What is Depression?
Depression is characterized by feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and a lack of interest in activities that are usually enjoyed. When people are depressed, they also isolate and push others away. There can be physiological symptoms such as a change of appetite, fatigue, sleep issues, and general aches and pains.
Like anxiety, depression is associated with an imbalance in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in regulating mood and emotions. Treatment for depression often includes therapy, medication, and developing a support system to reduce isolation.
What Causes Depression?
What causes depression can vary from person to person, and there may not be one clear cause. As with anxiety, there is often a genetic factor that increases vulnerability to depression. Biological factors, such as neurotransmitter imbalance, can also be a contributor. Psychological factors are common, such as patterns of negative thoughts, low self-esteem, unresolved trauma, and chronic stress, as well as personality traits such as perfectionism or a tendency to ruminate, which may also put people at higher risk for depression.
Common Symptoms of Depression
- Persistent feelings of emptiness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities that are normally enjoyed
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue, lack of energy
- Feeling worthless
- Difficulty focusing and making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Irritability
- Physical aches and pains not related to illness or other conditions
- Negative thoughts
Types of Depression
There are seven different types of depression
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is diagnosed when there is a persistent feeling of hopelessness and loss of interest in activities or people. Symptoms interfere with daily functioning
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), previously known as dysthymia, is chronic low-grade depression lasting for at least two years.
- Bipolar Disorder involves distinct periods of depression and manic or hypomanic episodes. The mood swings are extreme and last longer than mere moodiness.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is depression that typically occurs in the fall and winter when there is less daylight.
- Postpartum Depression occurs in new mothers, which may include feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, guilt, and can involve difficulty bonding with the baby.
- Psychotic Depression involves severe depression that is accompanied by psychotic symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, and a distorted sense of reality. This type of depression may require inpatient treatment.
- Atypical Depression is characterized by a depressive mood that does not fit in other categories, such as increased appetite, weight gain, hypersomnia, and sensitivity.
Benefits of Depression Therapy
Therapy can be highly beneficial for people who struggle with depression. It provides a safe and supportive space to explore any underlying or contributing issues and develop multiple coping skills to prevent future episodes.
Therapy can help challenge negative thoughts and beliefs and help turn around thoughts to more productive ones, which allows people to lift out of the feeling of worthlessness. Self-esteem issues can be addressed and improved, allowing people to pursue things that depression may have been getting in the way of.