existing that come and go. People with depression are unable to control their feelings of sadness. They need to work at getting it to go away, and many times require help from health professionals. For the practitioner, depression affects each individual so differently that it can take time to identify the type of depression a person is experiencing, and the most effective treatment for that individual. We all need to be understanding and patient with the process while our loved ones are healing.
Q: Will depression ever go away?
A: Yes. The symptoms of depression can be so extreme and severe that it is important to remember that the symptoms can and will go away. For some with more chronic forms of depression such as persistent depression or bipolar disorder, it may take longer. For this reason, it is crucial for people with these types of depression to seek regular contact with therapists, and support groups where they can talk about the intense feelings they are experiencing. If symptoms get worse or do not seem to be improving, talk to a physician about changing the type or strength of the medication.
Q: What are some ways to alleviate depression?
A: Exercise allows the body to naturally produce chemicals in the brain that alleviate depression. It is even better to exercise outside in nature because sunshine is a natural source of vitamin D and it has been proven that increasing levels of vitamin D helps with depression. Volunteering for a favorite charity or organization helps redirect the mind onto the needs of others and away from the negative feelings that one is experiencing. It provides interaction with other people which can alleviate loneliness; it increases self-esteem and it gives one a new perspective on life. Research has shown that spending more time with pets can provide comfort and love that will aid with depression. Self-care is so important when coping with depression. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and respecting the need to say no to others if life is getting too overwhelming all can be beneficial for those dealing with depression.
Q: Where can people get help for depression?
A: A good place to start is with a family physician. They will be able to make a diagnosis, prescribe medication, and recommend a psychiatrist if they feel it is needed. Oftentimes a therapist is recommended to provide talk therapy along with medication.
Q: Can depression cause death?
A: Suicide is a very real risk for people suffering from depression. While 15% of people who are clinically depressed die by suicide, over half of all suicides involve people who suffer from major depression. Anyone who feels they are in immediate danger of harming themselves can receive help by contacting the national suicide helpline at 1-800-273-8255. Please reach out to them! They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and their services are free and confidential.
