What is depression?
Depression is a very common mental health problem, that is shown by constant feelings of sadness, lack of interest for things that were once enjoyed and even feeling hopeless. It can affect an individual’s emotions, thoughts, and physical wellbeing. Depression is a very complicated mental health condition. It can be a result of many phycological and environmental factors.
The symptoms of depression will vary in how intense they are, and how long they last. If you’re dealing with mild depression, you may still be able to continue with your usual daily routines, however it may seem more challenging than usual.
However, if you’re someone suffering from severe depression, trying to continue with daily tasks becomes near impossible. Individuals may struggle with thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Can depression be more than just sadness?
Sadness is a normal human emotion that usually on average, only lasts about ten minutes, However, depression lasts much longer than that. Depression is a recognised mental illness that could last 2 weeks or more, it much more severe than sadness and requires a lot of emotional support. Falling into long term depression could lead to suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm so it is extremely important to seek help as soon as possible.
Sadness usually stems from an event or a stressful situation whereas depression doesn’t necessarily stem from that. Depression can have a huge impact on a person’s life, it can reduce their social interactions, school, or work performance.
What are the different types of depression?
The following lists includes some of the different depressive disorders:
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is a mental health condition that usually effects children or teenagers. It is shown by extreme temper outbursts and constant irritability.
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Major depressive disorder mort commonly referred to as depression, is characterised by constant feelings of sadness, feeling hopeless and lacking interest of things you may have once enjoyed.
- Persistent depressive disorder(PDD)
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as Dysthymia, is a type of mood disorder characterized by a long-lasting and chronic form of depression. It differs from major depressive disorder in terms of duration and severity this usually lasts 2 years in adults and 1 year in teenagers.
- Other specified depressive disorder
- Other specified depressive disorders applies to the people who have symptoms of a depression disorder however do not meet the full criteria.
- Postnatal depression (PPD)
- postnatal depression, is a type of depression that can affect new mothers after giving birth. It is characterised by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low energy, which can interfere with a mother’s ability to care for herself and her new-born.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Seasonal affective depression is a type of disorder that usually happens during specific seasons, usually in the winter months. They may experience sadness or difficulties with sleeping.
Who’s at risk of depression?
Major depression is usually more common in women than men, even though, many men do not reach out for help due to perceived stigma.
Depression can happen at any point in life, loads of people experience depression symptoms around the age of 26 but usually wouldn’t get diagnosed until the age of 31.
If you’ve experienced child hood trauma or any type of abuse your chances of getting depression are significantly increased.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Some people who suffer from depression may feel a sense of isolation even if they are in a room full of people. It is also typical that their life lack’s purpose.
Aside from the emotional symptoms of depression, the illness can also bring about several physical symptoms as well, including the following list:
- Lacking energy
- Stomach issues
- Changes in weight
- Changes in apatite
- Migraines
- Unexplainable aches and pains
- Aching joints
- Sleep problems
Finding support for depression.
If you’re having symptoms of depression, please ensure speaking to your doctor, they will assess your symptoms and you will discuss the causes of depression.
To make sure your prepared for your appointment, make a list of your symptoms, with the duration and how it impacts your daily life. Provide a list of questions for your doctor. Include questions about any concerns that you may have. it is also advisable to include any pre-existing health conditions you may have had that could possibly link to your depression.
Summary
Sadness is a very common and normal human emotion, whereas depression is more severe, and this blog shows how different they really are, and it highlights the importance of recognising the disparity of the stigma that men shouldn’t reach out for help.