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Depression Symptoms, Types, and Treatment

Depression Symptoms and Types : Understanding the Complexities of this Mental Health Condition

Depression–An Overview

All of us face spells of sadness in different phases of our lives. Symptoms of depression, however, are not a temporary phase of sadness; instead it has a persistent, long-lasting, and more profound sense of sorrow.

Depression is a mental health problem that impacts a person’s mood with persistent sadness and the ability to function normally. When depressed, a person feels hopeless, withdrawn, and bleak. Such a person can also face difficulty in sleeping, impact a person’s ability to reason, and have a loss of appetite.

In this article, you will learn:

  • What is Depression?
  • What are the symptoms of depression?
  • Type of Depression
  • What are the causes of depression?
  • How is depression treated?
  • How can depression be prevented?

Depression can be a long-lasting problem if not treated properly. In major depressive disorder, also called clinical depression, a person feels sad or worthless continuously for nearly two weeks. Severe depression can result in self-harm.

Cleveland Clinic maintains that approximately 7 percent of all American adults have depression yearly, and around 1 in 6 will suffer from depression in their lifetime.

Symptoms of depression

The majority of people usually experience depression once in their lifetime. However, some people may experience multiple episodes of depression, which may last the whole day, almost every day, with some of the following symptoms.

  • Insomnia or sleeping excessively
  • Feeling frustrated and irritated frequently
  • Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and emptiness
  • The feeling of restlessness and anxiety
  • Frequent cravings for food and weight gain or loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Difficulty in decision-making and lack of concentration
  • Difficulty in remembering and focusing
  • Undiagnosed physical problems such as headache or body pain
  • Lack of energy and feeling tired
  • Slowed body movement
  • Attempts to suicide or suicidal thoughts
  • Lack of interest in leisure activities, sports, socializing, and pursuing hobbies.
  • A slowdown in the thinking process
  • Cramps and headaches
  • Poor digestion with no apparent cause

These symptoms result in difficulty in carrying out day-to-day activities.

Type of Depression

Depression has been classified based on symptoms and causes. It includes:

Major depressive disorder (MDD): Also called clinical depression, usually lasting more than two weeks.

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Also called dysthymia, is less severe than major depressive disorder. Symptoms of PDD usually last nearly two years.

Psychotic depression: include severe depressive symptoms and delusions or hallucinations. In hallucinations, people will see images or hear unreal sounds or voices. People suffering from delusions believe in an imaginary thing.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): is a premenstrual disorder among women that can last several days or weeks preceding their menstrual period.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): seasonal depression typically starts at the beginning of winter or in the late fall season but disappears in the spring and summer.

Bipolar depression: People with bipolar disorder are confronted with a period of low mood and excessive high-energy phase. The quiet mood period may involve symptoms of depression, including a lack of energy and sadness.

Causes of Depression

Various factors contribute to depression.

  • Genetics: If someone in the family has depression, it is likely to be transferred to other family members.
  • Life Events: Upsetting events (trauma) death of a loved one, stress, and isolation can contribute to depression.
  • Individual’s Personality: People who find it difficult to cope with situations are likely to suffer from depression.
  • Other Health Problems: People with existing health problems such as cancer, diabetes, and other neurological disorders are likely to have depression.
  • Brain Chemistry: An abnormal brain chemical level often contributes to depression.

Treatment of Depression

Studies on the treatment of depression reveals that medication and psychotherapy are more effective than antidepressant drugs alone.

Psychotherapy or Counselling: It is carried out by a mental health professional. Counselors suggest ways to cope with depression after talking with patients. The duration of therapy depends on the intensity of the depression.

  • Medication: Antidepressants prescribed by medical professionals help patients relieve by altering brain chemistry.
  • Self-Help: Socializing, spending time with friends and relatives, getting enough sleep, and exercising are essential in alleviating depression.
  • Alternative Treatment: include acupuncture, massage, and hypnosis have also been effective in treating depression.

Symptoms of Depression Among Older Adults

Symptoms of depression in older adults are different compared to depression among children or younger people. Some of the symptoms include:

  • Sleep disorder, feeling tired, loss of appetite
  • Memory problems
  • Preference to stay at home
  • Resistance to socializing
  • Suicidal feelings
  • Body pain or aches

Symptoms of Depression Among Children and Teenagers

Symptoms of depression among children may include irritability, worry, sadness, unwillingness to attend school, body aches, pain.

Among depressed teenagers, it could be in the form of anger, sadness, susceptibility, poor performance at school, excessive eating and sleeping, worthless, loss of interest in social interaction, self-harm, use of drugs, or a sense of being judged.

Strategies to Prevent Depression

To prevent depression; one should lead a healthy lifestyle: eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining adequate sleep, and performing yoga and meditation.

References:

Sawchuk, C. Depression (Major Depressive Disorder). Mayo Clinic. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007) Accessed November 27, 2022

Cleveland Clinic. Depression. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9290-depression). Accessed November 29, 2022

National Institute of Mental Health. Depression. (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression). Accessed December 1, 2022

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