Have you been feeling low lately? Occasionally feeling down or upset is a normal part of life, but many people struggle to understand whether they or their loved ones are simply feeling a little blue or suffering from depression. So, it is important to understand the signs, symptoms and when to seek help.
Understanding Depression
Depression is more than simply feeling sad or under the weather; it is a mental illness that can have a serious impact on the person’s thought patterns, feelings, behavior and overall quality of life. Statistics suggest that approximately 15 million Americans suffer from depression, and at least one in six will suffer a depressive illness once or more during their lifetime.
There are many factors that are thought to cause depression. Nerve cell and chemical disturbances in the brain, which can sometimes be genetically inherited, play a key role in depression. However, stressful life events, medical illness, losing a loved one, abusing drugs or excessive alcohol consumption can also be a factor.
Depression can also be linked to seasonal changes. This form of depression, which usually develops in fall, is called SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. Researchers have linked a decreased amount of sunlight to SAD, as the days get shorter in fall and we are exposed to lower light levels.
Other types of depression include Major Depressive Disorder or MDD, which is characterized by persistent low mood or sad feelings, it can also impair decision making and concentration. There is also Persistent Depressive Disorder or PDD, which is a form of depression with continuous symptoms lasting more than two years. Bipolar Disorder or manic depression is characterized by dramatic mood swings as the sufferer moves from depressive lows to manic highs.
Depression and Other Mental Health Conditions
| Feature | Depression | Anxiety Disorders | Bipolar Disorder | Schizophrenia | PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Symptoms | Persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of interest, sleep/appetite changes | Excessive worry, restlessness, rapid heart rate | Mood swings between depressive and manic episodes | Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking | Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety after trauma |
| Mood Changes | Low mood, hopelessness | Nervousness, excessive fear | Extreme highs and lows | Flat or inappropriate affect | Emotional distress triggered by trauma memories |
| Energy Levels | Fatigue, low energy | Restlessness or fatigue | High energy (mania) or low energy (depression) | Varies, often low motivation | Hypervigilance or exhaustion due to stress |
| Cognitive Effects | Difficulty concentrating, negative thoughts | Racing thoughts, excessive worry | Impulsivity (mania), difficulty focusing (depression) | Disorganized thinking, trouble distinguishing reality | Intrusive thoughts, memory issues |
| Sleep Patterns | Insomnia or excessive sleeping | Trouble falling or staying asleep | Decreased need for sleep (mania), hypersomnia (depression) | Irregular sleep patterns | Nightmares, insomnia |
| Treatment Options | Therapy, medication (SSRIs, SNRIs), lifestyle changes | Therapy, medication (SSRIs, benzodiazepines) | Mood stabilizers, therapy, lifestyle changes | Antipsychotic medication, therapy, rehabilitation | Trauma-focused therapy (EMDR, CBT), medication (SSRIs) |
| Causes/Risk Factors | Genetics, stress, chemical imbalance, trauma | Stress, genetics, environmental triggers | Genetic predisposition, stress, brain chemistry | Genetics, brain abnormalities, environmental factors | Exposure to trauma, abuse, combat, disasters |
| Onset & Duration | Can develop gradually or after a life event; may be chronic | Can be ongoing or triggered by stressors | Chronic but episodic | Often develops in late teens/early adulthood, chronic | Can appear after trauma, may be chronic if untreated |
The Impact of Depression
Depression can have a severe impact on the person’s personal life. An episode of depression can cause relationship issues, as they withdraw from activities, avoid social interactions or cancel plans. It can also impact work performance as decreased satisfaction and motivation issues can make it difficult to maintain productivity. Additionally, the monotony of day to day tasks and activities including going to work and completing unpleasant things can exacerbate the feelings of sadness and apathy experienced during a depressive episode.
Depression can also have an impact on physical health. There is a link between depression and sleep, and sleep plays a vital role in health and wellbeing. Without sufficient sleep, your immune system can suffer and you may end up feeling rundown and more prone to illness. Your physical health can also be impacted by weight fluctuations caused by comfort eating or loss of appetite. Overall, people with depression may be at higher risk of chronic illness including cardiovascular conditions, diabetes and more.
There is also a stigma that persists around depression. People with depression are often faced with the attitude of people who believe that they can simply “snap out of it.” These can lead to feelings of being judged or misunderstood, which may cause further social withdrawal.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Depression has a number of symptoms and signs that can help you to appreciate if you or one of your loved ones is struggling.
Changing Sleep Patterns
Changing sleep patterns is one of the common symptoms of depression. This could include difficulties in falling asleep, oversleeping or waking up earlier than you would normally. Unfortunately, changes in sleep patterns can exacerbate the feelings of fatigue associated with depression and could contribute to a more profound impact on your outlook.
Appetite Changes
A change in appetite is another common symptom of major depressive disorders. However, while some people may lose their appetite, others may experience increased appetite. Experts confirm that many of the regions of the brain involved in regulating appetite play a role in depression, hence the connection. This can also lead to changes in weight, which can further exacerbate negative feelings as self esteem and body image can be impacted by weight changes.
Energy Level Changes
Some people experience a marked decrease in energy when suffering from depression. They may feel fatigued or persistently tired even with adequate rest. This can make even the simplest task feel exhausting or overwhelming.
Physical Pain
Pain can also be a common symptom of depression, It may present as gastrointestinal issues, joint pain, backaches or other discomfort. Although there may be other causes of the pain, the physical symptoms may be an initial indicator of depression.
Feelings of Sadness or Hopelessness
Feeling sad or hopeless is a core symptom of depression. Those experiencing depression often feel low in mood or sad persistently for extended periods. They may struggle to see a way out of the current situation and feel things may never get better.
Feeling Empty
A feeling of emptiness is a common sign of depression, This may present as numbness or a profound sense of an inner void. These feelings have the potential to take over various aspects of life, which can leave individuals disconnected from their interests, relationships and emotions.
Loss of Interest
This is a behavioral change that is commonly associated with depression. Individuals may struggle to feel motivated to participate in their favorite activities and lose interest in things they previously enjoyed including hobbies and activities.
Withdrawal
Another common sign of depression is withdrawing from social interactions. The person may avoid social gatherings, isolating themselves from both family and friends, preferring to spend their time alone. The withdrawal may stem from a lack of energy, feelings of sadness or low self-esteem, but it shows an inability to engage with others.
Difficulty Concentrating
Having trouble concentrating is a significant indicator of a depressive disorder. During an acute depression episode, a person may experience difficulty focusing, thinking clearly or making decisions. This can make the sufferer feel indecisive as they can find it challenging making even the simplest of decisions.
Memory Issues
Depression can have an impact on a number of cognitive functions, including impairments in short term and long term verbal and visual memory. Of course, everyone can get a little forgetful at times, but if you or a loved one seems to be noticeably struggling, it could be an indicator of depression.
Lack of Sex Drive
Whether it is due to a lack of interest, self esteem issues or feeling fatigued, a lack of interest in sex can be a sign of feeling depressed.
Thoughts of Suicide or Death
While the person may not make a physical suicide attempt, having thoughts of suicide or death can indicate a major depressive disorder.
Seeking Help
If you or your loved one is struggling with depression, you should reach out to your healthcare professional. If you’ve experienced symptoms most of the day, every day for over two weeks, you should seek help, particularly if your symptoms are not getting better, your personal relationships are affected or you have self harm or suicidal thoughts.
Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options. However, everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another. There is no cure or wishing away depression symptoms, so try to keep an open mind to explore the options.
Psychotherapy
Although many people feel daunted by the prospect of psychotherapy, it is simply talking to a mental health professional about your concerns and depression symptoms. Therapy provides someone to listen to how you feel without judgment. They can help you to navigate your way through episodes of depression and gain coping skills.
There are several therapy options, from individual one on one therapy to group therapy. You may also find couples therapy helpful if depression is having an impact on your relationship. While you need to learn strategies to improve your depression symptoms, couples therapy can provide your partner with the tools they need to support you and cope with the challenges in your relationship.
In the past, therapy tended to be limited to in-person services, but after 2020, telehealth has become more common and accessible. This allows you to connect with a counselor at home using your computer, smartphone or tablet.
There are also different therapy approaches. The Anxiety and Depression Associates of America (ADAA) provides a full guide on the different types of therapy, including interpersonal therapy (IPT), and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Medications
Your healthcare professional may recommend trying medication to alleviate your symptoms of depression. Many people are a little hesitant about using medication for depression treatment, but it can provide a way to get through the point at which you feel stuck.
There are numerous different medications and there can be a little trial and error to find the right option for you. If your therapist is not able to prescribe medications, they can refer you to someone who can or you can speak to your primary care physician. They will discuss your medical history and symptoms to help you to determine which medication is best suited to your needs.
It is important to read through the medication details, so you can be fully aware of how long it typically takes before you start to feel the effects and any potential side effects. Medications are not a magic pill, so you can’t expect to immediately feel better, however, you may start to feel more positive, simply because you are taking proactive action.
Exercise
This can be tricky, particularly if depression leaves you feeling fatigued or you don’t really like exercise. However, exercise can help to lift you from the deepest depths of depression. Even if you don’t particularly like hitting the gym, getting out for some fresh air and a walk can help you to feel more positive.
Think about what activities you previously enjoyed or if there is an activity you wanted to try, and you may find it counts towards exercise. Walking in nature, swimming, yard work or even dancing is all exercise.
Exercise encourages the release of dopamine, which is an important chemical in the brain. Dopamine can decrease anxiety, improve memory and boost the mood. While it is not a depression cure, exercise can provide both physical and mental health benefits.
Yoga
If you’re a little daunted by the prospect of yoga, simply think of it as a series of different stretches with breathing techniques. These poses are easy to practice, even if you’re not particularly active. There are beginner friendly and more advanced poses, so you can choose the level where you’re most comfortable. Research has shown that yoga can help to reduce stress and improve focus and alertness.
You can join a class or if you’re struggling with social interactions, you can practice at home.
Meditation
Meditation involves focusing on the present moment and allowing your thoughts to simply come and go without any judgment. You can focus on your breathing, which can help to quiet your mind if you’re struggling with negative thoughts.
There are plenty of resources to learn about meditation and again, you can take classes or practice at home alone.
Hospitalization
In an extreme case, you may require hospitalization for your depression. If the symptoms are too much to handle and you are unable to function or considering harming yourself, a hospital could be the best place for you to recover.
Many people are worried about getting in-patient help for depression, as they are afraid of what people will think or say, but hospitalization is nothing to be ashamed of. Depression is a real illness and just like you wouldn’t try to struggle through at home with appendicitis, if you are having severe depression issues, you need the expertise and round the clock care of medical professionals.
When to Seek Help
We’ve already touched on this, but if you or a loved one is suffering from depression, it is important to acknowledge that it won’t simply go away on its own. It can be difficult to seek help if you’re feeling depressed, but it is important to get the best treatment. Mental health professionals are trained to not only recognize the signs and symptoms of depression, but help you to work through the most applicable treatment options for you.
So, if you have concerns about yourself or someone close to you, it is a good idea to reach out for some help and guidance.
Depression FAQs
What Causes Depression?
There is no hard and fast answer to this question, as there can be emotional, physical or psychological causes for a number of depressive conditions. There is some research to suggest inherited traits, but you can experience depression even if there is no family history, particularly if you’ve suffered a life changing event.
Is Depression the Same as Being Sad?
Depression is not simply feeling sad. Sadness is a natural response to some challenging circumstances, but depression is far more distinct. So, while those struggling with depression may feel sad, depression is a mood disorder which can significantly impact thoughts, emotions and behavior.
Are Mood Swings and Depression the Same?
Mood swings can be a sign of depression, but they are not synonymous. If you’re experiencing depression, you may have fluctuations in your mood, moving between times where you feel okay and low periods. However, people with depression rarely experience an upturn in their mood, experiencing times when they feel great, unless they have bipolar, where they can swing from very low periods and manic phases, where they can seem highly energized.
It is important to note that depressed people may not feel the same all day. People often feel worse in the morning and start to feel lighter as the day wears on, but some can struggle with dark thoughts and moods at night.
Does Depression Go Away?
Depression rarely simply goes away, as you need to address the underlying issues to improve your symptoms. Whether this is talking through your feelings, finding coping mechanisms or taking medications, you may need to take some action to start feeling some relief from your symptoms.
There is a lot of stigma around depression, as many people still fail to recognize that it is a genuine illness and not simply feeling blue. Depression is quite common, with one in six Americans experiencing depression during at least one period in their lives. So, it is important to recognize the signs to determine when you need to seek help.
Depression can have a number of symptoms and not everyone experiences most or all of them. You may experience one or more symptoms or struggle with all of them at once. Additionally, the symptoms can overlap, exacerbating your feelings. For example, difficulties in sleeping can increase feelings of fatigue, affect your appetite and compromise your focus or concentration.
If you are struggling with any of the symptoms and they are impacting your day to day life, relationships, and work, then it is worth speaking with a healthcare professional to discuss how you’re feeling and possible treatment methods. While it can be daunting to reach out for help, particularly if you’ve not had any issues with depression before, the symptoms can be managed and you can work towards addressing the underlying issues and feeling more positive.
