Things You Should Know About Depression

Things You Should Know About Depression

Mental health conditions can be extremely challenging, and depression is no exception. In fact, it’s one of the most common mental health conditions. About one in five adults experiences depression in any given year. Unfortunately, many people who have it don’t seek help—and that’s a problem. Untreated depression has serious side effects and can lead to suicide or other dangerous behaviors. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, these seven things will help you understand what it is, the different types of depression, risk factors for developing it, potential treatments, and how to get help.
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What is depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. You may also have changes in appetite, sleep, and energy levels. Depression can be a one-time thing (sometimes called a “depression episode”) or a longer-lasting problem. If you have depression for longer than two weeks, you may be diagnosed with major depressive disorder (also called “clinical depression”). Depression is a very common mental health condition. In fact, it’s the leading cause of disability worldwide. That’s because it affects more people than all other mental health conditions combined. In the United States alone, more than 16 million people are affected by depression each year. And the numbers are staggering: One in five people will experience depression in their lifetime, and one in 10 will have it in any given year. Women are twice as likely as men to have depression. It also tends to run in families, which suggests that genes might play a role in its occurrence.


What are the different types of depression?

There are many different types of depression, and not all of them are caused by the same things.

Some of the more common types include:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)

This is the most common type of depression. It affects a person’s mood, energy levels, thoughts, feelings, sleeping habits, appetite, and ability to focus.

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

This type of depression occurs during fall and winter and usually improves in spring and summer.

• Psychotic depressive disorder

This type of depression often comes with hallucinations and delusions and is more common in people with bipolar disorder.

• Postpartum depression

This type of depression occurs in new mothers and is often accompanied by anxiety.

• Bipolar depression

This type of depression is linked with the symptoms of bipolar disorder, which includes extreme shifts in energy and mood. 

• Medication-induced depression

This type of depression occurs when you stop taking certain medications, have an allergic reaction to medication, and experience a mood change as a result.


Risk factors for developing depression

There are several risk factors that may make you more likely to develop depression. These include: - Having a history of depression. If you’ve had depression before, you’re more likely to get it again. - Having a family history of depression. If you have a parent or sibling with the condition, you’re more likely to develop it, too.

• Having a mental health condition. Depression is more common in people with anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions.
• Having a physical health condition. Many chronic health problems and illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s, can increase the risk for depression.
• Having a stressful life event. Chronic stress, traumatic life events, and relationship problems can all increase the risk for depression.

Treatments for depression

The options for treating depression depend on the cause, severity, and length of the condition. The goal of treatment is to ease symptoms and help people feel better.

Treatment options include:

• Psychotherapy

This type of therapy focuses on resolving conflicts, improving communication skills, and changing behaviors that might be contributing to depression.

• Medication

Taking prescription antidepressants such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can help ease symptoms of depression.

• Complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies

These include acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and massage.

• Nutritional supplements

These include fish oil, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, vitamin D, and probiotics.


How to get help for depression

If you think you might be depressed, you should talk to a doctor. They can help you figure out if you have depression and, if so, how to best treat it. They can also make sure that any other conditions, such as a medical illness or side effect from a medication, aren’t contributing to your symptoms. If you suspect someone you know has depression, you should be extra careful not to dismiss it as “just a bad day”. Be supportive, encourage them to get help, and remind them that depression is nothing to be ashamed of. Don’t make them feel worse by saying things like, “Snap out of it,” or “You don’t seem that sad.” Depression is a real condition that can be treated with therapy and/or medication. Although it may not go away completely, it can be managed so that you can get back to living a full and happy life.


If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, there’s no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. While depression is a very common mental health condition, many people are hesitant to talk about it. This is because there is still a stigma surrounding mental health conditions and mental healthcare. If you’re hesitant to talk about your feelings with family, friends, and doctors, remember that you aren’t alone. Millions of people deal with depression every year.