Updated: Feb 8, 2023
By Iremide Lloyd-Kuyinu
What is depression?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is a depressive disorder that negatively affects how one feels, thinks, or acts. It causes persistent feelings of sadness and a decline in pleasurable activities. Depression can also lead to emotional and physical problems affecting daily activities and functionality. For some individuals, major depression can result in severe impairments that interfere with one’s ability to carry out life activities.
What are the Common Symptoms of Depression?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5), major depressive disorder (MDD) can be diagnosed if the person experiences a depressed mood or loss of interest in pleasurable activities for at least two weeks and has five or more symptoms. Symptoms of depression include sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, guilt, insomnia, weight gain/loss, crying spells, restlessness, irritability, poor appetite, suicidal thoughts, fatigue, mood swings, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, etc.
What causes depression?
There is no specific cause of depression, as so many personal, environmental, physical, or mental factors play a role. Some causes of depression can include traumatic childhood experiences, mental health problems, physical health problems, genetic inheritance, life events and stressors, faulty mood regulation by the brain, sleep routine, recreational drugs and alcohol, grief, and so much more.
What are the treatment options?
How can depression be treated? Can depression ever be cured? Depression can be managed and treated. There are different ways to manage depression broadly, from adjunctive therapy to medication. Some treatment options comprise yoga, exercise, therapy, antidepressant medication, support groups, electroconvulsive therapy, and so much more. There are several avenues for treatment, but it is ultimately up to you and your therapist. For major depressive disorders, there may be a blend of treatments which includes psychodynamic therapy, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, etc. In other words, talking to someone you trust is a huge step in taking control of your mental health.
Is Depression Treatment effective?
Depression treatment can be effective. There are several important factors to mention. Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for clinical depression. When treating severe depression, psychotherapy is usually ineffective, independent of medication management. Psychotherapy is used to help the person find ways to deal with everyday stressors. Many studies support the idea that therapy can be a powerful treatment for depression. Some have also found that combining depression medicine with therapy and or adjunctive therapy can be very effective.
Studies show that long-term therapy leads to a greater improvement in depression symptoms, better life satisfaction, and social functioning. It may also lower the risk of relapse after you get better. Just like psychotherapy, antidepressants can play a key role in treating severe depression because they help to relieve the symptoms paving the path to restoring normal functioning. Antidepressants may help in some situations, but not all. They can be effective in moderate, severe, and chronic depression. It is important to note that they also have side effects, so you should discuss them more in-depth with your doctor. An antidepressant needs time to work. It can take up to two weeks, but it may take longer for the symptoms to improve.
How to ask for help?
If you believe you are depressed, there is no shame in it, and know you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), an estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.4% of all U.S. adults. As someone who has been depressed and occasionally deals with seasonal depression, I’ve discovered that talking to somebody I trust helps alleviate some of my worries. Taking that first step in asking for help may be hard, but I believe that is the hardest part. Once that bridge is crossed, it makes life more bearable and allows for action to be taken at your own pace. Remember that some people care about you and your mental health and would like to help. It is hard trusting anyone with your world, your thoughts, and your heart's feelings. Here at Mental Map to Wellness, we value the foundation of the therapeutic alliance between therapists and clients and focus on providing a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. We want to join you in taking the first step and coming together to help reframe your world.
