It's normal to feel sad, depressed, and a little bored at times. Everyone experiences these things as life goes on. But do you have this sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation for weeks on end? Is it like a dark cloud hanging over your mind? Do you feel so tired that you can't even do your daily tasks properly? If so, this topic we're talking about today will be very important to you. This is what we medically call 'depression', or Major Depression or Clinical Depression .
What is Major Depression?
Simply put, depression is a treatable condition that goes beyond just feeling sad and involves the chemicals in our brain. It's not just a day or two of sadness, it's a deep sadness that lasts for most of the day for at least two weeks and is characterized by a loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there are several other symptoms that can be seen in addition to these two main symptoms. Think about it, do you also experience these things?
| Symptom | How does that feel? |
|---|---|
| Constant fatigue | I feel like I have no energy. I don't feel like doing even the smallest task. Even if I sleep all day, the fatigue won't go away. |
| Feelings of worthlessness or undue guilt | I constantly think things like "I don't care", "Everything is my fault". I constantly regret old mistakes. |
| Difficulty concentrating and making decisions | I can't keep my mind focused on reading a book, watching TV, or doing work. I spend hours thinking about even the smallest decision. |
| Sleep changes | Either you can't sleep no matter how much you try (Insomnia). Or you feel sleepy all day long and sleep more than you should (Hypersomnia). |
| Anhedonia (lack of pleasure from anything) | The desire to talk to friends, listen to a song, or watch a movie that I used to have is now completely gone. Nothing brings me joy. |
| Restlessness or sluggishness of the body | Either you feel restless and unable to stay in one place, or your speed of speech, thinking, or walking slows down abnormally. |
| Thoughts about death or suicide | I feel like life has no meaning. Thoughts like "I wish I were dead" come to mind frequently. |
| Significant change in body weight | Loss of appetite, or excessive weight gain due to binge eating (weight change of more than 5% in a month). |
The important thing is that not everyone who has one or two of these symptoms has depression. But if several of these symptoms occur together and are affecting your daily life for a long time, you should definitely seek medical advice.
Who is most affected by depression?
Depression can actually affect anyone, at any age, but some people are at a higher risk.
Is this risk higher for women?
Yes. Studies have found that women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men. There are several reasons for this.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can affect brain chemistry and cause depression.
- Lifestyle Pressure: This is also due to the stress women experience due to the culture of our country, balancing work and household chores, taking care of children, and caring for aging parents.
Are the symptoms different for men when they experience depression?
Often, men are slow to recognize depression when it occurs. Because social stereotypes like "men shouldn't cry" and "men should be strong" make them reluctant to talk about their feelings or ask for help.
So their depression comes out in a different way.
- Unreasonable anger and irritability.
- Substance abuse (sometimes a result of depression, other times a cause of depression).
- Tendency to harm others or oneself.
- Risky behaviors (such as speeding).
What are the main causes of depression?
There is no single cause of depression. It is a combination of genetic influences, brain chemical changes, and life events. These are the main things that can "trigger" a depressive episode.
- Losing a loved one: through death, divorce, or the breakup of a relationship.
- Social isolation: Loneliness, the feeling of being alone.
- Big life changes: losing a job, retiring, moving to another area.
- Relationship problems: Long-term problems within the family, at work.
- Being subjected to mental, physical or sexual abuse.
How do you know for sure if you have depression?
This is a very important question. It is not a good idea to decide for yourself that you have depression. And if you suspect that you do, it is not a good idea to hide it. The best thing you can do is see a qualified doctor.
The doctor will examine you carefully, ask about your symptoms, and ask about your personal and family medical history.
Remember, there is no blood test, X-ray, or other test that can diagnose depression. However, your doctor may do some blood tests to see if you have other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to depression. For example, hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, can also cause symptoms similar to depression.
What are the treatments for depression?
Here's the good news: Although depression is a serious illness, it can be successfully treated and cured.
Treatment methods vary depending on the severity of the disease. The main treatment methods are:
1. Antidepressants: Medications that correct the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. These should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can take several weeks to see results. If one medication doesn't work, your doctor will try another medication.
2. Psychotherapy: Also known as "talk therapy," this involves talking to a psychiatrist or counselor to help you understand and manage your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
Often, the best results are achieved by using both of these treatments together. In very severe cases, when the disease does not respond to medication, the doctor may refer you to other specialized treatments, such as ``Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)``.
Take-Home Message
- Depression is not a weakness of the heart or a figment of the imagination. It is a real, treatable illness.
- There's a big difference between just feeling sad and depression. Be on the lookout for deep sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms that last more than two weeks.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, please don't suffer alone. Talk to a doctor. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
- Do not stop taking your doctor's prescribed treatment, especially medication, without thinking. If you stop taking the medication just because you feel better, the disease may return.
- The best support you can give someone suffering from depression is to understand him or her, refer him or her to medical treatment, and provide strength for that journey.
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