What is Depression? – Types, Common and Severe Symptoms of Depression

What is Depression – Despite the technological advances in the 21st century, mental health disorders are still a huge taboo in American Society. A huge number of people do not want to talk with people who are struggling with mental health disorders.

At the same time, people also don’t want to talk about their mental health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will leave the United States to record more than 7 million cases of general mental health disorders each year.

Mental health issues, including depression, are a huge problem in the 21st century. In the 20th century, mental health disorders such as depression were only limited to the middle-aged working class, but now it has started affecting youngsters as old as 14. 

The pressure of early success and fake lifestyles on social media platforms has been pushing a lot of youngsters into depression and other mental health disorders. That is why today we are here to talk about everything related to depression so that you can ensure your safety along with the safety or fear of loved ones.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that can affect your mood and ability to function. You might have seen people around you who don’t like to talk to anyone and always seem sad. That person might be suffering from depression.

There are several symptoms associated with the condition, such as sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety. Most mental health disorders, including depression, are known to affect the general process, such as thinking, eating, sleeping, and memory.

Usually, people do not talk about their mental health disorders, and conditions like depression can get worse over a period of time. It is also known to impose suicidal thoughts.

The World Health Organization believes depression is among the most common mental health disorders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also believed the same, and around 7% of adult Americans get diagnosed with depression each year.

Types of Depression

You might not realize it, but there are some types of depression, according to health care providers. The symptoms of different types of depression can be different.

• Major depressive disorder is known to have intense and overwhelming symptoms that can last longer than two weeks.
• Bipolar depression is a serious condition where a person can be extremely happy one second and extremely sad on the other.
• Most women also experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder days or weeks before their menstrual cycle.
• Seasonal affective disorder is also known to be highly popular in the United States. There is a probability that a person might feel sad during fall or early winter.

Symptoms of Depression

Before we talk about the major causes, let’s take a quick look at all the symptoms of depression. The intensity of these symptoms can be different in each person, and there is also a probability that you might not be experiencing any of the below-given symptoms, but you still have depression.

• A long feeling of sadness
• Depressed mood
• Loss of interest in everything
• No pleasure in any activities
• Change in appetite
• Huge weight loss or weight gain
• Trouble sleeping or waking up
• Loss of energy
• Increased fatigue in
• Feeling worthless
• Feeling guilty
• Difficulty thinking
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of death And suicide

As you can clearly see in the above-given list, there are so many different types of symptoms. If you believe your family has had behavioral changes for a very long time now, then you should consult with your health care provider as early as possible.

Depression is a serious issue, and the cases of depression are rising at a rapid speed, even in the 21st century. One thing you should keep in mind, if you are taking anyone to a healthcare provider for the symptoms of depression, then make sure that person has been experiencing these symptoms for more than two to three weeks.

Anyone can feel sad for four or five days without getting depression. Kindly do not ignore if you or anyone in your family is having suicidal thoughts even once. As we previously suggested, there is a probability that you might be experiencing depression without any symptoms.

Suicide thoughts are one of the deadliest symptoms, and you should never ignore them.

Major causes of Depression

The American Psychiatric Association suggests every American take a deep look at all the major causes of depression. It has become one of the most popular mental health disorders in the 21st century, and millions of Americans get diagnosed with depression each year.

• Chemical imbalances in some parts of the brain can also cause depression. Our brain is known to control our mood, thoughts, appetite, sleep, and behavioral changes. Any chemical imbalance in that part of the brain can cause depression.
• Hormonal changes in women, including estrogen and progesterone, are also known to cause depression. Most women experience changes in their hormones during the menstrual cycle, postpartum period, and menopause.
• People who have a family history of developing depression and other mental disorders are more vulnerable to depression than any other person in the world.
• Medical conditions such as chronic diseases, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, cancer, heart attack, and insomnia are also known to cause depression.
• People who misuse alcohol and other drugs are also more vulnerable to getting depressed than any other person.

American Psychiatric Association Everyone keeps an eye on their overall health. Any behavioral change could be the reason and symptom of depression.

Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe remain are more vulnerable to getting depression than men. People who already have a history of a similar disease should stay alert and consult with their health care provider as early as possible.

There is also a probability that a vitamin D deficiency can also trigger depression and similar symptoms. According to one study published in 2018, transgender people are 400% more vulnerable to getting depression than straight people.

Diagnosis of Depression

Mental health experts are capable of diagnosing a person who is struggling with depression and other medical disorders by taking a look at their symptoms and medical history.

Your doctor will use the rule-out approach to rule out every other possibility that could be causing similar symptoms. Your health expert might also ask you for your family medical history.

During the diagnosis, your mental health professional might ask you some questions to assess the severity of the disease. There is a 21-question Hamilton depression rating scale that can help your health care provider to measure the severity of depression.

Treatment of Depression

Similar to diagnosis, your doctor might suggest you go for different approaches according to your symptoms. 

Before we start the discussion regarding the treatment of depression, let me tell you there is a high probability that you might start experiencing symptoms of depression within 12 months of your treatment.

If your doctor has helped you to successfully come out of depression, then you should make sure that you are making enough lifestyle changes to not fall into depression once again. The American Psychiatric Association believes around 40% of people who recover from depression are once again going to fall into the same pit.

Medication

There are some medicines available in the market that can help you manage the symptoms of depression. Most of these medicines are available by prescription, so you cannot buy them over the counter. 

Even if you get any medicine that can help you with depression, kindly do not take it without consulting with your healthcare provider.

Most health care providers are going to suggest you take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, or similar medicines. These medicines are also known to cause some other side effects. Always consider these possibilities with your provider.

Natural Remedies

Along with medicine, your health care provider might also suggest you go for some natural remedies. These remedies are also mentioned by the American Psychiatric Association only on their official website.

First of all, your health care provider will suggest you go for a good diet and exercise approach. You will have to cut out sugary and processed food items from your diet. At the same time, you have to start exercising on a regular basis.

Both things together can help you build your confidence once again and enjoy life. Several studies have already mentioned that eating more fruits, vegetables, and olive oil can help you with your depression.

Therapies

Your mental health care provider might also suggest you go for some psychotherapies to treat your depression. These psychotherapies are very helpful in treating people who are struggling with emotional problems that can affect their relationships and communication. Apart from that, it can also help a person to improve their relationship with their friends and family and manage their emotions.