What is Depression?
Depression is a type of mood disorder marked by a persistently low mood and is one of the most diagnosed mental health conditions worldwide. Affecting approximately a quarter of adults at some point in their lives, depression remains a leading cause of chronic disability.
While often confused with sadness, depression is more accurately characterized by anhedonia (the inability to feel lasting joy), prolonged physical fatigue, unexplained physical pain, and, in too many cases, suicidal ideation.
Many cases of depression are episodic, but it can be a lifelong condition. For some, it comes and goes. For others, it’s a constant feeling. Researchers believe that depression has its origins in the way the brain interacts with key neurotransmitters that help regulate mood, but there are many risk factors and potential causes for long-term depression. It can be triggered by excessive chronic stress, by a traumatic experience, by environmental factors, by physical and hormonal causes, or by inheritance.
Types of Depression
When someone experiences symptoms of a consistently low mood, chronic fatigue, and loss of motivation or interest, then they may be diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Colloquially known as clinical depression, this is the most common mood disorder in the world. However, there are other kinds of depression. They include:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Seasonal Depression)
During the colder months, seasonal depression may be triggered by the stress of the winter, the stress of the holidays, increased consumption of alcohol, loss of structure due to the winter break, and in some cases, a deficiency in vitamin D from sunlight. Seasonal depression can be treated with phototherapy (utilizing artificial sunlight) in addition to talk therapy.
Cases of seasonal depression over the summer months may be related to personal recurring stressors, especially for seasonal workers in a stressful industry, such as tourism.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
PMDD is a rare form of PMS with severe physical and mental health symptoms. Women who experience PMDD experience feelings of depression and suicidal ideation on a regular basis, coinciding with a specific length of time before or during their period.
Most commonly, PMDD causes feelings of depression in the week preceding menstruation. More than PMS, the symptoms of PMDD interfere with a person’s ability to work or function during their “hell week”. It can also strain relationships, due to changes in mood, anxiety, and irritability/anger.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Sometimes known as dysthymia, persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a form of major depressive disorder lasting at least two years, often with milder symptoms.
A person experiencing PDD may not often be suicidal but will still struggle with a low mood and other associated symptoms of depression, such as a tendency to experience co-occurring anxiety, chronic fatigue, and physical pain, but for years at a time.
How Depression Is Treated at Resolutions
Treatments for depressive disorders can vary. Changes in diet, improved physical activity, behavioral therapy, and antidepressants have all been shown to have a significant impact on low mood and depression.
For people with lifelong depressive conditions, such as dysthymia or PMDD, constant support and long-term treatment are needed. An outpatient program such as Resolutions can help clients build their support network and their own personal repertoire of stress management and coping skills.
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