Depression
Depression affects millions of people everyday. It affects your way of living, from your motivations to your emotions to even your activities. And while people talk about fighting against depression and supporting those with depression, not many actually know how to do that. As such, below is a brief summary on what depression is, the signs and symptoms, and how to care for those who have it.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that is often described as persistent sadness for longer than two weeks. There are many types of depression, some of which include:
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder occurs during the winter months, and generally lessens or disappears during spring and summer.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression occurs after pregnancy. This is characterized by mild depression and anxiety after the baby is born, and thus may affect a mother’s ability to care for her children. It’s also called “baby blues.”
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressive disorder is depression that lasts for approximately two years. The disorder usually includes major depressive episodes, followed by milder episodes and symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized as a period in which a person goes from a major depressive episode to a period of extreme happiness, or mania.
Signs and Symptoms
Oftentimes, when a person is depressed, you might not know it. However, there are signs when a person is depressed. This includes:
Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and despair
Changes in appetite
Changes in sleeping pattern (sleeping too much or not enough)
Loss of interest in activities and motivation
Unexplained aches and pains
Difficulties thinking and concentrating
The signs of depression differ depending on the age, simply because each way of thinking is different in each age group. For instance, when teens and adolescents are depressed, signs and symptoms include:
Irritability
Feelings of worthlessness
Poor academic performance
Refusing to go to school
Changes in appetite
Self-harm
Meanwhile, for older adults, they tend to have different viewpoints. For instance, in adults, symptoms of depression include:
Fatigue
Loss of interest
Refusal to go outside
Impairment of social activities, regardless of medical conditions
Suicidal thoughts, especially in men
The Causes of Depression
It’s difficult to pinpoint one cause of depression. People who have a family history of depression also have a higher risk. However, the environment may also play a role. Victims of abuse and violence are at a higher risk for depression, as are victims of natural disasters. People who are living in certain conditions, such as impoverished or areas filled with racism and prejudice are also at risk. People who have chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s/dementia, can also suffer from depression.
However, it’s important to remember that depression can happen to anyone, regardless of age, sex, or gender.
Supporting Your Loved Ones
Treating depression oftentimes include a mixture of therapy and medication. And while it can’t be outright cured, it can be bearable so that the individual can start enjoying their life again.
Still, when your loved one has depression, it can be difficult to understand. Even so, it’s important to keep your loved one company and to let them know that they aren’t alone. One of the best things you can do is encourage them to be treated for depression. This can include urging them to go see a mental health professional, or setting up appointments and going with them to these appointments. You can also help them by encouraging them to stay healthy, even in the face of worsening symptoms. Be willing to give positive statements, and listen whenever necessary. Other things you can do include educating yourself on depression, and helping them through important life decisions, should they ask you for aid.
Conclusion
Depression is a chronic illness that affects a person’s way of life. Depression weighs a person down, and can force them to give up what they may have loved before. Even so, having the proper treatment and support system can be necessary to help those who are depressed. But most importantly, encouraging yourself and your loved ones to find help, to get educated, and to find reasons to move forward with your life will help you cope with your depression. Going to see mental health professionals and relying on support systems can also help you or a loved one cope with depression.
Special Note
If you or your loved one is in danger of suicide, call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-TALK to talk with a counselor.
