Depression is a mood disorder. It’s characterized by feelings of loss, sadness, or rage that interfere with one’s daily activities.
It’s also a reasonably common occurrence. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18.5 percent of American adults experienced depressive symptoms in any given two-week period in 2019.
Although depression and grieving share some characteristics, depression is distinct from grief experienced after the death of a loved one or sadness experienced following a painful life event. Grief does not frequently involve self-loathing or a loss of self-esteem, whereas depression does.
Positive emotions and good memories of the deceased are common attributes of feelings of emotional distress in bereavement. The sensations of sadness are continuous in major depressive disorder.
Depression manifests itself in a variety of ways for various people. It may cause disruptions in your regular routine, resulting in lost time and decreased production. It can also have an impact on relationships and some chronic illnesses. Some health conditions made worse by depression include:
- Obesity
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Cardiovascular Disease
Symptoms Of Depression
Depression is more than just a feeling of melancholy or being “down.” Major depressive disorder can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Some have an impact on your mood, while others have an impact on your physical health. Symptoms may be persistent or intermittent.
The symptoms of depression vary from person to person. The degree of symptoms, as well as how frequently they occur and how long they remain, can all vary. You may be depressed if you have experienced some of these signs and symptoms of depression almost every day for at least two weeks:
- Sad, nervous, or “empty” feelings
- A sense of hopelessness, worthlessness, and pessimism
- A lot of sobbing a lot of irritation, annoyance, or anger
- Loss of interest in activities and interests you used to enjoy
- Tiredness or a lack of energy
- Having trouble focusing, remembering, or making judgments
- Slower movement or speech
- Difficulty sleeping, early morning wakeup, or oversleeping
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Chronic physical discomfort that has no obvious cause and does not improve with treatment (aches or pains, headaches, cramps, digestive problems)
Causes Of Depression
Depression can be caused by a variety of factors. They can be biological or situational in nature.
Among the most common causes are:
- The chemistry of the brain. In persons with depression, there might be a chemical imbalance in areas of the brain that control mood, thinking, sleep, food, and behavior.
- Hormone levels are important. Variations in the female hormones estrogen and progesterone during various stages of life, such as the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, postpartum, and menopause, can all increase a person’s risk of depression.
- History of the family. If you have a family history of this disorder or some other mood disorder, you’re more likely to acquire it.
- Early childhood trauma. Some childhood occurrences have an impact on how your body responds to fear and stress.
- The structure of the brain. If your frontal lobe becomes less active, you’re more likely to get the depressive disorder. Scientists are unsure whether this occurs before or after the beginning of depression symptoms.
- Medical problems. Chronic sickness, insomnia, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, stroke, heart attack, and cancer are among illnesses that can increase your risk.
- Use of drugs. A history of drug or alcohol abuse can increase your risk.
- Pain. People who have been under emotional or chronic bodily pain for a long time are more likely to develop depression.
Risk Factors
Biochemical, medical, social, genetic, and contextual risk factors for depression exist.
- Sex is one of the most common risk factors. Major depression is twice as common in women as it is in men, according to reliable sources.
- Genetics. If you have a family history of depression, you are at a higher risk of developing it.
- Social and economic standing. Your socioeconomic status, which includes financial difficulties and a sense of poor social status, can increase your risk of depression.
- Medications in particular. Certain medications, such as hormonal birth control pills, corticosteroids, and beta-blockers, have been linked to a higher risk of depression.
- Deficiency in vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels has been linked to depression symptoms in studiesTrusted Source.
- Gender identity. As per a 2018 study, transgender people have a nearly 4-fold higher risk of depression than cisgender people.
- Misuse of a substance. Around 21% of people with a substance abuse problem also suffer from depression.
- Illnesses of the body. Other chronic medical diseases are linked to depression. Individuals with heart disease are nearly twice as likely as those without to suffer from depression, and up to 1 in 4 people with cancer may also suffer from depression.
Treatment For Depression
Here are some ways to treat depression:
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe one of these antidepressants:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants
- Noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists
Supplements
- S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)
- 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Psychotherapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Light therapy
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Natural Remedies And Lifestyle Tips
- Exercise several times a week
- Avoid alcohol and substance use
- Learn how to set limits to avoid feeling overwhelmed
- Take care of yourself