What Is Depression?
Depression is a common but serious mental illness that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.
Depression can affect anyone at any age, regardless of race, gender, or social status. It can occur once or several times in a person's life and may last for weeks, months, or even years.
Symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Feeling sad, down, or hopeless most of the time
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Changes in appetite - either eating more or less than usual
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling tired or having low energy
- Feeling restless or irritable
- Having trouble concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions
- Feeling worthless, guilty, or ashamed
- Having thoughts of death or suicide
Causes
The exact cause of depression is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Some things that can increase your risk of depression include:
- Having a family history of depression
- Experiencing a traumatic event, such as childhood abuse or neglect
- Having a chronic medical condition, such as cancer or diabetes
- Using certain medications, such as steroids or blood pressure medications
- Having a substance use disorder, such as alcoholism or drug abuse
- Being under a lot of stress
Treatment
Treatment for depression typically includes medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
Medication can help to relieve symptoms of depression and improve mood. Some common types of antidepressants include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil) and clomipramine (Anafranil)
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, can help you to learn how to manage your symptoms of depression and develop coping skills. Some common types of psychotherapy for depression include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT) helps you to improve your relationships with others and resolve conflicts.
- Psychodynamic therapy helps you to understand how your past experiences and relationships may be contributing to your depression.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medication and psychotherapy, there are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms of depression, such as:
- Getting regular exercise. Exercise can help to improve your mood and energy levels.
- Eating a healthy diet. Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to improve your mood and overall health.
- Getting enough sleep. When you are sleep-deprived, you are more likely to feel depressed.
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can both worsen symptoms of depression.
- Connecting with others. Spending time with loved ones can help to improve your mood and reduce feelings of isolation.
If you think you may be depressed, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you to get the diagnosis and treatment you need to feel better.