What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes individuals to feel deeply sad and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Essentially, a person may be considered depressed when they experience persistent sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness for more than two weeks.

Depression is a condition that can affect anyone, including children, though it is more commonly observed in adults.

Based on its causes and severity, depression can be categorized into several types:

1. Major Depression: Characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest or enjoyment in activities, and other depressive symptoms that occur nearly all the time and last for more than two weeks.
2. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder): A chronic depressive disorder that persists for an extended period, typically more than two years. The symptoms are less severe than those of major depression.
3. Bipolar Disorder: A mental health condition involving dramatic shifts in mood and energy, alternating between manic/hypomanic episodes (extreme happiness) and major depressive episodes (extreme sadness).
4. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Emotional and physical disturbances that occur in women before their menstrual period. It is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
5. Postpartum Depression: A type of depression that occurs in women after childbirth, typically marked by major depressive symptoms lasting up to a year post-delivery.
6. Psychotic Depression: Severe depression accompanied by psychotic symptoms, such as delusions, disordered thinking, or hallucinations.
7. Atypical Depression: Marked by uncommon symptoms, such as excessive sleeping, significant weight gain, and others. Symptoms often improve when the individual is in a positive environment.

Causes of Depression

The exact causes of depression are not entirely understood, but experts suggest it can be triggered by various factors, such as:

• Family history of mental health disorders, such as eating disorders, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Imbalances in brain chemistry.
• Hormonal imbalances, often experienced by individuals with thyroid disorders, pregnant women, menopausal women, or those going through menstruation.
• Severe stress due to financial difficulties, familial issues, the death of a loved one, isolation, or lack of support.
• Past trauma, such as being a victim of bullying or sexual abuse.
• Chronic or severe illnesses, such as stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or heart disease.
• Side effects of certain medications, such as hypertension drugs or sleeping pills.
• Personality traits like pessimism, low self-esteem, or dependence on others.
• Substance abuse or alcohol addiction.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression symptoms can be observed in two domains: psychological and physical.

Psychological Symptoms:

• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem.
• Excessive worry and anxiety.
• Heightened sensitivity, leading to irritability, anger, or sadness.
• Difficulty focusing and concentrating.
• Challenges in thinking and decision-making.
• Social withdrawal.
• Lack of interest, motivation, or desire to engage in activities.

Physical Symptoms:

• Oversleeping or insomnia.
• Sudden increases or decreases in appetite.
• Fatigue and lack of energy.
• Unexplained physical pains (psychosomatic disorders).
• Significant weight changes.
• Reduced sexual desire.

Complications of Depression

Untreated depression can lead to complications, including:

• Medical issues such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits during depression.
• Substance or alcohol abuse.
• Sleep disorders.
• Social isolation.
• Self-harm tendencies and suicidal thoughts.
• Psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.

Diagnosing Depression

Doctors typically start by conducting a medical interview to understand the patient’s symptoms. Diagnostic procedures may include:

1. Physical Examination: To identify potential physical conditions related to depression.
2. Psychiatric Evaluation: Observing the patient’s symptoms, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
3. Laboratory Tests: Blood tests to detect thyroid hormone imbalances or other conditions that may contribute to depression.

Doctors confirm a diagnosis based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or other diagnostic guidelines.

Managing Depression

Treatment for depression varies depending on the patient’s condition. Methods include:

• Psychotherapy: Helps patients develop positive thought patterns and behaviors.
• Antidepressant Medications: Prescribed by doctors to balance brain chemicals regulating mood and emotions.
• Brain Stimulation Therapies: Such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), used for patients unresponsive to other treatments.
• Self-Care: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, vacations, and balanced nutrition.

Preventing Depression

While there are no definitive ways to prevent depression, the following strategies may reduce its risk:

• Effectively managing stress through activities like yoga and meditation.
• Maintaining adequate rest and sleep.
• Avoiding alcohol consumption.
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including balanced meals and regular exercise.
• Limiting unproductive social media use.
• Avoiding social isolation.
• Treating underlying health issues.
• Seeking professional help if feelings of persistent sadness arise.