Depression 101

What is depression?

When people say the word depression they are usually referring to major depressive disorder (MDD). Major depressive disorder is characterized by a low mood that persists across most situations and lasts for longer than 2 weeks. This depression is considered clinically significant when it begins to impair activities of daily living such as self-care and hygiene, getting along with others, ability to work productively, and the ability to enjoy oneself. Depression is commonly described as a feeling of melancholy, lethargy, low self-esteem, chronic fatigue, and having persistent intrusive thoughts. These intrusive thoughts can sometimes be mild ruminations (can’t stop thinking about that embarrassing work meeting) can sometimes be severe delusions and paranoia (feeling sure that everyone hates you, can’t stand you, etc). The most concerning intrusive thought is called suicidal ideation, the intrusive fantasy of ending your own life. Tragically, 2-8% of adults with major depressive disorder die by suicide. Our goal is to provide education that enables people to get better faster, and lower this number.

Let’s go deeper in depth into the symptoms of depression, which can affect many of the functions of the body and the mind:

  • Mood symptoms

    • anxiety (feeling worried or nervous all the time for no apparent reason)

    • apathy (just don’t care anymore)

    • Fatigue/lethargy

    • hopelessness

    • melancholy/sadness

    • Anhedonia (loss of the ability to feel pleasure)

    • Mood swings

  • Behavioral symptoms

    • Feeling agitated, irritated, or aggressive

    • excessive crying, easily emotionally triggered

    • Fidgeting, not being able to still

    • long pauses in movement and speech

    • not going out with friends anymore

    • isolating yourself away from other people

  • Sleep symptoms

    • Consistently waking up too early, and though you still feel tired

    • excessive sleeping, unable to get out of bed

    • insomnia, which can be difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or both

  • Whole body symptoms

    • excessive hunger, cannot feel satisfied

    • Loss of appetite, nothing seems appealing

    • fatigue

    • body aches

    • increased sensitivity to pain

    • weight gain

    • unintended weight loss

    • Poor digestion, constipation and/or diarrhea.

  • Cognitive symptoms (mind)

    • Inability to concentrate/focus

    • sluggish thoughts, difficulty coming up with words, concepts, and remembering.

    • Suicidal ideation (persistent intrusive thoughts of ending your life)

    • Rumination (fixating on events or ideas, inability to clear your mind)Problem

What Causes Depression?

Depression is a complex mental health condition with various potential causes. It often results from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Some common factors that may contribute to the development of depression include:

  • Genetics: A family history of depression or other mood disorders can increase an individual's susceptibility to depression.

  • Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that regulate mood, can play a role in the onset of depression.

  • Trauma and Life Events: Traumatic events, such as the loss of a loved one, abuse, or significant life changes, can trigger depression.

  • Chronic Illness: Certain medical conditions, chronic pain, or prolonged illnesses can contribute to the development of depression.

  • Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormonal levels, such as those occurring during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, may influence mood and contribute to depression.

  • Personality Factors: Certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem, a pessimistic outlook, or being overly self-critical, may increase the risk of depression.

  • Social Isolation: Lack of social support and feelings of loneliness can contribute to the development and exacerbation of depression.

  • Substance Abuse: Substance misuse, including alcohol or drug abuse, can be both a cause and a result of depression.

It's important to note that everyone's experience with depression is unique, and individual factors can vary. Additionally, seeking professional help from mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, especially depression that is resistant to treatment, please reach out to your PCP or find a provider here.