Depression is a common mental health condition that can affect how you feel, think, and act. It can lead to a variety of social, emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms. There are different types, causes, and treatments for depression.
Although depression can impact your ability to function, there is hope! Several treatment options are available. Keep reading, and you will find more information about what depression can look like as well as treatments to improve your symptoms.
Where Does Depression Come From?
Depression can stem from many things. We know that depression runs in families. People are sometimes born with imbalances in their brain chemistry. You may have heard about neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. When these neurotransmitters don’t work properly, symptoms of mental illness can result, including depression.
Hormone Changes and Imbalances
Changes in hormones can also lead to symptoms of depression. For example, the changes that your hormones undergo during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can leave you feeling low. If your symptoms persist for more than 14 days, it may mean that you are experiencing a depressive episode.
Trauma
Depression is very often a result of trauma. There are many different types of traumas but if you have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) or sexual assault, you may, at some point in your life, experience depression.
Early Childhood Traumas…
like physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are also commonly associated with depression. Symptoms can begin at any time and continue into adulthood.
Chronic Illnesses
Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer can also increase the risk of depression. Usually, this is related to changes in a person’s ability. Loss of ability and chronic fatigue can lead to feelings of low self-worth and a grief response triggered by thoughts of “what used to be.”
Substance Use
Substance use may help depression initially, and it is common for people with symptoms of depression or other mental health disorders to use substances like alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs to feel better. However, misuse and abuse of substances can actually increase depressive symptoms and lead to worse treatment outcomes.
Symptoms of Depression
How do you know if you or a loved one is more than sad or down? Here are some of the symptoms and behaviors associated with depression.
Emotional Symptoms: Changes in How You Feel
- Persistent sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
- Feelings of chronic hopelessness or pessimism
- Irritability or low frustration tolerance
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Physical Symptoms: Changes in Your Body
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Changes in appetite or weight (over-eating or loss of appetite)
- Sleep disturbances (Insomnia or excessive sleeping)
- Aches and pains with no organic cause
Cognitive Symptoms: Changes in How You Think
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions (“brain fog”)
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
- Ongoing de-personalization (feeling detached or “not feeling real”)
Behavioral Symptoms: Changes in How You Act
- Anhedonia (Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed; inability to feel joy)
- Social withdrawal (Decreased desire to socialize with others)
- Persistent crying
- Moving very slowly
- Giving away possessions (usually a sign of suicidal thoughts—if you are experiencing this symptom, call 911 or 988 (the suicide help hotline)
Types of Depression
There are several types of depression. You may have heard of some of these. Although it can be important for a mental health professional to help you figure out which type may fit your symptoms, the most important step is to seek help so you can begin to feel better. Keep in mind that your symptoms may fit in one or more types of depression.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Severe symptoms that interfere with daily life for at least two weeks.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Also known as Dysthymia. This is a chronic form of depression with milder symptoms lasting for at least two years.
Bipolar Disorder
While not expressly a type of depression, bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression alternating with periods of mania. Mania looks like periods of great excitement or euphoria, delusions, and overactivity. In milder cases, people can experience hypomania, which is a milder form of mania. Hypomania is often expressed as long periods of elation and/or hyperactivity.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression can occur following childbirth and involves severe mood swings, exhaustion, feelings of inadequacy, and/or suicidal thoughts.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Depression that occurs during specific seasons, typically winter, due to reduced sunlight.
Depression with Psychosis
Severe depression accompanied by psychosis, such as delusions or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there). It’s important to remember that psychosis is a symptom and not a disorder in itself. Psychosis can be a symptom of many mental and physical illnesses.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Symptoms of depression (see table above) that are linked to the menstrual cycle.
Get Help Today With Rockville Psychotherapy and Coaching
Depression is treatable! At Rockville Psychotherapy and Coaching, we understand how difficult it can be to take that first step. But you DON’T have to face it alone. Schedule a session today and start feeling more like yourself again.
If you’re ready to start your journey toward improved communication, deeper intimacy, and renewed commitment, contact us!
You can click the button below to schedule a risk-free consultation or call us at 301-664-4213.