What Is Depression? Types of, Effects and Treatment

Understanding Depression 

What Is Depression?

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act.

With depression, the individual struggles with persistent sadness, lethargy, lack of interest in everyday activities, and a pervasive feeling of hopelessness. It is not a sign of weakness or laziness, but a treatable condition. 

How Does Depression Affect Mental Health?

Depression severely impacts mental health. 

Persistent sadness, empty moods, anxiety, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, and marked cognitive difficulties are the hallmarks of depression. 

Depressed mood issues can exhibit as memory loss, poor concentration, and a feeling of hopelessness. These symptoms can lead to social withdrawal, thoughts of self-harm, and guilt.

What Is the Difference Between Depression and Sadness?

Sadness is temporary and can be triggered by events such as the loss of a loved one, a job loss, or other life changes. It fades with time. However, depression lasts more than two weeks and is classified as a mood disorder. 

A “low” feeling characterizes sadness, while depression can be described as a “cloud of darkness” that involves feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness.

Types of Depression and Mood Disorders

What Are the Different Types of Depression?

Depression can be classified into several types. There are distinct forms of depression that manifest different symptoms and can have diverse causes. Different types of depression include:

• Major depressive disorder or clinical depression
• Persistent depressive disorder 
• Psychotic depression
• Seasonal affective disorder or SAD
• Bipolar depression
• Postpartum depression
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
• Situational depression or adjustment disorder
• Atypical depression
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

What Is Major Depressive Disorder?

Major depressive disorder is the most common form of depression. Symptoms are pervasive and last at least two weeks. It is characterized by an inability to function in daily life. 

There are severe symptoms like changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, lack of concentration, feelings of low self-worth, and guilt. 

What Is Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)?

A chronic, low-level depression that lasts over a period of two years in adults, and one year in children or adolescents, is called persistent depressive disorder. This form of mental illness was previously called dysthymia. 

Persistent depressive disorder manifests as a constant sad feeling. Irritability, low self-esteem, and low energy are symptoms that have remained constant for over two years. 

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a seasonal mental health issue that typically shows up in the fall and lasts all winter. SAD generally lifts by spring or summer.

Low levels of sunlight and cold winter months can trigger seasonal affective disorder. 

How Is Depression Related to Bipolar Disorder?

Depression is closely related to bipolar disorder, as they are both mood disorders that involve episodes of feeling depressed. 

Bipolar disorder manifests as alternating periods of high-energy mania and depression, while only low-mood phases characterize depressive disorders. The commonality is defined by shared genetics, brain chemistry, and symptoms. Both mental health conditions require different treatment protocols. 
 

Symptoms of Depression

What Are the Emotional Symptoms of Depression?

Emotional symptoms of depression are often debilitating and can potentially interfere with the daily functioning of the individual. The symptoms include:

• Irritability and frustration over seemingly minor things
• Long-lasting sad spells, which may involve crying jags over no apparent reason
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities like sports, hobbies, and music
• Feelings of hopelessness that the future will remain bleak as it seems at the moment
• Lack of emotional response or a feeling of inherent emptiness
• Fixation on past failures and an overwhelming feeling of guilt
• Lack of self-worth and self-esteem
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal tendencies are present

Having more than two symptoms can be classified as depression. Treatment centers like Exclusive Hawaii Rehab can help provide further guidance. 

What Are the Physical Symptoms of Depression?

Some or all symptoms may be present in a depressive episode and may include:

• Extreme tiredness that does not resolve with rest
• Digestive issues like nausea, heartburn, constipation, or diarrhea 
• Significant weight loss due to poor appetite, or conversely, intense food cravings and sudden weight gain
• Unexplained  and chronic pain 
• Sleep disturbances
• Either agitation or slow movements and speech 

Symptoms of depression are very real and can interfere with the normal daily life of an individual.

How Does Depression Affect Daily Life?

Every aspect of daily life can be affected by depression. It changes the way of life of the person struggling with it.

Behavioral changes like irritability, feeling low, and losing interest in pleasurable activities can affect family life and relationships. Social isolation can occur in severe cases. 

Poor performance at work due to extreme fatigue, lethargy, lack of concentration, impaired decision-making, and low productivity can even lead to unemployment. 

What Are the Signs of Severe Depression?

Depression can affect a person in many ways, including psychologically, physically, and socially. 

Psychological signs of depression include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness for more than two weeks 
• Anxiety
• Irritability and frustration 
• Crying for no reason
• Low motivation and interest in pleasurable activities
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Feeling guilt 
• Low self-esteem
• Poor concentration
• Lack of decision-making abilities
• Suicidal or self-harming tendencies

Physical signs of depression:

• Significant changes in weight due to changes in eating habits
• Changes in appearance
• Extreme fatigue and lack of energy
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Sleep disturbances 
• Muscle, joint, or headache without injuries or medical reasons

Social signs of depression:

• Strained relationships, family life, and personal interactions
• Lack of motivation in participating in social activities 
• Having problems at work due to a lack of drive or desire to interact with co-workers

If your loved one exhibits these signs, it’s important to seek professional help from a reputable health care center, such as Exclusive Hawaii Rehab.

Causes of Depression and Risk Factors

What Causes Depression?

Depression occurs due to a complex mix of genetic, biological, social, and psychological factors. 

Family history of depression or mental illness can play a major role in causing depression. Mental health issues or substance use disorder (SUD) in parents often trigger stress and emotional scarring in children, leading to depression. Prevalence of trauma involving childhood abuse, sexual abuse,  bereavement, broken relationships, and job loss can trigger depressive episodes and anxiety disorders. A poor living environment or unemployment can also cause depression. 

Physical health problems like cancer, heart disease, chronic pain, and childbirth can also cause depression. Imbalance in serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels can alter brain chemistry and can be the cause of depression. Some medications and SUD can lead to depression, too. 

What Can Trigger Depression?

In most cases, depression is not triggered by a single event. A complex combination of many factors triggers depressive episodes. Such factors include:

• Stressful life events like the death of a family member or a broken relationship
• Financial problems or poverty
• Childbirth, menopause, or pregnancy 
• Contracting a chronic or terminal disease
• Changes in lifestyle
• Trauma 
• Imbalances in brain chemistry involving how neurotransmitters like serotonin interact
• Negative thinking 
• Poor coping skills due to a lack of familial and social support systems
• Use of certain prescription medicines 
• Substance use disorder
• Long-term sleep disruption

If the “sadness” and “low” feelings persist for over two weeks, it can be classified as depression.

Does Family History Influence Depression?

Yes, family history strongly influences depressive tendencies. If a first-degree relative has depression, you are more likely to be diagnosed with it.

Along with genetics, a shared familial environment also adds to the risk. Chronic stressors like childhood trauma, neglect, abuse, and poor living conditions can precipitate depression.

What Medical Conditions Are Linked to Depression?

Some medical conditions have a strong link to depression. Medical conditions that may trigger depression include:

• Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury
• Metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease 
• Respiratory problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Chronic pain disorders and autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus 
• Cancer
• Obesity
• Mental health conditions like anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders

These diseases give rise to chronic stress both to the person and the primary caregiver, which can be the basis of depression.

Inflammation, poor blood circulation, or changes in the hormonal balances that regulate mood, extreme fatigue, reduced mobility, and constant pain can trigger depression. 

Depression & Substance Use

Is Substance Use Common With Depression?

Substance use and depression often occur as co-occurring issues. It is estimated that roughly 25% of people with major depressive disorder also have substance use disorder.

Individuals with depression often self-medicate with substances as a coping mechanism to manage the feelings of sadness and hopelessness. This situation may also lead to addiction. Substance use can cause chemical changes in the brain, and a bidirectional relationship between the two conditions arises. This combination often leads to a larger functional impairment and poorer medical prognosis. 

Why Do People Turn to Substances When They Are Depressed?

People often turn to substance use when they are depressed as a coping mechanism to deal with the symptoms of depression.

The high or euphoria that comes with substance use can mitigate the feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, and guilt for some time. Hence, depressed individuals turn to substance use to self-medicate. 

Do Substances Make Depression Worse?

Yes, substances make depression worse. 

Alcohol, illicit drugs, and even certain prescription medicines can make depression significantly worse. Substance use can alter brain chemistry, increase stress levels, and cause sleep disturbances. 

How Depression Is Diagnosed

How Do I Know if I’m Depressed?

There are many warning signs of depression that you or your loved one can notice and then seek help. Warning signs include:

• You have been feeling sad or low for over two weeks
• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
• You feel guilty over past failures 
• Significant changes in sleep patterns or eating habits for a prolonged duration
• You may lose interest in personal grooming, listening to music, sports, and taking part in social interactions
• Unexplained, constant pain and fatigue
• Irritability and frustration that may impact family life and relationships
• Suicidal thoughts

How Is Depression Diagnosed?

Depression has to be diagnosed by a health care professional. It is a mental illness, and proper steps need to be taken to reach a firm diagnosis. If the duration of the feeling of sadness persists for over two weeks:

• A clinical interview is done to assess symptoms, feelings, thoughts, and behavior patterns
• Diagnosis should ideally align with DSM-5 or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria
• A physical examination and blood tests are performed to evaluate thyroid function and vitamin deficiencies, to rule out a physical cause 

When Should You Seek a Health Care Provider for Depression?

When symptoms last for more than two weeks, it is time to seek help from a healthcare provider, such as Exclusive Hawaii Rehab, for diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. 

Two weeks of persisting symptoms that impair daily functioning, such as going to school or work, require professional medical attention. 

Treatment for Depression

What Are the Most Effective Treatment Options for Depression?

The most effective treatment for depression is a combination of medication, therapy, and a supportive environment. 

The American Psychological Association recommends second-generation antidepressants and psychotherapy interventions to treat depression. Medication includes SSRI’s or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRI’s/NDRI or norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of adults. 

Psychotherapy interventions include:

• Interpersonal psychotherapy 
• Cognitive therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT
• Interpersonal psychotherapy or IPT
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Supportive therapy or talk therapy

The treatment protocol is complex and has to take into account the type and intensity of depressive symptoms.

How Does TMS Therapy Help Treat Depression?

TMS therapy, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a helpful tool to treat depression. 

The procedure uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive brain cells in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, thereby increasing neuronal activity. It effectively resets circuits responsible for mood regulation. 

TMS works in the following way to treat treatment-resistant depression:

• Depression manifests decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex that controls mood. TMS offers targeted brain activity. 
• The magnetic coil placed against the individual’s scalp creates a minute electric current that stimulates the target underactive brain region. 
• It helps rewire brain connections and improve blood flow, thereby normalizing neuronal activity.

TMS has been primarily used in patients for whom conventional treatment is not fully effective, or as an alternative to systemic side effects of medication. 

What Medications Are Used for Depression?

Primarily, antidepressants work by balancing brain chemicals. The different medications that are usually used for treating depression include:

• SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are generally the first line of treatment. Some examples are Celexa, Prozac, and Zoloft.
• SNRIs, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, treat depression by balancing both serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Some examples include Venlafaxine, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
• Atypical antidepressants are medications 
• Tricyclic antidepressants 
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors 
• NMDA receptor antagonists, which are fast-acting medications used in cases of treatment-resistant depression

The medications may take several weeks to show effectiveness. 

Are there Potential Side Effects of Medications?

SSRIs and SNRIs are considered safe to an extent, but can have generic side effects like nausea, insomnia, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction.

Most side effects are usually temporary and resolve as the body gets accustomed to the medication.

Support for Depression

What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Improve Depression?

Key lifestyle changes that can help improve depressive episodes include regular exercise, a balanced, healthy diet, stress reduction, better sleep hygiene, and some social interaction.

How Can Support Groups Help With Depression?

A support group helps with depression by reducing isolation, providing a safe space to share experiences, and fostering a sense of community among people facing similar challenges. 

What Role Does Self-Esteem Play in Recovery?

Positive self-esteem plays an important role in recovering from depression. It acts as a protective buffer, reducing the risk of relapse by enhancing emotional resilience. 

Improving self-worth helps challenge negative thoughts and foster confidence.

How Can You Support a Loved One With Depression?

The support of loved ones is critical in recovery from depression. They can offer a non-judgmental environment where the individual feels heard. 

Loved ones can help validate the depressed individual’s feelings, provide positive reinforcement, help maintain routines, and assist with medication.

Finding Immediate Help for Depression 

What Are the Warning Signs of Suicidal Thoughts or Self-Harm?

Some red flags indicate that someone depressed is having suicidal thoughts or self-harm. The behavioral changes include:

• Withdrawing from family and friends completely
• Saying goodbyes and giving away stuff that has value, or making a will
• Researching ways to die or making plans 
• Erratic and risky behavior
• Eating or sleeping either too much or too little
• Substance abuse becomes more frequent or increases in volume
• Displaying extreme mood swings

When Should You Contact a Crisis Lifeline?

You should call a crisis lifeline if a depressed person starts having violent mood swings, displays risky or erratic behavior, and talks about suicide constantly.

What Should You Do in a Mental Health Emergency?

In a mental health emergency, you should call a crisis and suicide hotline immediately. 

Talk calmly to the affected person while prioritizing safety. Remove all items that can cause harm. Try to make the person talk about their feelings and validate them. Drive the person to the ER if possible. 

FAQs

Are you seeking mental health services in Texas? Exclusive Hawaii Rehab is here to help! Our licensed mental health professionals offer compassionate, non-judgmental, evidence-based care with customized treatment plans to help your loved ones heal. Call our admissions desk today to avail both inpatient and outpatient facilities.