In Tune with the Mind: Am I suffering from depression ?
By Nqoba Sibenke
Lately, the word depression has become more popular. Depression is the highest cause of suicide-related deaths. But how do you know if you are depressed or just going through a rough patch?
Depression refers to a mental disorder which is characterized by “persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities”. In other words, depression is an illness and it requires treatment for one to be helped.
Although there are different types of depression there are similar characteristics that cut across all forms. Symptoms may include feelings of sadness, tearfulness, mood swings, emptiness or hopelessness. People with Depression often display anger outbursts, irritability or frustration. There is also a loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed for example someone who enjoyed hanging out with friends may become withdrawn and socially isolated. Depression may result in Insomnia or oversleeping.
There are several factors or causes of Depression. One of the leading causes of Depression is abuse, physical, and emotional abuse may lead to depression. People who have experienced Abuse often suffer from depression.
Early childhood trauma and childhood neglect may also pre-expose one to Depression. The traumatic loss of a loved one may result in Depression. In some cases, brain injury due to an accident or a concussion may lead to depression.
Causes of Depression may be linked to biological markers such as hormonal imbalance, personality, genetic factors, medication and drug use. Chronic illnesses such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes can also result in depression
FORMS OF DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS
Depression is classified into different groups. Major Depression is also known as clinical depression. A major symptom is a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of unworthiness, self-harm attempts, social withdrawal etc. Major Depressive disorders may lead to Bipolar if left untreated.
Persistent Depressive Disorder is a chronic form of depression. According to the Dsm5 symptoms have to be persistent for 2 years or more for PDD to be diagnosed. Causes can be biologically explained as changes in the brain, traumatic brain injury and related factors.
Bipolar Disorder is a form of depression characterized by mania and euphoria, personality and mood changes. Individuals experience rapid mood swings from excitement in one moment to depression the next moment. Diagnosis should be done by a clinician. It may display all symptoms as present in other forms of depression (a more detailed article on Bipolar will be compiled).
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) refers to a form of depression that occurs at particular seasons. It is most common during winter. One reason might be the reduced sunlight which results in low serotonin levels. Symptoms are similar to those already explained but are limited to that season.
Psychotic Depression is a major form of depression. It is characterized by hallucinations and delusions. People experiencing Psychotic Depression may hear voices and see things that other people do not see. It is critical to seek treatment as it may lead to self-harm and suicide.
Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression is a form of depression that affects women after giving birth. Symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, lack of interest in the baby, insomnia, mood swings and feeling sad. Symptoms are not limited to these alone. Postpartum depression usually leads to self-neglect; neglecting self-care and hygiene. It may persist for days or weeks. It is important to seek medical help.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), is associated with hormonal changes during the menstruation period. Symptoms may include mood swings, irritability, loss of interest in activity, feelings of sadness and sometimes suicidal thoughts (see article on PMDDhttps://inkthoughts.wixsite.com/psychhub/post/the-monthly-monster )
Situational Depression is what most of us experience from time to time. This is depression that is caused by a certain situation like breaking up with a partner, losing money or a job and related events. This type of depression can be managed without clinical help.
Mild or non-clinical depression may be managed through engaging in exercise and sports. Sunlight and good nutrition play an important role also in management. Counselling and therapy are helpful in most cases as they provide more research-based techniques for management.
Since clinical Depression is an illness or disorder, it requires a clinical diagnosis from a clinician. However, it is important to distinguish between sadness and clinical depression. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks and affect productivity and the life schedule then it is time to seek for help. It is not wise to self-diagnose as symptoms might be an indicator of another problem rather than depression. Clinicians will perform a differential diagnosis to be sure that it is depression.
Depression is fatal as it can lead to other negative outcomes. In some cases, untreated Depression may result in hypertension and stroke. It also leads to Diabetes and coronary heart disease. Depression is the leading cause of suicide hence depression can lead to death.
It is important to pay attention to emotional health. Whenever we notice changes even in the people around us we should seek for help. Remember Depression is an illness and needs treatment. It can be treated.
