What is Depression?
Depression is a common yet severe mental health condition that can take a toll on your life. It affects how you feel and think about your daily activities. You might find yourself stuck in persistent sadness, hopelessness, or not finding joy in things you used to love. This condition doesn’t just impact your emotions; it can lead to physical problems, too, making it hard to function at work, school, or even in social situations. Depression can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and there are ways to manage and overcome it. Depression is more than just a about of the blues or temporary feelings of sadness. It is a complex condition that various factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, life events, and underlying health conditions, can trigger.
There are various types of depression, including Clinical Depression, Persistent Depressive Disorder, and seasonal or postpartum depression. Remember that depression is common and can be treated with timely intervention.
Why It’s Important to Recognize Depression Early
Understanding the signs of depression in its early stages is important to treat it effectively. Sometimes, people do not realise that they have depression until it starts affecting their mental and physical health, disrupting their daily lives. It is easy to mistake the symptoms of depression as bouts of sadness or simply a “phase.” You can start by making some lifestyle changes to deal with depression. However, if you have been feeling low for many weeks, even after implementing these changes, it may be a good idea to seek help from a professional.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Depression has varying symptoms, but these are some of the most common:
- Prolonged periods of sadness (lasting more than two weeks)
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy earlier
- Extreme social isolation
- Extreme tiredness and lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Difficulty in concentrating on daily tasks
- Forgetfulness
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Thoughts of suicide or death
It’s normal for adults to experience some of these signs from time to time, and they don’t always point to depression. But if these feelings have persisted for over two weeks and are starting to impact your physical and mental well-being, it might be time to reach out for support.
Understanding the Causes of Depression
It can be challenging to pinpoint the exact causes of depression in any individual. However, researchers have found some key factors that contribute to depression:
1. Major Life Events
Life events such as the death of a loved one, an accident, or childbirth can trigger your stress response and cause depression.
2. Hormonal Imbalance
The chemistry of your brain can also play a significant role in causing depression. Serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine (known as the “happy hormones”) regulate your mood and maintain a balance in your body. If there is an imbalance in the secretion of these hormones by your brain, it can lead to depression.
3. Genetics
Sometimes, depression can also happen due to genetic factors. If you have a history of mental health disorders in your immediate family, you are more likely to develop depressive disorders.
4. Medical Conditions
Health conditions such as chronic pain, cancer, or even diabetes can cause depression in specific individuals.
5. Substance Use or Medication
Consuming alcohol or narcotic substances can lead to depression. Along with that, some kinds of medication can also cause depression as a side effect.
Where to Seek Help?
If you find one or more of the depression symptoms interfering with your daily life, it may be helpful to talk to someone you trust about what you’ve been going through. Treatment for depression typically involves a combination of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or psychotherapy, and medication, such as antidepressants. Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management techniques.
It’s essential to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, as it is a treatable condition, and early intervention can lead to better outcomes. A mental health professional such as a psychologist can help you get an accurate diagnosis by understanding your symptoms and gathering a detailed background history. If your symptoms are severe, they may recommend you see a psychiatrist and start taking medication.
Depression is a common condition that anyone can experience. The good news is that it can easily be treated. If you are going through a difficult period, reach out to those you trust for help. Seeking professional help is always a good idea as it can help you address the problem and learn how to deal with depression. Our panel of experts at SoulSensei can provide you with the tools and techniques to help you identify the symptoms of depression and cope with them.
Sources
- “Depression.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 13 Jan. 2023.
- Holland, Kimberly. “22 Ways to Cope With Your Depression.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 19 Jan. 2024.
- Smith, Melinda, et al. “Coping with Depression.” HelpGuide.Org, HelpGuide.org, 21 Aug. 2024.
- “Understanding Depression.” Harvard Health, Harvard Medical School.
- “What Is Depression?” American Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association, Apr. 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Seek Help for Depression?
Start by speaking to someone you trust, like a family member or friend. They can support and help you find a psychologist or mental health therapist. Research or ask for recommendations, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a psychologist or a therapist.
How Can I Tell if I’m Experiencing Depression or Just Feeling Sad?
Depression and sadness share some standard features, but there are some essential differences between the two. Sadness is a normal human emotion that every person feels. Like all other emotions, it subsides with time. However, if you have been feeling prolonged sadness for a large part of your day for more than two weeks, it may be a sign of depression. Along with sadness, pay attention to what else you are feeling. If you feel unworthy and have isolated yourself from everyone, you may need to seek help.
What Treatments Are Available for Depression?
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, a professional may recommend talk therapy or medication. A professional may use different psychotherapy techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) to challenge and reframe your thought patterns. If your symptoms are severe, you may be prescribed antidepressants or medication that helps increase the serotonin and dopamine levels in your body. Complementary treatments such as acupressure, Reiki, hypnosis, or crystal healing may also be used to treat milder symptoms.
