Depression relates directly to mood swings or could say it is a mood disorder characterized by sadness and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It may also lead to difficulties with thinking, memory, eating, and sleeping.
While it is quite common to feel sad or lonely during depression at work, school or home. It could be because of divorce in a marriage, or losing a job, it lasts nearly every day for at least two weeks and involves more than just sadness.
There are various forms of depressive disorders, with clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder, being the most severe.
Depression needs proper treatment at every stage to not make it worse as time passes. In severe cases, it may also involve in suicide. However, the good news is the treatment is very effective in reducing the challenges.
Symptoms and Signs of Depression
If you’re sad, or emotionally "alone" for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, it may be a sign of depression. This condition occurs because of loneliness, hopelessness, irritability, or frustration. You may also experience a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, along with physical symptoms like fatigue or concentration issues.
It can also affect your sleep patterns, waking up too early, or leading to excessive sleep. Weight loss or gain is a common symptom. Physical discomfort, such as headaches, cramps, digestion issues can be seen.
In more severe cases, it leads to suicide also.. Additionally, some people feel irritated all the time or engage in risky behavior. Individuals generally take a look only at physical symptoms but emotional symptoms need to be treated equally.
Depression is different for everyone or with everyone, some experience few symptoms and others deal with many. Regardless, if these signs become common in daily life, you must rush to a doctor. Early treatment can greatly improve symptoms and overall well-being.
Types of Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Major Depressive Disorder also known as clinical disorder. It consists of severe mood disorder characterized by a persistently low mood, less interest in things, and feeling of sadness or loneliness. It lasts for at least 2 weeks and they are often difficult at work, school, or home. MDD also includes physical changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.
- Loss of interest in activities.
- Can lead to suicidal thoughts.
- Low mood or less interest in activities.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Persistent Depressive Disorder, formerly known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression. The symptoms are not as intense as those seen in Major Depressive Disorder, but they last much longer—often for two years or more. People with PDD may feel sad or "down" for most of the day but continue to function in their daily lives, often without others realizing the extent of their condition. This long-lasting depression can impact self-esteem, productivity, and overall enjoyment of life, even if the symptoms are less severe.
- Chronic sadness and low mood.
- Impact on daily functioning but often subtle.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder involves episodes of mania or hypomania. During the depressive phase, symptoms mirror those of Major Depressive Disorder, such as sadness, lack of energy, and loss of interest in life. During the Manic phase, individuals who feel energetic, or irritable, can engage in risky behavior.
- Mania includes high energy and risky behaviors.
- Requires mood swings treatment.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression occurs in women after childbirth. While it’s normal for new mothers to experience short-term mood swings due to hormonal changes, more serious and can carry forward for months and includes severe mood swings, and anxiety. During this time it is difficult to bond with the baby.. Postpartum depression can impact both mother and baby.
- Mood swings, and anxiety.
- Requires early intervention for treatment.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that impacts mood with different mood swings. Generally feel irritated all the time, depressed and mood off for no reason, typically occur in the week or two before menstruation and resolve during the period. This impacts relationships and interferes in daily life.
- Severe form of PMS.
- Irritated mood, and depression before menstruation.
- Symptoms resolve after menstruation begins.
- Impacts daily life.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder generally follows a seasonal pattern most common during winters when there is less sunlight. Individuals lose interest in activities they generally enjoy because of oversleep and weight gain. These symptoms are comparatively less in the spring and summer when sunlight is sufficient. SAD is generally treated with light therapy, which helps regulate mood by simulating sunlight exposure.
- During the winter season.
- Oversleeping, and weight gain.
- Treated with light therapy.
Atypical Depression
Atypical Depression directly affects weight and some unique symptoms are increased appetite, excessive sleep, and mood reactivity, where people experience mood swings as well. Unlike other forms of depression, those with atypical depression may still feel some pleasure from positive interactions. However, they still feel deep sadness and hopelessness.
- Increased sleep and appetite.
- Mood swings at positive events.
- Sadness and hopelessness for a longer duration.
High Functioning Depression
This type of depression affects individuals who, despite experiencing depressive episodes, are still able to maintain a stable and functional life. Medication is often not required, and doctors typically do not use this term formally. The phrase "high-functioning depression" can be misleading, as its interpretation varies depending on the individual’s perspective and approach to treatment.
While it may lack certain clinical signs and symptoms typically associated with depression, those experiencing this form may still lead a relatively “normal” life, managing personal relationships and work responsibilities. However, it is important to note that this type of depression may be less debilitating than other forms, but it can still significantly impact one’s well-being you should rush to a doctor once you are feeling the symptoms listed.
- Feeling helpless, and hopeless
- Changes in habits of eating
- Trouble in sleep or sleeping too much
What Are the Risk Factors of Depression?
Depression is the common type of disorder in the current phase. Many researchers suggested that biological, genetic and environmental factors play a crucial role.
- Personal Trauma or some family history with the same problem
- Major changes in life, or stress.
A person can be affected by depression at any age of their life, but generally at adulthood. In children generally at adolescents or in terms of anxiety rather than typical sadness. Anxiety disorders seen in adults might start during childhood.
In middle age, serious medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, chronic pain could coexist with depression as well. These conditions could be more severe when depression is present alongside these illnesses, leading to more severe health complications. Research indicates that individuals suffering from both depression and other medical conditions may lead to serious complications in life at very early age.
In some cases, thyroid disease or the side effects of medicines for such types of illnesses can lead to depression. Consulting a doctor with experience in treating these conditions can help for the most appropriate approach.
How Depression Is Treated?
Depression is highly treatable, with the help of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Psychotherapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helps people identify the negative thoughts and behavior helps reduce them as time passes.Treatment could be short or time taking totally depend on the affected person. Antidepressant medicines help in controlling brain functioning for not required thoughts and stress. Side effects are easy to manage and alternatives are also available.
Acupuncture and massage can be traditional treatments that support a lot during the time. Self-care practices, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and a person should avoid alcohol, all these things play a crucial role in managing depression. Spending time with loved ones can further improve well-being.
FAQs
How Do You Explain Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities, affecting daily life and emotional well-being.
How to Stay Calm in Depression?
Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, regular physical activity, and self-care routines. Seek support from loved ones or a therapist, and avoid isolating yourself.
What’s It Like for People With Depression?
People with depression often feel overwhelmed by sadness, fatigue, and a lack of motivation. Everyday tasks can seem difficult, and they may withdraw from activities and social interactions.