We all feel sad and depressed at some point in our lives. It's very normal. But what if this sadness never goes away, becomes a huge burden on your mind day after day, and puts you in a situation where you can't even do your daily tasks properly? That's not normal sadness. It's a serious condition that we medically call it. We call this Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) . This condition can severely affect every aspect of your life, your relationships, your hobbies, and especially your job.
Sometimes this depression can be so severe that you may no longer be able to do your job effectively or work as enthusiastically and efficiently as you used to. At times like these, it is very important to be aware of this condition and the relief that is available to you.
What exactly is this depression?
Simply put, depression is a common medical and mental health condition that affects your mood, emotions, and behavior. It causes you to feel very sad or apathetic about your daily life.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 5% of adults in the world suffer from some form of depression. So you can imagine how common this condition is.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a diagnostic guide used by doctors around the world, to be diagnosed with major depression, a person must have at least two weeks of persistent sad mood, loss of interest in daily activities, and most of the following symptoms:
What are the symptoms of depression?
The symptoms of depression can vary greatly from person to person. The severity of the symptoms also varies. Let's look at the main symptoms that are seen.
| Symptom | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Brain fog | Difficulty thinking, concentrating, making decisions. Feeling like you're covered in brain fog. |
| Changes in appetite | Sudden loss of appetite or overeating. |
| Always feeling sad | Being constantly sad or frustrated, with or without reason. |
| Feeling worthless about yourself | Constantly thinking that one is worthless and that one's mistakes are always their own. Regrets about things that happened in the past. |
| Anger without reason | Getting angry quickly, becoming restless, and yelling at even the smallest things. |
| Body fatigue | Feeling powerless to do anything, constantly tired. |
| Sleep problems | Insomnia or sleeping too much. |
| Slowing of movements and speech | Slowed body movements and speaking speed. |
| Weight changes | Weight gain or loss for no other reason. |
| Thoughts of ending your life | Thoughts about death or suicide (this is a very serious symptom) |
The important thing is that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions (e.g. thyroid problems). Therefore, if you have these symptoms, it is very important to see a doctor to find out the exact cause.
What causes depression?
It's hard to pinpoint a single cause for depression. There can be many factors at play.
- Brain chemistry: Our brain needs certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the right amounts to function properly. When these chemicals are out of balance, mental illnesses like depression can occur.
- Genetics: If someone in your family has depression, you may also be at slightly higher risk.
- Environmental factors: Living in an environment where there is frequent abuse, violence, and poverty can lead to depression.
- Personality traits: People who have a personality that is pessimistic about everything and is easily overwhelmed by stress are more likely to develop depression.
- This condition can also be caused by major life changes: divorce, death of a loved one, or job loss.
Is there any treatment?
Yes, absolutely! Depression is a condition that can be treated and managed well. Treatment usually involves medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. However, what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor to determine which treatment option is best for you.
Is depression considered a disability?
This is a problem that many people have. In countries like the United States, there are special laws (Americans With Disabilities Act - ADA) that recognize depression as a disability. Although there is no law of the same name in our country, it is recognized that severe depression is a serious medical condition that affects a person's daily activities, especially their job, to the point where they cannot continue .
Simply put, if your depression is affecting you to the point where you are unable to perform major life functions (e.g., working, studying, or doing your own chores), it is considered a disability.
A doctor will determine how serious your condition is by considering factors such as:
| How to measure the severity of the condition | |
|---|---|
| First, medical records must confirm 5 or more of these symptoms: | |
| - Depressed mood - Loss of interest in everything - Appetite and weight changes - Sleep problems - Physical restlessness or sluggishness | - Low energy - Guilty feelings - Difficulty concentrating - Thoughts of death or suicide |
| Second, how have those characteristics affected your performance? | |
There must be extreme limitation or marked limitation in one or two of the following abilities:
| |
If you are having difficulty working due to depression, you can get a medical report from your doctor and discuss it with your employer. Through that, you can get the medical leave you need or some relief at work.
What benefits are available at the workplace?
The workplace may provide reasonable accommodations to help an employee with a mental health condition, such as depression, perform their duties properly. You can also talk to your organization's human resources (HR) department or manager about this. Here are some examples:
- Flexible scheduling: Changing working hours, working part-time.
- Work from home: Allowing people to work from home whenever possible.
- Rest time: Allowing you to rest as needed, without being tied to a set schedule.
- Work division: Instead of giving a large task at once, break it down into smaller parts.
- Reduce unnecessary distractions: Help reduce distractions (e.g., provide a quiet space, use noise-canceling headphones).
- Mental health leave: Allow sick leave to be used for mental health issues.
Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It's a strong step you take to take care of yourself.
Take-Home Message
- Depression is not just sadness, it is a real illness that requires treatment.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, don't suffer alone, but see a trusted doctor. With the right treatment, this condition can be well controlled.
- When depression is severe, it can be considered a disabling condition that prevents you from continuing your job.
- If your mental health is affecting your work, don't be afraid to talk about the accommodations and facilities available at your workplace, with the help of your doctor.
- You are not alone. Getting help is a sign of strength.
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