Has the sadness that was always there suddenly become a burden? Let's talk about 'Double Depression'

Do you sometimes feel like, "I'm always like this, a little sad, and not feeling well"? That is, do you feel like you've been feeling a little sad, like a dark shadow all your life, even for no real reason? And then, suddenly, that sadness has become so unbearable that you can't even do your daily tasks? If so, this is about something that is very important to you. We call this condition 'double depression'.

What is this 'double depression'?

Simply put, 'double depression' is a combination of two mental health conditions. To understand this exactly, let's first look at what those two conditions are.

1. Dysthymia: This is the long-term, mildly sad, anxious mood I mentioned earlier. This is a chronic condition. This means that an adult lives with a feeling of sadness and heaviness for more than two years . While it may not disrupt daily life as much as major depression, it can interfere with enjoying life. Some describe it as "like wearing a sad cloak." Many people think, "This is just how I am."

2. Major Depression: This is the severe condition we commonly call 'depression'. It causes severe symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.

Now imagine that someone is already suffering from a long-term depressive state called 'dysthymia'. Over time, on top of that sad mood, a severe 'major depression' condition also develops. That's what we call 'double depression' . It's like a day when it's usually drizzling, and then suddenly lightning strikes and it starts raining heavily.

How is this different from Major Depression?

The biggest difference is the 'baseline mood'.

• A person with only major depression: This person's general mood (when they are not depressed) is at a healthy, normal level. When they have a depressive episode, it feels like a new, drastic change in their life. With treatment, they return to their normal mood.

• Someone with double depression: This person's 'normal' mood is somewhat sad (that is, their primary mood is 'dysthymia'). They may have never experienced a completely healthy, happy mood in their life. Therefore, when severe depression strikes, it can feel like "the sadness that I've always had just got worse."

The following table lists some of the more severe symptoms that can occur in a case of 'major depression'. These symptoms can be particularly severe in cases of double depression.

Why is 'double depression' difficult to treat?

There are several special challenges in treating this condition.

• Extreme hopelessness: Research has shown that people with double depression experience more intense feelings of hopelessness than those with other types of depression. They may have a strong sense of hopelessness, such as, "This is how my life is anyway, it can't get better."
• Physical effects: When you are sad for a long time, it also affects your body. This chronic stress increases your risk of developing other diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. These physical problems make treatment even more complicated.
• Unhealthy lifestyle habits: People who are depressed for a long time are more likely to turn to smoking, alcohol, or other drugs. They may also develop unhealthy eating habits. These habits can worsen their health and reduce their willingness to seek treatment.

Can this situation be prevented from occurring?

Yes. The best way to prevent 'double depression' is to treat the underlying long-term depressive disorder called 'dysthymia' at the outset.

There are several treatment methods:

• Antidepressants: Medications for depression are helpful, but they may take longer to work for dysthymia than for regular depression.
• Cognitive Therapy: This is a very important form of therapy. It involves identifying negative, unhealthy thought patterns that come to your mind, changing them, and practicing a more realistic and positive view of life.
• Exercise: Physical exercise is a great way to improve mood. Combining exercise with medication can enhance the results.
• Get good sleep: Chronic sleep deprivation can worsen depression symptoms, so try to get a good night's sleep.

Often, a combination of both medication and cognitive therapy is most effective. Your doctor will determine the treatment plan that is best for you.

How is 'double depression' treated?

In double depression, the patient may have a strong feeling that they have no control over their life, that everything happens according to fate or because of other people.

Therefore, in treatment, it is not enough to treat only the major depression. The underlying dysthymia condition must also be treated. Otherwise, even if the major depression is relieved, the underlying sad mood remains. Then the risk of a major depression occurring again is high.

Cognitive therapy is very important here. It helps people change the negative thought pattern of "I have no control over my life" and gain control over their lives and emotions. When combined with medication, this treatment method can successfully treat both aspects of 'double depression' at the same time.

Double Depression, Depression, Mental Health, Dysthymia, Sadness, Anxiety, Stress