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Depression is a mental state of low mood and aversion to activity. It affects more than 280 million people of all ages (about 3.5% of the global population). Depression affects a person’s thoughts, behaviour, feelings, and sense of well-being. Depressed people often experience a loss of motivation or interest in, or reduced pleasure or joy from, experiences that would normally bring them pleasure or joy.
Depression is one of the three emotional states measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales.
The other measured emotional states are Anxiety and Stress.
What is Depression?
Depressed mood is a symptom of some mood disorders such as major depressive disorder and dysthymia; it is a normal temporary reaction to life events, such as the loss of a loved one; and it is also a symptom of some physical diseases and a side effect of some drugs and medical treatments. It may feature sadness, difficulty in thinking and concentration and a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping. People experiencing depression may have feelings of dejection or hopelessness and may experience suicidal thoughts. It can either be short-term or long-term.
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.
Depression symptoms & signs
- persistent depressed mood
- loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- changes in appetite and body weight
- unusually slow or agitated movements
- decreased energy or fatigue
- difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
3 negative emotional states |
Wellbeing
Depression doesn't take away your talents—it just makes them harder to find.
Depression is like a bruise that never goes away. A bruise in your mind. You just got to be careful not to touch it where it hurts. It's always here, though.
Types of Depression
Major depression
A person living with major depression experiences a constant state of sadness. They may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy.
Treatment usually involves medication and psychotherapy.
Persistent depressive disorder
Also known as dysthymia, the persistent depressive disorder causes symptoms that last for at least 2 years.
A person living with this disorder may have episodes of major depression as well as milder symptoms that do not meet the criteria for major depressive disorder.
Postpartum depression
After giving birth, some people experience a brief period of sadness or heightened emotions that some people call the “baby blues.” This usually goes away in a few days to a few weeks.
Postpartum depression, or postnatal depression, is more severe.
There is no single cause for this type of depression, and it can persist for months or years. Anyone who experiences ongoing depression after delivery should seek medical attention.
Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern
Previously known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this type of depression usually occurs during the winter and fall months, when there is less daylight. Less commonly, it may follow other seasonal patterns.
It lifts during the rest of the year and in response to light therapy.
This condition seems to particularly affect people who live in countries with long or severe winters.
Depression with symptoms of psychosis
This type is a severe form of depression in which a person experiences psychosis symptoms, such as delusions (disturbing, false fixed beliefs) or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things others do not hear or see).
Triggers of depression
- stressful life events, such as loss, family conflicts, and changes in relationships
- incomplete recovery after having stopped depression treatment too soon
- medical conditions, especially a medical crisis such as a new diagnosis or a chronic illness such as heart disease or diabetes.
Risk factors
- experiencing certain life events, such as bereavement, work issues, changes in relationships, financial problems, and medical concerns
- experiencing acute stress
- having a lack of successful coping strategies
- having a close relative with depression
- using some prescription drugs, such as corticosteroids, certain beta-blockers, and interferon
- using recreational drugs, such as alcohol or amphetamines
- having sustained a head injury
- having a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s
- having had a previous episode of major depression
- having a chronic condition, such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cardiovascular disease
- living with chronic pain
- lacking social support
Depression treatment
Depression is treatable, though the treatment may depend on the exact type a person is living with.
However, about 30.9% of people do not respond to treatment or respond poorly. About 4 in 10 people achieve remission of their symptoms within 12 months, but depression can come back.
Managing symptoms usually involves three components:
- Support: This can range from discussing practical solutions and possible causes to educating family members.
- Psychotherapy: Also known as talking therapy, some options include one-to-one counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
- Drug treatment: A doctor may prescribe antidepressants.
Medication
Antidepressants can help treat moderate to severe depression. Several classes of antidepressants are available:- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- atypical antidepressants
- tricyclic antidepressants
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Medication side effects
SSRIs and SNRIs can have side effects. A person may experience:- nausea
- constipation
- diarrhea
- low blood sugar
- weight loss or weight gain
- a rash
- sexual dysfunction
Natural remedies
Some people use natural remedies, such as herbal medicines, to treat mild to moderate depression. However, since the FDA does not monitor herbal remedies, manufacturers may not be truthful about the quality of these products. They may not be safe or effective. In a 2018 systematic review of herbal remedies for depression, 45%of studies reported positive results from herbal treatments, including fewer side effects than standard antidepressants. The following are some of the more popular herbs and plants that people use to treat depression:- St. John’s wort: This is not suitable for people who are or may be living with bipolar disorder.
- Ginseng: Practitioners of traditional medication may use this to improve mental clarity and reduce stress.
- Chamomile: This contains flavonoids that can have an antidepressant effect.
- Lavender: This may help reduce anxiety and insomnia.
Supplements
A person may take the herbs above as supplements to treat symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Other types of supplements can also help treat these symptoms, such the algae known as spirulina. It is important to remember that the FDA does not monitor supplements to ensure that they are effective or safe. Nonherbal supplements that may help treat depression include S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) — a synthetic form of a natural chemical in the body. They also include 5-hydroxytryptophan, which can help to boost serotonin, the neurotransmitter in the brain that affects a person’s mood. Some research has suggested that SAMe may be as helpful as the prescription antidepressants imipramine and escitalopram, but more investigation is necessary.Food and diet
Some research suggests that eating a lot of sugary or processed foods can lead to various physical health problems and poor mental health. Results of a 2019 study suggest that a diet that includes many of these types of food can affect the mental health of young adults. The study also found that eating more of the following foods helped reduce depression symptoms:- fruit
- vegetables
- fish
- olive oil
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, or talking therapies, for depression, include CBT, interpersonal psychotherapy, and problem-solving treatment. For some forms of depression, psychotherapy is usually the first-line treatment, while some people respond better to a combination of psychotherapy and medications. CBT and interpersonal psychotherapy are the two main types of psychotherapy for depression. A person may have CBT in individual sessions with a therapist, in groups, over the telephone, or online. CBT focuses on helping a person identify the connection between their thoughts, behaviours, and feelings. They then work steadily to change harmful thoughts and behaviours. Interpersonal therapy aims to help people identify:- emotional problems that affect relationships and communication
- how these issues also affect their mood
- how to improve relationships and better manage emotions
Exercise
Aerobic exercise raises endorphin levels and stimulates neurotransmitters, potentially easing depression and anxiety. A 2019 paper states that exercise may be especially helpful with treatment-resistant depression. Exercise offers the greatest benefits when a person combines it with standard treatments, such as antidepressants and psychotherapy.Brain stimulation therapies
Brain stimulation therapies are another treatment option. For example, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation sends magnetic pulses to the brain, which may help treat major depression. If depression does not respond to drug treatment, a person may benefit from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Doctors do not fully understand how ECT works. During the procedure, a person is asleep, and a doctor uses electricity to induce a seizure. This may help “reset” the brain, correcting problems with neurotransmitters or other issues that cause depression.Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about depression.
What does depression do to the brain?
Depression can lead to changes in levels of neurotransmitters, which are molecules that transmit messages between nerve cells. In the long run, it may also cause physical changes to the brain, including reductions in grey matter volume and increased inflammation.Does depression change your personality?
Research has turned up mixed results about whether or not depression can actually change a person’s personality. However, according to one review of 10 studies, depressive symptoms may be associated with changes in several specific aspects of personality — including extraversion, neuroticism, and agreeableness — which could be temporary or persistent.Does depression affect your thinking?
Depression can alter concentration and decision-making. It may also impair attention and cause issues with information processing and memory.| accurately measure your
5 major personality traits |
Persons who reach the higher rungs in business management, selling, engineering, religious work, writing, acting, and in every other pursuit get there by following conscientiously and continuously a plan for self-development and growth.
Conclusions
Depression Book Recommendations
Reflect your thoughts
Click on the icon to see all your thoughts in the Dashboard.
It’s highly recommended that you jot down any ideas or reflections that come to mind regarding Depression, including related behaviours, emotions, situations, or other associations you may make. This way, you can refer back to them on your Dashboard or Reflect pop-ups, compare them with your current behaviours, and make any necessary adjustments to keep evolving. Learn more about this feature and how it can benefit you.
References
- www.psy.unsw.edu.au/dass
- Lovibond, S.H. & Lovibond, P.F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety & Stress Scales. (2nd Ed.)Sydney: Psychology Foundation.
- Sadaf Munir, Muhammad Abbas (2022). Seasonal Depressive Disorder. National Library of Medicine.
- https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/depression-anxiety.html.
- Suma P. Chand, Hasan Arif (2022). Depression. National Library of Medicine.
- https://www.fda.gov/consumers/free-publications-women/depression-medicines
- Michele Fornaro et al. The FDA “Black Box” Warning on Antidepressant Suicide Risk in Young Adults: More Harm Than Benefits? National Library of Medicine.
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
- K. Simon Yeung et al. Herbal Medicine for Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review with Assessment of Potential Psycho-Oncologic Relevance. National Library of Medicine.
- https://www.cochrane.org/CD011286/DEPRESSN_s-adenosyl-methionine-depression-adults
- M. Meloni et al. (2020). Efficacy and safety of 5-hydroxytryptophan on depression and apathy in Parkinson’s disease: a preliminary finding. PubMed.
- Heather M. Francis et al. (2019). A brief diet intervention can reduce symptoms of depression in young adults – A randomised controlled trial. Plos One.
- Karlene Cunningham et al. (2019). Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Benefits of Exercise, Yoga, and Meditation. American Family Physician.
- Irim Salik & Raman Marwaha (2022). Electroconvulsive Therapy. National Library of Medicine.
- Simona Corina Trifu et al. (2020). Brain changes in depression. National Library of Medicine.
- Christian Hakulinen et al. (2015). Personality and Depressive Symptoms: Individual-Participant Meta-Analysis of 10 Cohort Studies. National Library of Medicine.
- Giulia Perini et al. (2019). Cognitive impairment in depression: recent advances and novel treatments. National Library of medicine.
