Depression

Experiencing low motivation and energy, which are common symptoms of depression, can make self-care and overcoming your slump particularly challenging. However, even small, consistent steps toward recovery can lead to a noticeable improvement in your symptoms more quickly than you might anticipate.

Key points

Depression is the most prevalent mood disorder, impacting approximately 5-10% of adults in the United States.
Depression drains your enjoyment of life, hampers your ability to function efficiently both at work and at home, and negatively influences your relationships.
Even minor changes to your lifestyle can lead to significant improvements in your symptoms.
Professional help is accessible and highly effective in treating depression.

Overview

Depression is the most prevalent mood disorder, impacting 5 to 10% of adults in the US. It drains the joy from life, hinders effective functioning at work, and makes maintaining healthy relationships challenging. Fortunately, depression often responds well to treatment, frequently without the need for medication.

Symptoms of depression

Persistent low moods, feeling sad or gloomy without a specific cause, lasting for at least two weeks
Lack of motivation and difficulty in completing even simple tasks
Feeling fatigued or sluggish even after getting sufficient sleep
Struggling to maintain proper nutrition and experiencing weight gain or loss due to insufficient eating or poor dietary choices
Diminished enjoyment from activities you typically find pleasurable
Withdrawal from social activities

Causes

Understanding why one person experiences depression while another with similar circumstances does not is challenging. However, depression is more likely to occur after stressful life events such as divorce, bereavement, or job loss, or during significant life transitions. Starting or ending a career, getting married or divorced, becoming a parent, or adjusting to an empty nest all require re-evaluating one’s identity and self-worth. Without proper support during these transitions, depression can easily develop.

Risk factors for depression

Factors that elevate the risk of developing depression include genetics (having a family member with depression), environmental factors (such as a history of abuse or trauma, underdeveloped life skills, and lack of a strong support system), and biological factors (including certain medical conditions, brain chemistry, or medications taken for other conditions).

Diagnosis

To obtain an accurate diagnosis, it is essential to visit your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Clinical depression is treated based on its specific type. For instance, Seasonal Affective Disorder (a form of depression that arises during colder weather) will have a different treatment approach compared to postpartum depression (depression following childbirth). Likewise, depression that coexists with another mental health condition will require a distinct treatment plan from depression caused by an underlying medical issue.

A qualified healthcare provider will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, overall health, family history, and other potential contributing factors to your depression. They will make recommendations based on this assessment. In some cases, bloodwork may be necessary to rule out any underlying health conditions causing your depression. Once medical causes are excluded, your doctor will likely refer you to another service provider, such as a therapist or psychologist.

Treatment

The suitable treatment for your depression will largely depend on its underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms.

If your depression is due to an underlying health condition or a side effect of other medication, your doctor may adjust or change your medication. For mild depression, adopting healthy lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, establishing a regular sleep routine, and engaging in regular exercise can significantly alleviate your symptoms. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or other forms of psychotherapy can also help reduce symptoms.

In cases of severe depression, your mental health provider may suggest medication, at least temporarily, to help you navigate a particularly challenging period.

Fortunately, depression often responds well to appropriate treatment. Although you might feel unmotivated to seek help, reaching out is the first step towards recovery. Even small efforts can lead to significant improvements in your symptoms. You just need to take that first step!

Depression and other mental health challenges

Depression frequently coexists with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and OCD. It can also be caused by trauma or triggered by events like bereavement or a breakup. Individuals with depression are often susceptible to alcohol abuse or other unhealthy coping mechanisms.

By collaborating with your mental health professional, you can unravel the complex web of causes and effects that often accompany depression. Together, you can address your challenges and develop strategies to heal from depression and build a fulfilling life.

References and further reading

Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Wit, L., & Ebert, D. (2020). The effects of fifteen evidence-supported therapies for adult depression: A meta-analytic review. Psychotherapy Research.

Cuijpers, P., Oud, M., Karyotaki, E., Noma, H., Quero, S., Cipriani, A., Arroll, B., & Furukawa, T. (2021). Psychologic Treatment of Depression Compared With Pharmacotherapy and Combined Treatment in Primary Care: A Network Meta-Analysis. The Annals of Family Medicine.

Pablo, G., Solmi, M., Vaquerizo-Serrano, J., Raduà, J., Passina, A., Morsillo, P., Correll, C., Borgwardt, S., Galderisi, S., Bechdolf, A., Pfennig, A., Bauer, M., Kessing, L., Amelsvoort, T., Nieman, D., Domschke, K., Krebs, M., Sand, M., Vieta, E., McGuire, P., Arango, C., Shin, J., & Fusar-Poli, P. (2021). Primary prevention of depression: An umbrella review of controlled interventions. Journal of affective disorders.