It is normal to feel sad and anxious at times with the events of our lives. It is not surprising to feel sad at times, such as when you lose a loved one, fail an exam, or lose your job. But, do you also feel a constant sadness and hopelessness for no reason or for a small reason? Are you so depressed that you can't even do your daily tasks? If so, it may be something beyond normal sadness, which means it may be depression, a serious condition that requires treatment. The best place to talk about this is your family doctor. He or she can test you for this condition and help you treat the symptoms.
What exactly is depression?
Simply put, depression is a mental illness that affects our mind, emotions, thoughts, and body. It is not like ordinary sadness. It affects more than 300 million people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability in the world.
This condition can occur at any age. It can affect children, teenagers, and adults. However, it is most common in people in their early thirties. Depression is also common among older adults. Some people think that it is normal to feel sad as they get older, such as when they lose a spouse, lose friends, or develop a physical illness. That is true, but depression is not a normal response; it is a medical condition that requires treatment.
You may also have heard of postpartum depression, a condition that some women experience after giving birth. About 15% of women experience this condition. These symptoms can last from a few weeks to a few years. But the good news is that with professional help, almost all women who experience this condition can recover.
What are the main types of depression?
Depression doesn't come in one form or another. It comes in different types and levels. Let's look at some of the main types. To make it easier to understand, I'll show you a table like this.
| Type of depression | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Depressive Reaction | This occurs in response to a stressful event in life, such as losing a job or breaking up a relationship. Medically, this is also called `stress response syndrome` or `adjustment disorder with depressed mood` . Although the symptoms can be severe, unless there are significant changes in sleep or appetite, or suicidal thoughts, medication is usually not needed. The condition usually goes away within two weeks to six months. |
| Major Depression | This is a serious condition. It can make a person unable to perform daily tasks, withdraw from society, and even commit suicide. In addition to a depressed mood, there are other symptoms, such as loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, excessive fatigue, sleep problems, and feelings of guilt. In severe cases, delusions, such as believing that they have committed a serious sin or are going to die, or hallucinations, such as hearing voices criticizing them, can occur. This is a disease that can recur. |
| Dysthymia | This is a low-level, but long-lasting depressive disorder. It can last for up to two years in adults, and up to one year in children and young people. Although the symptoms are not as severe as major depression, it can have a significant impact on a person's life because it is persistent. In modern medicine, this condition is classified as `persistent depressive disorder` . |
The most important thing is to talk to a doctor about any symptoms you have. Don't try to figure out what you have on your own.
Why do we get depressed? What are the causes?
In fact, no single specific cause of depression has yet been found. It is considered a complex condition caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors.
Think of our brain as a complex system of electrical circuits. There are chemicals that carry messages through these circuits. We call these neurotransmitters. You may have heard of them like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These chemicals are important for the brain circuits that control our mood, thoughts, and behavior to function properly. Researchers believe that there is an imbalance in the activity of these chemicals in the brain of someone with depression, or a weakness in the activity of these circuits. Some medications for depression work to rebalance the activity of these chemicals.
Also, there is a genetic influence on this condition. If someone in the family has depression, the risk of others developing it is slightly higher. Just like diabetes and heart disease. But just having a genetic influence does not mean that someone will develop depression. It is also influenced by other environmental and lifestyle factors.
Factors that increase the risk of depression
There are several factors that increase the likelihood of depression or make it worse. Let's take a look at what they are.
- Childhood abuse: Being physically, sexually, or emotionally abused as a child can be a cause of depression later in life.
- Certain medications: Some medications for high blood pressure or liver disease may increase the risk of depression. If you have any concerns about the medication you are taking, talk to your doctor.
- Conflicts: Depression can also be caused by personal conflicts and arguments with family or friends.
- Death or loss of a loved one: While grief over the death of a loved one is normal, it can develop into depression in someone who is genetically predisposed.
- Genetic influence: As mentioned earlier, family history also plays a role.
- Big life changes: Even positive things like starting a new job, getting a degree, or getting married can be stressful for some people and lead to depression. So can moving, losing a job, getting divorced, or retiring.
- Other personal problems: Social isolation, loneliness, and problems caused by other mental illnesses can also cause depression.
- Serious physical illness: Sometimes depression can occur alongside a serious medical condition, such as cancer or heart disease, or it can occur as a response to that illness.
- Drug and alcohol use: It has been found that nearly 30% of drug addicts also have major depression.
Take-Home Message
- Depression is not just sadness. It is a real medical condition that requires treatment.
- This is not a weakness or something to be thought about. This condition can occur to anyone, at any age.
- Depression can be treated with help. The best first step is to talk to a trusted doctor.
- If you or someone you know has these symptoms, please don't leave them alone. Encourage them to seek help. With proper treatment, they can live a healthy life again.
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