We all have times in our lives when we feel sad and disappointed, don't we? It's very normal to feel sad when you lose a loved one, fail an exam, or lose your job. It's our human nature to feel sad. But if this intense sadness, helplessness, and worthlessness that you feel lasts for days or weeks, crippling your entire life, it can be something more than just normal sadness. That's what we're talking about today, depression, or a treatable condition called Clinical Depression .
What exactly is depression? (What is Depression?)
Simply put, depression is a mental health condition that affects your mood. It can cause you to feel sad all the time or lose interest in things you used to enjoy. It's like a dark cloud hanging over your head. It affects the way you think, the way you feel, and even the way you function in your daily life.
The important thing is that depression is not laziness or weakness of mind. It is a real medical condition that requires treatment, just like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Although there is no "magic pill" that can completely cure this condition, with the right treatment and counseling, symptoms can be completely controlled and you can live a normal, happy life. We call that state of the disease remission. So don't give up hope.
Do you also have these symptoms?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which doctors use to diagnose mental illnesses, if you have five or more of the following symptoms for two weeks , you may have depression. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Symptom | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Sad mood that lasts all day | The emptiness, sadness, and frustration you feel, especially in the morning. |
| Lack of energy/tiredness | Feeling tired and sleepy all day even without doing anything. |
| Feelings of worthlessness/guilt about oneself | Frequent thoughts like "I am useless" and "I am responsible for everything." |
| Feeling of disappointment | Pessimistic thoughts like "nothing will ever get better." |
| Difficulty concentrating and making decisions | Difficulty remembering small things, concentrating on work, and making decisions. |
| Sleep changes | Insomnia or excessive sleeping (sleepiness throughout the day). |
| Loss of interest in previously enjoyable things | Loss of interest in talking to friends, watching TV, or engaging in hobbies. |
| Thoughts about death or suicide | Thinking that life is meaningless, thinking about harming yourself. |
| Body weight change | Loss of appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain. |
In addition, physical symptoms such as frequent irritability, restlessness, persistent body aches, headaches, and stomach upset may also occur. This is because brain chemicals associated with depression, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, are linked to our mood as well as pain.
Do young children and young people also get depression?
Yes. This can affect anyone of any age.
- Young children: It's normal for a child to feel sad. But if the sadness persists for several days, and there are behavioral changes that interfere with schoolwork or playing with friends, it could be depression.
- Teens: Mood swings are common at this age. However, if you notice signs of sadness lasting more than two weeks, missing schoolwork, withdrawing from friends, or turning to drugs or alcohol, you should be concerned. Talk to a doctor immediately for advice.
What are the causes of depression?
No single specific cause of depression has been found, but doctors believe it may be caused by a combination of factors.
- Brain structure: Physical changes can be seen in some parts of the brain of people with depression.
- Brain Chemical Changes: Our mood is controlled by chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters . When these are out of balance, depression can occur.
- Hormones: Depression can be caused by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, postpartum, thyroid problems, and menopause.
- Genetics: If someone in your family has depression, you may be at slightly higher risk of developing it too.
Are there different types of depression?
Yes, depression can come in many forms and under many different names. Your doctor will diagnose which type you have based on your symptoms.
- Unipolar major depression: The most common type of depression.
- Persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia): A less severe but long-term depressive state that lasts for two years or more.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): A condition that causes women to experience depression and mood swings that are more severe than the typical PMS.
- Peripartum depression: Depression that occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth.
- Substance-induced mood disorder: Depressive symptoms that occur due to drug or alcohol use or after stopping them.
- Seasonal pattern: The onset of depressive symptoms at certain times of the year, especially during the darker, less sunny months.
How is depression diagnosed and treated?
If you think you have symptoms of depression, the best thing to do is to see your family doctor. He or she will examine you and, if necessary, refer you to a mental health specialist.
Diagnosis
By the doctor:
1. A physical examination will be performed to check for other medical conditions.
2. Things like thyroid hormone levels will be checked through blood tests .
3. They will talk to you about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. This is very important.
4. Your symptoms will be assessed according to the (DSM-5) criteria.
Treatment
The treatment method depends on the nature and severity of your symptoms.
- Medication: Antidepressants are very effective for depression. You may need to try several medications to find the one that works best for you. These should only be used under medical supervision.
- Psychotherapy: Simply put, this is a talking therapy. Talking about your problems with a mental health counselor can help you manage your symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one popular method used for this.
- Other treatments: In severe cases that do not respond to medication, specialized treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be recommended.
Risk signs and suicidal thoughts
This is a very important and sensitive matter.
If you have frequent thoughts of harming yourself or dying, don't ignore it. It's part of the illness. Never hesitate to ask for help.
If you or someone you know is planning or talking about harming themselves, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or see a doctor as soon as possible.
Take-Home Message
- Depression is not a weakness of the mind, it is a treatable illness.
- If you or someone you know has sadness, lack of interest, and other symptoms that last more than two weeks, don't hesitate to seek medical advice.
- With the right treatment (medication and psychotherapy), depression can be successfully controlled and you can live a happy life.
- If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, it is an emergency. Seek medical help immediately. You are not alone, there are many people who can help.
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