What is depression?

DEPRESSION is a complex mental health condition with symptoms like low mood, fatigue, guilt, irritability and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest and is one of the most common mental health illnesses.

It is distinct from grief and other emotions.

Types of depression

There are several forms of depression. Below are some of the most common types.

Major depression

A person with major depression experiences a constant state of sadness and may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. The individual feels depressed most of the time for several days of the week. Some usual symptoms that people with major depression experience are weight loss, weight gain, trouble sleeping, loss of interest, feeling restless, sluggish, and others.

Persistent depressive disorder

Also known as dysthymia, persistent depressive disorder causes symptoms that last for at least 2 years. A person with this disorder may have episodes of major depression as well as milder symptoms that do not meet the criteria for major depressive disorder. Usually, low selfesteem, changes in appetite, and lack of energy are common symptoms.

Bipolar disorder

It is also referred to as manic depression in which the mood swings experienced might vary depending on intensity as well as the individual. Usually the mood varies between high energy and low energy and medications are prescribed to manage these mood changes.

Seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. SAD is sometimes known as "winter depression" because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter. Some people with SAD may have symptoms during the summer and feel better during the winter.

Psychotic depression

Also known as depressive psychosis, it is a major depressive episode that is accompanied by psychotic symptoms. It can occur in the context of bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. Psychotic depression is usually associated with delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. A combination of drugs is usually given to treat this type of depression.

Peripartum depression

Women who have just given birth usually experience this type of depression for a certain period of time after childbirth. In such cases, medication may be helpful depending on the intensity of depression.

Causes of depression

There are many possible causes, and sometimes, various factors combine to trigger symptoms. Factors that are likely to play role include medical conditions, drug use, family history of mental illness, brain structure, early childhood trauma and stressful events

Signs and symptoms of depression

There are several symptoms that can be indicative of depression. They broadly vary between men, women, and children. Let us have a look at them.

Depression symptoms for men ⬤Emotiona⬤ — feeling empty, sad and hopeless.

⬤Mood — aggressiveness, anger, anxiousness and restlessness.

⬤S⬤eep — reduced sleep, poor quality of sleep, insomnia, restless sleep and excessive sleepiness.

⬤Physica⬤ — fatigue, pain, digestive problems and headache.

Depression symptoms for women

⬤Mood — irritability.

⬤Physica⬤ — fatigue, weight changes, headaches, increased cramps and changes in appetite.

⬤S⬤eep — difficulty sleeping, sleeping too much and waking up early.

⬤Emotiona⬤ — anxiousness, hopelessness and feeling sad.

Depression symptoms for children

⬤Mood — anger, mood swings, irritability and crying.

⬤S⬤eep — sleeping too much or not sleeping at all.

⬤Emotiona⬤ — despair, crying and intense sadness.

⬤Physica⬤ — loss of energy, digestive trouble and weight loss or weight gain.

⬤Cognitive — difficulty concentrating, changes in grades and declined performance in school.

If you experience any of these symptoms for a period of several weeks, it might be time to seek help Treatment for depression Treatment for depression should start with seeing your doctor to discuss symptoms experienced and treatment options available. During this session, the doctor may ask you to fill out a screening questionnaire or conduct some tests to rule out other conditions. Your doctor may refer you to a psychologist, social worker, counsellor or psychiatrist, if required.

Different types of depression require different treatment. For moderate to more severe depression, medical treatments are likely to be required, in combination with other treatments options. On contrary, mild symptoms may be relieved by: ⬤Learning about the condition. ⬤Incorporating certain lifestyle changes (such as regular physical exercise).

⬤Practicing psychological therapy provided by a mental health professional.

There are even psychological treatments (also known as talking therapies) available for depression which has been found to be an effective way to treat depression. These therapies can help to change your thinking patterns and also improve your coping skills so that you are better equipped to deal with life's stresses.