What Is Depression?
Depression is a serious medical condition that affects your mood, thoughts, and behavior. It can lead to various emotional and physical problems and decrease your ability to function at work or home. Depression is not a normal part of aging, and it is not something that you have to “just deal with” – despite any stigma that suggests otherwise. There are many different types of depression, many of which you will learn here.
Is Depression a Permanent Mental Disorder?
There are currently no cures for depression, but there are many therapies and other treatment modalities that help manage or keep the symptoms at bay.
What Does Depression Do to Your Brain?
Depression affects the brain in several ways. For example, people with depression tend to have less activity in the brain’s frontal lobe, which is responsible for our ability to focus and make decisions.
Depression can also lead to changes in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for forming new memories. People with depression often have trouble remembering positive experiences from the past, and this can make it harder for them to see hope for the future.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression is a vital part of identifying the problem and facilitating treatment. Some of the relevant indications of depression will be detailed below.
Persistent Depressed Mood
Depression can lead to dark thoughts, such as wanting to die or hurt oneself. Having persistent pessimistic thoughts also indicates that you might suffer from depression. Pessimism involves having a negative outlook on life- expecting an unwanted scenario to come true.
It is important to note that one key difference between depression and pessimism is that depression can be physically, psychologically, and emotionally debilitating.1
Loss of Interest or Pleasure in Hobbies and Activities
Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness. People with depression may feel like they are not good enough or have done something wrong.
Changes in Appetite and Body Weight
People with depression may lose their appetite or start eating more than usual, and along with changes in appetite, depression can also lead to weight loss or weight gain.
Unusually Slow or Agitated Movements
There are many possible explanations for why depression might cause unusual movements. One possibility is that the changes in brain chemistry that occur during depression may affect the parts of the brain responsible for movement.
Additionally, it is known that depression can cause changes in sleep patterns and energy levels, both of which could contribute to abnormal movements. Finally, it is also possible that the psychological distress caused by depression could lead to motor problems. In any case, it is important to speak with a doctor if you are experiencing unusual movements, as they may indicate a more serious condition.
Decreased Energy or Fatigue
Feeling tired all the time is a common symptom of depression, as are physical aches and pains, including headaches and stomach aches.
Difficulty Sleeping or Oversleeping
Depression can make it hard to fall asleep at night and lead to insomnia. On the other hand, some people with depression find that they want to sleep all the time.
Excessive Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness
It’s not uncommon for people with mental health issues to feel guilty or worthless. These feelings can result from how our society views mental illness, or they can be a symptom of the illness itself.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) notes that feelings of worthlessness and guilt are common symptoms of depression. At the same time, low self-esteem is a risk factor for depression.2
Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions
Depressed people tend to have less activity in the brain’s frontal lobe, which is responsible for our ability to focus and make decisions.
Thoughts of Death or Suicide, or Suicide Attempts
Depression can lead to dark thoughts, such as wanting to die or hurt oneself. Having persistent pessimistic thoughts also indicates that you might suffer from depression. Pessimism involves having a negative outlook on life- expecting an unwanted scenario to come true.
It is important to note that one key difference between depression and pessimism is that depression can be physically, psychologically, and emotionally debilitating.3
Types of Depression
The various types of depression will be detailed below.
Major Depression
Major depression is a severe depression disorder that can negatively impact a person’s thoughts, emotions, physical health, and overall quality of life. Symptoms of major depression can include persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, excessive sleeping, or inability to sleep, changes in appetite, and fatigue. Major depression can also lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression. It is characterized by a persistently low mood lasting at least two years. People with persistent depressive disorder may also experience episodes of major depression during their illness, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. It can cause problems with work, relationships, and self-esteem.
Postpartum Depression
Two kinds of depression types can occur during or after pregnancy: perinatal depression and postpartum depression:
- Perinatal Depression: Perinatal depression can occur during pregnancy or the first year after birth.
- Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression is a type of depression that can occur in the first year after the baby is born. It’s important to get treatment for perinatal and postpartum depression because it can affect the health of both the mother and the baby.
Major Depressive Disorder With Seasonal Pattern
Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depressive disorder, is a kind of depression that typically occurs during seasonal changes and starts and ends about the same time each year. SAD generally occurs in the fall and winter but can occur in the spring or early summer and is related to the decrease of sunlight.
Levels of Depression
It is important to understand the levels of depression; they will be discussed further below.
Melancholia
Melancholia is a mental disorder characterized by severe and persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and emptiness.
Psychotic Depression
Psychotic depression is a subtype of major depressive disorder characterized by the presence of psychotic symptoms (e.g., delusions or hallucinations) in addition to the typical features of major depression.
Antenatal and Postnatal Depression
Depression during pregnancy, or antenatal depression, is relatively common. It is estimated that around 1 in 10 women experience depression during pregnancy. While antenatal depression can be mild and short-lived, it can be more severe and long-lasting for some women.
Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression (PND) is a type of depression that can occur in the first few months after childbirth. It affects up to one in seven women who have a baby each year. PND can range from a mild form, where a woman feels down and low most of the time, to a more severe form, where she may feel completely overwhelmed and unable to cope with everyday life.
Risk Factors for Depression
Risk factors of depression include (but are not strictly limited to):
Biochemistry
Although brain chemistry plays a significant role in the development of depression, research states that it is accompanied by other factors and does not just arise from having too much or too little of certain chemicals in your brain.
Genetics
The genetics of depression are complex and not yet fully understood. However, research has shown a heritable component to the disorder. If someone in your family has depression, you may be more likely to experience it yourself.
Many different genes have been linked to depression. Some of these genes regulate serotonin, a brain chemical that plays a role in mood. Other genes are involved in the stress response, impacting how someone copes with difficult life events. It’s important to remember that depression is complex and has no single cause.4
Personality
Personality types that can be more vulnerable to depression include people who are highly sensitive, those with low self-esteem, and those who generally tend to see the world negatively. While not everyone with these personality traits will experience depression, they may be more at risk than others.
If you think you may be prone to depression, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to seek help if you start to experience any of them.
Environmental factors
Trauma, loss, and stressful life circumstances can play a role in the development of depression.
Why Depression Sometimes Does and Doesn't Go Away on Its Own
Depression does not typically go away on its own, and it often requires professional help to get better. However, there are times when depression does improve without treatment. This can happen if the person can make lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise or socializing more. It can also occur if the person is going through a positive life event, such as getting married or having a child.
In these cases, the depression may not be as severe as it would be otherwise and may not last as long. However, if the person is still experiencing symptoms after time has passed or if the symptoms worsen, it is important to seek professional help. The type, cause, and severity of the depression also matter.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder, or MDD, is the most severe type of depression. People with MDD experience symptoms that interfere with their ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy activities that they once found pleasurable. MDD can be disabling and may even lead to suicide.
Bipolar Disorder
Other types of depression include dysthymia, a chronic but less severe form of depression, and bipolar disorder, or BD, characterized by periods of both depression and mania. Mania is a period of abnormally high energy and mood.
While BD can be milder than MDD, it can also be more severe, and people with BD are at increased risk for suicide. Depression can also occur because of other mental illnesses like PTSD, or physical illnesses, such as cancer. Depression treatment duration relies on several factors related to type, severity, and cause.
How Long Does Depression Last?
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, the Mayo Clinic suggests that most cases of depression last for six to eight weeks. However, some people may experience depression for months or even years. Depression is a serious mental illness that can profoundly impact every aspect of a person’s life. If left untreated, depression can lead to symptoms that can be managed and controlled so that you can have a happy and fulfilling life.
Why Depression Relapse Happens
Depression relapses can happen for a variety of reasons. Some people may have a genetic disposition to depression, which means they are more likely to experience it at some point in their lives. Other risk factors for depression relapse include stress, trauma, and certain life events such as job loss or the death of a loved one.
People who have experienced a previous episode of depression are more likely to experience another one. If you’re recovering from depression, it’s important to be aware of the signs of a relapse. These can include feeling like you’re “in a funk” or “not quite right,” increased irritability or agitation, and a loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy.
How Is Depression Treated
Various treatment methods and opportunities for depression will be explained below.
Medications
Many different types of medications that are used to treat depression. Some of the most common include:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are the most prescribed type of medication for depression. They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, aiding mood.
- Serotonin And Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are other medication types used to treat depression. They work by increasing levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help to improve mood.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): TCAs are a type of antidepressant that is older than SSRIs and SNRIs. They work by affecting levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs are another type of antidepressant that is older than SSRIs and SNRIs. They work by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase, which is involved in the breakdown of serotonin and norepinephrine. Other types of medication can be used to treat depression, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), and trazodone (Desyrel).
Psychotherapy
There are many different types of psychotherapy, each with its unique approach and techniques. While there are many different types of psychotherapy, some of the most common types include cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychoanalysis.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) has been researched, is safe and works well in severe treatment-resistant depression or bipolar disorder cases.
Self-Help and Coping
Many coping skills can help promote mental wellness. Some of these skills include identifying and healthily expressing emotions, staying connected to loved ones and supportive relationships, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced and healthy diet, getting enough quality sleep, practicing mindfulness and other relaxation techniques, and others.
Get Help for Depression at Pacific Beach Health
Depression can seem all-encompassing, but it doesn’t have to be debilitating. At Pacific Beach Health, we can equip you or your loved one with the proper support and treatment opportunities to enable you to live the fulfilling, happy lives you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us today and begin your journey towards long-lasting wellness.
