DEPRESSION
“I’ve noticed a shift within myself, a gradual shift from an easy smile to a smile that is now taxing.” Getting out of bed in the morning has become a major challenge. I’ve always been punctual at work. However, staying up late has become my new normal. I’m feeling heavy on the inside, and nothing makes sense. I can’t think of a VALID reason. I used to enjoy drawing, eating, and dancing, but I no longer have the energy or desire to do any of these activities. There appears to be a barrier between me and other people, an invisible barrier.
I always fail to reach out to them, no matter how hard I try. When no one is looking, why am I crying in the middle of the day? I’m tired of living a life that I used to enjoy.”
Depression is a serious mental illness that affects many people. Globally, 350 million people suffer from depression, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Depression is a widely used but poorly understood term. It’s easy to mix it up with sadness, anxiety, phobias, and stress.
Signs and symptoms
Depression manifests itself in a variety of ways that can be easily recognized. Some of these symptoms may appear in a person suffering from depression at some point.
- They will experience a level of sadness that will last for weeks and will be present throughout the day. The person’s demeanour and expressions can also reveal their sadness. Some people may also bring up somatic complaints such as aches and pains in their bodies. Extreme emotional dysregulation can also manifest itself in the form of rage outbursts and increased irritability.
- The person tends to enter a state of mind in which they are unable to enjoy activities in which they are normally interested. They become disinterested in pleasurable activities. People who are close to a depressed person may begin to withdraw socially. Their libido suffers as well.
- A person suffering from depression may lose or gain a significant amount of weight. This can also be equated to a person’s appetite increasing or decreasing. They may feel compelled to eat or develop a strong desire for certain foods.
- The person becomes easily fatigued and tired. They may appear irritable and have a significant decrease in or increase in the amount of sleep they get. Fatigue can occur even when there is no physical exertion. Even the simplest tasks can appear to necessitate a significant amount of effort.
- Other symptoms include a decreased ability to focus and the inability to make decisions in everyday life. They may feel a great deal of guilt, hopelessness, and worthlessness. With their condition, they enter a state of helplessness.
- They may also begin to have suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide.
Impact various aspects of a person’s life – social, occupational, and personal – in a visible way. They are unable to cope with daily challenges, and their self-care suffers as a result. With the theoretical understanding of the symptoms, the excerpt given at the start of the article can now be better understood.
Common causes of depression
Scientists do not yet know the exact cause of depression. However, many experts think that several factors play a role in its onset, including:
Depression can run in families. Having a close relative with the condition can raise a person’s risk for developing it themselves
Physical changes or chemical imbalances in the brain may contribute to the development of depression.
Hormonal changes or imbalances in the body may cause or trigger depression. For example, many women experience postpartum depression after giving birth.
Periods of high stress, traumatic events, or major life changes can trigger an episode of depression in some people
Having low self-esteem or being pessimistic, for example, may increase the risk of depression
Having another mental or physical health condition or taking certain medications can increase the risk of depression
TYPES OF DEPRESSION
Low mood, irritability, exhaustion, agitation, anhedonia, mood swings, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and the triad of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness are all common symptoms of depression. Physical and chemical changes in the brain can occur as a result of depression. However, there are several types of depression, each with its own set of symptoms that distinguishes it from the others.
Depression: It is also called as major depressive disorder. When you’re depressed for the majority of the time, this is what happens: Insomnia or sleeping too much, significant weight gain or loss, loss of motivation, decreased interest in activities you used to enjoy, feeling exhausted without doing much, restlessness, feeling worthless and guilty, suicidal ideation, difficulty concentrating and making decisions are some of the other symptoms. All this persists for at least 2 weeks or more.
Major depression can manifest itself in a variety of ways depending on how it makes you feel, such as:
Is defined as losing control of yourself, feeling restless and tense about the possibility of something terrible happening, and this keeps you anxious and distressed with an inability to focus on anything else.
Is characterized by intense sadness and a desire to give up; even good things no longer bring you joy, and you feel you have nothing positive to look forward to; difficulty waking up in the morning due to a lack of motivation; unwillingness to face reality; sleeping poorly; weight loss without effort; and suicidal thoughts.
Feeling uneasy and restless all of the time, talking a lot, fidgeting, being impulsive, and trying to distract yourself but not being able to stay still or focused are all examples of agitation.
Is a term used to describe depression that lasts for two years or longer. Dysthymia, a low-grade persistent depression, is also present. Appetite changes (eating too little or too much), fatigue, sleep issues (sleeping too much or too little), low self-esteem and self-worth, difficulty concentrating on tasks, and feelings of hopelessness are all symptoms of this.
Is characterised by extreme and intense mood swings that swing from high energy and elevated mood to a low or depressive state like a pendulum. When a person is depressed, they will experience symptoms of major depression. Manic depression is another name for this condition.
Affects people primarily during the winter months, when there is a lack of sunlight and days and nights appear to be the same and gloomy. A person’s energy level is said to decrease as a result of a lack of sunlight. As a result, it is referred to as seasonal because it disappears during the summer and spring.
A person with this disorder has major depressive symptoms as well as psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there in reality), delusions (false beliefs) such as believing that someone is trying to hurt you (delusions of grandeur), and paranoia (being suspicious of people who are trying to harm them, such as family members).
After giving birth to a child, some women experience major depression. It can last weeks, if not months. The symptoms are similar to those of major depressive disorder. This can escalate to the point of suicidal ideation, and therapy should be sought. During the peripartum period, a small percentage of men may experience depressive symptoms.
Is a type of depression that affects some women at the start of their menstrual cycle. Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, difficulty focusing, anxiety, sleep and appetite disturbances, and feeling overwhelmed are some of the symptoms.
A person may struggle to cope with a major life event of change, such as grief or the death of a loved one, job loss, divorce, and so on. The’stress response syndrome’ is another name for this.
This differs from major depression in that in other forms of depression, particularly persistent ones, nothing brings joy, even things you used to enjoy, and you continue to feel sad. A positive event, on the other hand, can lift your spirits and make you feel better in this situation. Increased appetite, sleeping a lot more than usual, being oversensitive to criticism and getting triggered easily, and feeling heaviness in your arms and legs are some of the symptoms.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SADNESS AND DEPRESSION
Sadness
- There are times when you are unhappy, but it is only for a short time.
- There is a specific reason for this.
- A regular schedule is followed.
- There is no permanent sense of insignificance.
- Suicidal ideologies are not present.
Depression
- There are times when you are permanently unhappy.
- There isn’t a single cause.
- A regular routine is disrupted.
- There is a constant sense of insignificance.
- There is suicidal ideology present
Depression Myths
Depression is one of the most common and misunderstood mental illnesses. We’ll try to dispel a few common misconceptions about depression. People with depression face prejudice, and because of the stigma associated with depression, fewer people disclose that they have it or suspect they may have it. As a result, it’s important to understand the facts about depression.
Fact: Many people believe that depression is simply being sad all of the time and that it isn’t serious. People who suffer from it are labelled as lazy and told that it is all in their heads. This, however, is not the case. It’s a type of mental illness. Depression causes a chemical imbalance in the brain, which is why medication, in addition to depression counselling, is required. It’s the result of a slew of social, biological, and psychological factors. Depression can be caused by a variety of factors including genes, hormones, neurotransmitters, illnesses, and stressful events.
Fact: While anti-depressants are necessary and will help with the chemical imbalance in the brain, they do not address the underlying psychological and social issues that may need to be addressed as well, which is why depression counselling is also necessary for those who are depressed.
Fact:Will you tell someone who has a broken leg to get up and run? Isn’t that correct? They will find it difficult to do so. Depression, on the other hand, is an illness that affects a person’s motivation, energy levels, and mood, making it difficult to complete even the most basic tasks. Such a statement would only make them feel guilty, and they might overwork in order to get rid of it, leading to other issues like burnout.
Fact: Depression, like any other illness, can strike anyone, whether they are wealthy or poor, physically fit or frail, extraverts or introverts, young or old. It can happen quickly or gradually. Nobody wants to get sick, but it is possible; the same is true for depression; it can strike anyone at any time, but treatment always aids in recovery.
Fact: This is false because medication prescriptions are based on the severity of depression. As with any other illness, medication may be prescribed, but once things are under control, the doctor will advise stopping the medication. For better treatment of depression, psychotherapy is necessary in addition to medication, and sometimes depression counseling is sufficient to treat and manage it.
Fact- The opposite of this is absolutely true, as suppressing your feelings and keeping what you’re going through to yourself can exacerbate the problem, whereas sharing and talking about it with the right person is the first step toward treatment. It’s a good idea to talk about it with someone you trust, someone who can listen sympathetically and without passing judgement. When it comes to depression, seeing a therapist is always the best option.
Fact: Not necessarily true. While people with depression may experience sadness, they may also become numb and unable to feel any strong emotions. Their emotions can also become jumbled, leaving them unsure of what to feel and perplexed. Anger is one of the symptoms of depression in men, which may be due to the fact that men are told not to cry or experience sadness, making it easier for them to be angry and frustrated rather than sad. People suffering from depression can converse with others and engage in activities they once enjoyed, but they still feel worthless, hopeless, and empty on the inside.
Fact- This is a common misconception that is completely false, as evidenced by research. People believe it is more ‘acceptable’ to blame depression on women because they are unaware of how it affects men. Men are less likely to seek help and are more likely to commit suicide when they are depressed because they believe it is easier to ignore or die than to be honest about how they are feeling as a result of these misconceptions.
Fact- There is a genetic component to depression, but this isn’t always the case, just as it isn’t always the case that people who are diabetic will have diabetic children. However, genes do not play a role in the onset of depression. Concentrate on the aspects of your life that you have control over, such as psychological and social factors.
These are just a few misconceptions regarding depression. It’s critical to recognize and accept that such a disease exists and is just as real as any other physical ailment. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Depression counseling and treatment can help a depressed person feel better, and it’s important to be understanding and empathetic towards them so that they are encouraged to seek help rather than suppressing their emotions or engaging in unhealthy coping behaviors like substance abuse.
People sometimes use the word “depressed” to describe anything minor or insignificant, which can cause confusion because there is a distinction between feeling low or sad as a result of an event and being depressed. It’s critical to be sensitive to certain psychological terms, as this will only serve to perpetuate the stigma and myths surrounding depression and other mental illnesses.
Psychotherapy's Role in Depression
It is also important to engage in psychotherapy in addition to various medical interventions (medications or drug therapy) that are responsible for maintaining the chemical balance in our brain to help us feel better. Psychotherapy for depression, also known as talk therapy, is not just about talking, contrary to popular belief. Depression therapy entails a lot more; a variety of techniques are used to help the client feel their best. Depression therapy provides a nonjudgmental, unbiased, and confidential environment for people to talk about their problems. Speaking with a psychotherapist differs from speaking with a family member.
These psychotherapists are skilled in a variety of techniques and are able to look at things objectively, without any preconceived notions or making assumptions or judgments about the client based on the information they are sharing, while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Depression Counseling
Often Counseling and psychotherapy are terms that are used interchangeably. While there are some similarities, there are also some differences. Depression counseling is a short-term treatment plan for recent or current events, whereas psychotherapy is a more comprehensive and detailed intervention. Depression counseling aids in the identification of negative depressive thinking patterns, allowing us to engage in these patterns less and think more realistically. Depression counseling also assists us in identifying unhealthy ways of coping with symptoms, such as isolation or the use of drugs or alcohol, and in making positive changes in those areas. Counseling for depression aids in the formulation of healthy coping strategies as well as the identification of unhealthy coping strategies.
What can you expect from depression therapy?
Depression therapy allows a therapist to learn about a client’s distorted thought and behavior patterns, which can help to identify, understand, and break the cycle that leads to depression.
Depression therapy can assist in the activation of behaviors that promote a positive emotional state, thus alleviating depression symptoms.
Healthy coping mechanisms and personal self-care activities are planned and practiced during depression therapy to cope with stressful situations and prevent relapse.
With the help of depression therapy, clients are able to become more aware of their unhelpful thought patterns and are given tools to challenge them.
Techniques for expressing and channeling negative emotions in a productive manner, resulting in an increase in positive mood, are learned.
Depression therapy can also help you avoid relapse and manage your healing and progress.
Become your own therapist – The ultimate goal of depression therapy is to assist you in becoming your own therapist, so we place a strong emphasis on helping you master your emotions and thoughts!
Psychotherapy can be used to help people who are depressed. Psychotherapists can assist in determining the severity of depression and setting treatment goals that are tailored to the individual’s needs.
Depression is a mood disorder as well as a mental health condition/illness that can be treated with the right treatment. It can strike anyone, regardless of their age or gender.
Age, Abuse, Trauma, Death or Loss, Conflict, Certain Medications, Substance Use, Disability, and Gender are all factors that can increase the risk of developing depression.
There are many different types of psychotherapy that can be used to treat depression, for example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the types of psychotherapy that has a high treatment success rate.
Psychologists who specialize in depression treatment are known as counseling psychologists. However, during the depression counseling process, a depression counselor cannot prescribe medications, and clients with severe depression are referred to clinical psychologists.
If depression is not treated, it can have a negative impact on people’s interpersonal relationships, careers, and jobs, as well as their overall quality of life.