It's a disease, not an emotional weakness, but even with a clinical diagnosis, this disorder can be hard to pin down and tricky to treat.
Everyone has a bad day or feels sad from time to time, but how can you tell the difference between these low periods and depression? When a person has a depressive disorder, it interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIHM).
Scientists still don’t know exactly what happens in the brain when an individual becomes depressed, but researchers do know that if depression runs in your family, you have a higher chance of becoming depressed. Studies show that women are also about twice as likely as men to become depressed. The elderly are also more at risk, as are those suffering from serious health issues or who have experienced some sort of trauma or grief. Stressful life events can trigger depression and certain medications can contribute to the condition.
Depression By Type
All depression isn’t created equal. There are many different types that bring with them varying characteristics. Here is how NIHM breaks it down:
Major Depressive Disorder – This is also called major depression and is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat and enjoy once–pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally.
Dysthymic Disorder - Also called dysthymia, this is characterized by long–term (two years or longer) but less severe symptoms that may not disable a person but can prevent one from functioning normally or feeling well.
Psychotic Depression – This occurs when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality, hallucinations and delusions.
Postpartum Depression – We’ve all become more aware of this one In recent decades. Postpartum is diagnosed if a new mother develops a major depressive episode within one month after delivery. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – As its name implies, this disorder is characterized by the onset of a depressive illness during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight.
Bipolar Disorder - Also called manic-depressive illness, bipolar is not as common as major depression or dysthymia. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes that go from extreme highs like mania to extreme lows like depression).
Depressions Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms can vary greatly by individual and the severity, frequency and duration of symptoms will vary as well. Despite that, there are specific symptoms that are tied to depression. Here’s what to watch for:
Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings
Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
Irritability, restlessness
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
Fatigue and decreased energy
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
Overeating, or appetite loss
Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease with treatment
Depression Treatment
The most common treatment for depressions is medication and psychotherapy. Some antidepressants work to normalize naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, notably serotonin and norepinephrine, while others work on the neurotransmitter dopamine. Scientists studying depression have found that these particular chemicals are involved in regulating mood, but they are unsure of the exact ways in which they work. There are several classes of antidepressants including SSRIs (fluoxetine, Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft), SNRIs (Effexor, Cymbalta) and MAOIs (Neuralex, Apresoline).
Depression sufferers are often wary of seeking treatment, either put off by the stigma that is still attached to mental health disorders or worried about side effects. Instead, they attempt to self-medicate, turning to drugs or alcohol to even out their mood or cope with their depression. This is dangerous and often leads to addiction. Fortunately, treatment programs like ours address this with dual diagnosis treatment. A high percentage of those battling substance abuse are also suffering from a mental health issue like depression, trauma or anxiety.
Treating these co-occurring disorders together results in the best possible change of lifelong recovery and a return to health.
It's a disease, not an emotional weakness, but even with a clinical diagnosis, this disorder can be hard to pin down and tricky to treat.
