Depression is not the same for everyone: Let's talk about Atypical Depression

We have all heard the word 'Depression'. When we hear it, we think of someone who is always sad and unable to enjoy anything. But did you know that sometimes depression can come in a different way? Do you also feel heavy and sad all day long, but when you receive good news from a friend or eat a delicious meal, you feel a little happy and relaxed? That is the kind of depression we are talking about today. This is called 'Atypical Depression'. Although the name says 'Atypical' (unusual), this is actually a common condition.

What exactly is Atypical Depression?

Simply put, Atypical Depression is a subtype of Major Depression or Dysthymic Disorder, a long-term, mild depressive disorder. Many people with this condition first experience symptoms at a very young age, often in their teens.

To understand this better, let's first take a look at classic/typical depression. For a doctor to diagnose typical depression, at least 5 of the following 9 symptoms must be present:

• Being sad or anxious most of the day, like every day of the week.
• Not getting pleasure from things you used to enjoy.
• Sudden, large changes in appetite and body weight (more than 5% increase or decrease in body weight within a month).
• Not sleeping or sleeping too much almost every day of the week.
• Appearing to others to be constantly restless, fidgeting, or unusually tired.
• Feeling lifeless and tired all the time.
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or unnecessary guilt.
• Difficulty concentrating on things and making decisions.
• Frequent thoughts about death or suicide, planning or attempting it.

Atypical Depression, as the name suggests, is a little different from 'normal' depression. It is especially different from another type of depression called 'Melancholic Depression.' Let's take a look at the differences between the two.

What are the specific symptoms of atypical depression?

The main and most distinctive feature of atypical depression is 'mood reactivity' . This means that no matter how sad or heavy you are, if something good happens to you (e.g., if a friend comes to visit, if you eat your favorite food, if you watch a good movie), at that moment your sadness disappears and you feel happy. But this happiness only lasts for a short time. When the event is over, you start to feel the old sadness and heavy feelings again.

In addition to this 'mood reactivity' feature, a doctor can diagnose atypical depression if at least two of the following symptoms are present:

• Sleeping too much: Sleeping more than 10 hours a day or feeling sleepy all the time, even during the day.
• Increased appetite or weight gain: Excessive cravings for foods high in carbohydrates (rice, bread, sweets), leading to weight gain.
• Rejection Sensitivity: Even the smallest things others say can hurt you deeply. If someone criticizes you or rejects you, you feel unbearable sadness. This can lead to problems in social relationships and at work.
• Leaden Paralysis: It feels like something heavy, like lead, is hanging from the limbs. The body feels so heavy and tired that it is impossible to move.

When you see a doctor, they will first check to see if there is another physical cause for these symptoms. For example, hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too little hormone, can also cause these symptoms of depression and weight gain. They may also order blood tests if necessary.

What causes this situation?

No single, definitive cause has been found for depression, but doctors believe it has something to do with how our brains work.

Simply put, depression can occur when the brain circuits that control our mood are disrupted. The nerve cells in our brain communicate with each other using special chemicals called neurotransmitters . Serotonin and dopamine are the main ones. Depression occurs when these chemicals are out of balance. Antidepressants work by rebalancing these chemicals and restoring the functioning of the brain circuits.

In addition, there are several factors that increase the risk of depression:

• Having depression in someone in the family (parents, siblings).
• A major loss, such as the death of a loved one or divorce.
• Conflicts with others and the resulting feelings of guilt.
• Physical, sexual, or psychological abuse that occurred during childhood.
• Major life changes (e.g. moving, losing a job).
• Serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.
• Drug or alcohol abuse.

Are there any treatments?

Yes, absolutely. Atypical Depression is a condition that can be treated and cured. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor will suggest the most suitable treatment for you.

Two treatment methods are usually used together:

1. Medication: As mentioned earlier, there are a variety of antidepressants that balance neurotransmitters in the brain. Your doctor will prescribe the most appropriate medication for your condition.

2. Psychotherapy: Also called 'talk therapy' , this involves talking to a trained counselor or psychologist to understand your feelings, thoughts, and behavior patterns and learn to manage them.

If necessary, your doctor can refer you to a specialist for this, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist .

How to live with this situation?

In addition to receiving treatment, there are many things you can do to take care of yourself. These will be a great help in your recovery journey.

• Talk to someone you trust: Share your feelings with a friend, family member, or counselor.
• Eat nutritious food, get enough sleep, and exercise: These three simple things can make a big difference in your mental health. Start with something as simple as walking for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Get exposed to sunlight and fresh air: Research has shown that exposure to sunlight improves mood.
• Try something new: Start a new hobby. Draw, plant a plant, read a book.
• Keep a diary: Writing down your feelings and thoughts throughout the day can be a great source of comfort.

How can you help someone close to you?

If someone in your family or friend has this condition, you can be a great source of strength for them.

• Encourage him to get help: see a doctor, take him to counseling.
• Speak openly, listen carefully: Listen to what they say without judgment.
• Stay in touch: Check in on them regularly with a call or message.
• Don't blame them: Don't say things like, "That's something you made up." Depression is not a person's fault.
• Provide practical help: They may need help with cooking or housework, but encourage them to do things they can do on their own.

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