Everyone has moments when they feel sad, but if you have been feeling down more recently, you may ask yourself, “Am I depressed?” When you ask yourself this question, it is important to understand what depression is and what to do if you think you are suffering from depression.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder that causes you to have a sad or low mood for more days than expected. However, other symptoms usually coincide with feelings of depression. Some of these symptoms are a loss of appetite, a lack of sleep or too much sleep, little to no interest in engaging in activities, poor hygiene, and sometimes even thoughts of suicide. You might be experiencing some or all of these symptoms, and it is also essential to notice how long these symptoms last, usually around two weeks or so to be considered depression.
You might be telling yourself, "I don’t have all these symptoms, but I often feel very sad." Depression is not one size fits all and can look different for everyone. This is why it is important to take notice of everything you are experiencing and discuss it with your therapist.
Types of Depression
There are many different types of depression as well. The most common type of depression is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), a persistent depressed or low mood that causes impairment in life. In this case, impairment in life means that you cannot function daily because of feelings of sadness. In addition to the symptoms we already discussed, there may also be weight gain or weight loss, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness.
Another common type of depression is Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD. This type of depression sneaks up on you during the Winter and then fizzles out when Spring starts. This type of depression is very common and is one you can begin to prepare for in therapy when Winter is around the corner if you know this is something you typically experience. According to research, this type of depression occurs due to a disruption in our circadian rhythm because of earlier nights.
Bipolar Disorder is also a common type of depression. The term bipolar is thrown around rather loosely, but it is a severe form of depression that has specific symptoms. In addition to feelings of sadness, mania is one of the main symptoms. Mania is when you have such a high level of energy that it negatively impacts you to the point of hospitalization and affects your sense of reality. With this type of depression, you might also recognize yourself engaging in risky behavior, such as spending a lot of money to the point where you cannot pay bills or pay for other things essential to your quality of life. Those suffering from Bipolar Disorder should consider seeing a psychiatrist for medication to manage their symptoms better.
Women also experience a common type of depression when going through premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This type of depression is called premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. These symptoms usually include irritability, fatigue, sadness, and sometimes anger. This type of depression during PMS is more severe than typical PMS symptoms and can be treated with lifestyle changes such as exercise and coping skills. However, it can also be treated with medications such as medications for depression or birth control if needed.
How is Depression Treated
There are many ways that your depression can be treated. Sometimes, depression can be treated with talk therapy alone. In talk therapy, you will learn more about depression and the type of depression you may be experiencing. You may even find out that you are dealing with situational depression, which is depression that stems from your environment or immediate issues in your life. This can be anything from a strained relationship to grief. In this case, you will talk through your depression with your therapist and learn coping skills to help you cope with feelings of depression.
If you have another type of depression, these tactics remain true, but your therapist may also refer you to a psychiatrist that can also be a part of your care. A psychiatrist will work with you to find medications to help you better manage your symptoms and allow you to function more daily.
Many medications can be prescribed, which can be slightly confusing at first. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SSRIs, are the most common type of antidepressant. SSRIs are used to treat depression, social anxiety, panic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Lexapro and Prozac are common names of antidepressants in this category. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are antidepressants to treat depression, panic disorders, and anxiety. While there are other types of medications, these are the most common medications used for depression.
You might be telling yourself that you don’t want to take medications or are worried that medicines are unsafe. These concerns are valid and can be further discussed with your therapist or psychiatrist. Medications are very safe when taken as prescribed, and they can aid in improving your quality of life. It is also important to note that medications take a while to get into your system, so you may not notice improvements immediately. It is essential to continue taking the medications and not get discouraged throughout the process.
Depression can be a scary feeling at first, and it is essential to remember that you are not alone. If you are experiencing depression, reach out to someone you trust for support and also get into therapy and share your feelings with your therapist. If you are experiencing any thoughts or feelings of suicide, you should also discuss this with your therapist or reach out to the suicide hotline online or call 988.
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