What is Depression? Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Depression affects more than 20 million people in the United States. It can affect a person in various ways, sometimes leading to severe consequences like suicidal thoughts and actions. Tragically, according to the World Health Organization, more than 700,000 people lose their lives to suicide each year, highlighting the critical need for awareness and support.

If you are experiencing depression, know that you don't have to go through it alone. There are many ways to seek help and manage the symptoms effectively.

In this blog post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of depression, offering hope and guidance to those in need.

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What is Depression?

Depression, also known as depressive disorder, is more than just feeling sad or going through temporary mood changes. It's a common mental disorder characterized by a persistent depressed mood or a lack of interest in activities, significantly affecting one's life for extended periods. 

The condition can touch every part of life, like how you get along with family and friends or how you do at work or school. It's a serious issue that makes people feel very negative, stuck in sadness, and lose interest in their hobbies or activities. 

These strong feelings can make everyday tasks hard, like sleeping, eating, or focusing on work. For some, this heavy sadness sticks around for a long time and might even come back after getting better.

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Types of Depression

Depression is classified into different categories. The classification is based on the severity of the case. They may also be developed from different circumstances.

Major Depression

Major depression is also known as clinical depression. It is the most severe case and the most common one. It is characterized by a pervasive and depressing low mood that can last for up to two weeks. In this case, people might experience difficulties in doing everyday tasks and perhaps make them lose interest in things that they used to like.

Postpartum Depression

Women may experience postpartum depression after giving delivery. Mothers experience severe and persistent emotions of worry, depression, and exhaustion, which hinders their ability to care for themselves and/or their infants and to manage day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of postpartum depression can manifest as early as a few weeks or months following giving birth.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent depressive disorder may last up to two years or more, but its symptoms are usually mild. Those who suffer from it may still have the ability to function normally in their day-to-day lives.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

As the term implies, this depressive disorder is commonly based on the season. The symptoms usually begin to manifest in the late fall or early winter, and by spring or summer, they would have normally subsided.

Psychotic Depression

Psychosis depression is a particularly intense type of depression. In this case, individuals may encounter symptoms of psychosis, including unsettling delusions or hallucinations.

Symptoms of Depression

Although the intensity of depressive symptoms can vary from moderate to severe, they usually persist throughout the day, almost daily. The following are some examples of symptoms of depression:

• Despair, melancholy, emptiness, and despair
• Feeling unmotivated to do things that used to make you happy.
• Mood and weight fluctuations
• Weakness or exhaustion
• Problems with focus, memory, or decision-making
• Feeling suicidal or contemplating suicide
• Not being able to control one's temper
• Uneasiness, agitation, nervousness
• Problems falling or staying asleep

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek professional help. A healthcare provider can offer the support and treatment you need to feel better.

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What Causes Depression?

There are a lot of factors that cause depression. Some of these are yet to be studied. 

Stressful Events

If a person has a history of stressful situations or has been through a traumatic incident, they may be more susceptible to depression. Depression can also be brought on by a lack of social support and a sense of being alone. 

Genetics

Genetics have a role in the development of genetic depression. Everyone in a person's immediate family is three times more likely to experience depression if one of them suffers from it. The same goes if they have other mental health issues.

Brain Chemistry

Depression symptoms could be influenced by variations in certain brain chemicals. When there is an imbalance in the chemicals that regulate a person's mood, behavior, thoughts, or sleep, that person may be more prone to depression. 

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions can make a person susceptible to depression. This includes illnesses like heart attack, cancer, diabetes, insomnia, etc.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment for depression is not one-size-fits-all. But one thing for certain is that even the most severe case is treatable. About 80-90% of individuals with depression who actively seek treatment typically experience positive outcomes.

Medications

Medicines prescribed for mental health issues, known as antidepressants, can alter the chemical imbalances in the brain that initiate depressive episodes. 

In other words, these drugs are not sedatives, "uppers," or tranquilizers. Typically, they are continued for six months, even after symptoms start to improve. 

Psychotherapy

One kind of mental health treatment is psychotherapy, sometimes called "talk therapy," in which a patient meets with a licensed therapist to discuss the symptoms of their illness and develop strategies for managing them. When dealing with severe depression, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the first line of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is an approach to mental health that emphasizes the present moment in resolving issues.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

This is ideal for patients who have severe major depression and are not responsive to other treatments. One of its possible benefits is that it may "reset" the brain, fixing neurotransmitter imbalances and other abnormalities that contribute to depression.

Support Groups

Participating in support groups can also be an effective component of treating depression. These groups provide a sense of community and understanding, allowing individuals to share experiences and coping strategies. The feeling of being understood and not alone in the struggle can be profoundly healing and empowering.

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Take The First Step Toward Understanding Depression

Facing the challenges of depression can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate this path alone. Confidant Health is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Our team specializes in providing personalized mental health care, understanding the intricacies of depression, its causes, symptoms, and the most effective treatment strategies. From medication-assisted treatment to psychotherapy and supportive group sessions, we're dedicated to finding the right approach for you. 

With Confidant Health, you're not just receiving treatment; you're gaining a partner in your journey toward healing and wellness. Nearly 90% of individuals who seek help for depression see significant improvements. Let us help you become part of that statistic. 

Take the first step towards a brighter, more fulfilling life by reaching out to Confidant Health today. Your journey to recovery starts with understanding, and together, we can chart a path forward.