Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and lack of interest. It can manifest in various forms, such as disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, major depression, dysthymia (chronic depressive disorder), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder. Although these types differ, they share common symptoms.
When discussing "What is depression?", it is important to highlight these shared signs. These include feelings of unhappiness, loss of interest in activities, and a decline in motivation. Depression can affect individuals of any age, although it is most commonly observed in individuals in their 20s and 30s. Additionally, depression is more frequently diagnosed in women. This may be attributed to women being more inclined to seek psychological support, leading to a greater availability of data.
It is essential to recognize that depression is not a temporary condition and requires patience throughout the treatment process. Effective treatment approaches for depression involve the use of medication and/or psychotherapy under the guidance of a professional.
In addition to emotional difficulties, depression can manifest in various physical symptoms, including chronic pain and digestive issues. It is crucial to have these symptoms evaluated by a specialist to determine their underlying causes. It is also important not to dismiss the possibility that other health conditions may be contributing to the symptoms.
The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person but commonly include:
Major depression is the most prevalent type of depression, and it can occur without any specific trigger. When experiencing major depression, even activities that used to bring us joy may no longer be enjoyable, and we may feel emotionally and physically drained. The impact of major depression can extend to various aspects of our lives, including sleep patterns, appetite, communication, work, and relationships. These negative effects can occur intermittently over time or persistently without relief.
It is worth noting that major depression is more common in women, with twice the prevalence compared to men. Additionally, individuals with lower socioeconomic status and those in young adulthood are at higher risk for developing depression. Research indicates that having a major depressive disorder increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Depression is not limited to adults, children can also experience this condition. In young children, symptoms may manifest as irritability, physical complaints, and avoidance of school. In adolescents, social withdrawal, apathy, academic difficulties, anger control problems, or involvement in substance abuse may be observed. In severe cases of major depression, symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations can occur, although these are more commonly seen in older individuals.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of major depression, it is crucial to seek professional help for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Depression is a treatable condition, and early intervention can make a significant difference in managing and overcoming it.
Now, we know the answer to the question of “What is major depression?”. So we can move on to answering the question of “What are the symptoms of major depression?”. A diagnosis of major depressive disorder can be made by a mental health professional if an individual experiences five or more of the following symptoms for a continuous period of two weeks or more, and these symptoms significantly impact their daily life. In major depressive disorder, symptoms other than changes in weight and suicidal thoughts must be present nearly every day. These symptoms may include:
Bipolar disorder is a psychological disorder characterized by alternating between two extreme mood states. These fluctuations are known as episodes of mania and depression. Mania is characterized by an elevated and euphoric state, while the depression period is marked by feelings of sadness and low mood. The duration and intensity of these episodes can vary from person to person. Mood disturbances associated with bipolar disorder can impact decision-making abilities, relationships, and disrupt daily functioning.
Another condition that resembles a manic episode is hypomania. The hypomanic period also occurs in a state of exuberance. While the severity of symptoms may differ between manic and hypomanic episodes, the symptoms themselves are present in both. However, daily functioning is not significantly impaired during hypomanic episodes. On the other hand, manic episodes typically last for a minimum of seven days. During manic or hypomanic periods in individuals with bipolar disorder, the following characteristics can be observed:
In the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, feelings and behaviors are seen in the opposite direction of mania and hypomania:
Unfortunately, having an understanding of "What is depression?" alone is not sufficient for the treatment of depression. In order to achieve optimal results in the treatment of depression, a combination of various psychotherapy methods and medications is often employed. It is crucial to seek assistance from a specialist and diligently adhere to the prescribed therapies and medications throughout the process. Furthermore, not every therapy method is suitable for every individual. Therefore, it is essential to select the most appropriate treatment approach for each individual. Let's explore the different types of treatments together.
There are various types of psychotherapy, commonly referred to as "talk therapy". Therapists may employ a single therapy method or utilize multiple methods depending on the individual's needs. Among the different therapy approaches, "Interpersonal Therapy" and "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" have been found to be particularly effective in combating depression.
This therapy method, typically completed over a period of 12 to 16 weeks, centers around the impact of family, friendship, and romantic relationships on depression. It assists individuals in addressing relationship issues, resolving problems, and fostering healthy connections.
Depression often leads to decreased engagement in activities, making it challenging to carry out our daily tasks, and draining our energy quickly, while negative thoughts consume us. These factors can exacerbate the progression of depression and worsen our overall well-being over time. However, through the implementation of activating tasks in cognitive behavioral therapy, we can actively change the thoughts and behaviors that hinder our recovery. For instance, if we haven't left our house in two weeks, our task might involve taking a ten-minute walk around our neighborhood. Additionally, instead of harboring a negative thought such as "I am weak because of my depression," we can cultivate a realistic and supportive perspective like "I am proud of myself for taking the initiative to seek therapy and combat depression."
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring the relationship between past experiences, unresolved issues, and depression. Its goal is to bring suppressed feelings and thoughts to the surface and increase our awareness of them. By delving into past problems, psychodynamic therapy helps us gain insight and minimize their influence on our present lives. It's important to note that this therapeutic approach may extend over a period of two years or more.
Depression not only affects us personally but also has an impact on our relationships. Our feelings of unhappiness can extend to our family and partners, causing disruptions in our responsibilities within the household. This situation can lead to exhaustion and concern for the other person. For instance, during a depressive episode, we may neglect our share of household chores, burdening our partner with additional responsibilities. Similarly, if we isolate ourselves and avoid leaving the house for an extended period, it can strain our relationship with our partner. Through this therapy method, our loved ones gain awareness of the negative effects of depression and learn how they can support us.
