What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss in interest in activities you used to enjoy. It may cause trouble with memory, eating, or sleeping.
It is normal to feel sad over difficult life situations, for example losing a job or losing a loved one. However, depression is a severe, overwhelming sadness that persist almost every day, for at least two weeks. It is more than just a bout of sadness and isn't something people suffering from can just "get over".
There are several types of depression and may require long-term treatment. Without treatment, depression may get worse and last longer, sometimes leading to serious complications such as self-harm or suicidal ideation.
What are the types of Depression?
- Clinical Depression (Major Depressive Disorder): Major depressive disorder means you've been feeling sad, low, or worthless most days for at least two weeks while also suffering other symptoms such as sleeping problems, loss of interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed, and a change in appetite. This is the most severe, and common, form of depression.
- Presistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): This is a mild to moderate depression that lasts for at least two years. Symptoms are less severe than major depressive disorder.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): People with PMDD suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms along with mood symptoms, such as extreme irritability, anxiety or depression. These symptoms may improve after your period starts but they may be severe enough to interfere with your life.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder: This is a form of major depressive disorder that usually happens during the autumn and winter, and goes away during the spring and summer.
- Pre/Postnatal Depression: Prenatal depression is depression that happens during pregnancy while postpartum depression is depression that develops within four weeks of delivering a baby.
What are the signs of Depression?
The symptoms of depression can vary slightly depending on the type, and can range from mild to severe. Signs and symptoms include:
- Feeling very sad, hopeless or worried.
- Not enjoying things that used to bring joy
- Being easily irritated or frustrated
- Eating too much or too little, resulting in weight gain or weight loss.
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Fatigue or low energy
- Having a difficult time concentrating, making decisions or remembering things
- Physical issues such as headache, stomachache, or sexual dysfunction
- Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide
What are the causes of Depression?
The exact cause of depression is unknown but there are several factors that may contribute to its development:
- Biological components: An imbalance of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, contributes to the development of depression.
- Genetics: If you have a close relative (biological parents or siblings) with depression, your likelihood of developing the condition increases. However, it is possible to have depression without a family history of it.
- Stressful life events: Stressful and difficult life experiences such as losing a job, losing a loved one, divorce, isolation or trauma may trigger the development of depression.
- Medical conditions: Chronic pain and chronic or terminal conditions may lead to depression.
- Medication: Some medications may cause depression as a side effect.
How is Depression diagnosed?
Physical examination
You doctor may do a physical exam and ask questions about your health. In some cases, depression may be linked to an underlying physical health problem.
Psychiatric evaluation
Your mental health professionals ask about symptoms, thoughts and feelings to evaluate the possibility of depression.
