Depression

Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or clinical depression, is a common but serious mental illness that significantly and negatively affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. It is not simply a temporary bout of sadness or "the blues."

Key Characteristics and Symptoms

A diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder requires the presence of several symptoms for at least two weeks, most of the day, nearly every day, causing a clear change in functioning. One of the symptoms must be either a depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure.

Emotional/Mood Symptoms	Physical & Behavioral Symptoms	Cognitive Symptoms
Persistent sad, empty, or irritable mood	Significant changes in appetite or weight	Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
Anhedonia (Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed)	Sleep disturbances (Insomnia or hypersomnia/sleeping too much)	Feelings of excessive or inappropriate guilt or worthlessness
Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or pessimism	Fatigue or loss of energy; even small tasks take extra effort	Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
	Psychomotor agitation or retardation (observable restlessness or slowed movement/speech)

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek immediate help.

Causes and Risk Factors

Depression is thought to be caused by a complex interaction of several factors, not a single cause.

• Biological/Brain Chemistry: Differences in certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) that regulate mood.

• Genetics: Depression often runs in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.

• Stressful Life Events: Traumatic events, chronic stress, the death of a loved one, financial problems, or relationship breakdowns can trigger an episode.

• Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses (like heart disease or diabetes), hormonal changes (such as postpartum or menopause), and certain medications can be associated with depression.

• Personality: Individuals with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic may be more vulnerable.

Treatment

Depression is highly treatable, and the majority of people with depression can improve with the right help. Treatment is typically a combination of medication and therapy.

1. Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy):

   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps people identify and change negative thinking and behavior patterns.

   • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving current relationships and social functioning.

2. Medication:

   • Antidepressants (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.) work by affecting the balance of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). It may take several weeks to feel the full effects, and a doctor monitors the use of these medications.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments:

   • Regular exercise and a healthy diet.

   • Prioritizing good sleep hygiene.

   • Building and maintaining social support (confiding in others).

If you suspect you or someone you care about may be experiencing depression, the first step is to consult a healthcare provider or a mental health professional for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.