Depressive Disorders
What is depression?
All of us feel sad, moody or low from time to time, but typically these feelings pass within a couple of days. However, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time - it may be weeks, months ore even years - and sometimes without any apparent reason. Depression is more than just a low mood; it is a serious condition that affects your physical and mental health and be so overwhelming that it interferes with your daily life. When you have depression, it is hard to enjoy life, concentrate, and do daily tasks like you used to. You may feel hopeless, unmotivated, persistently down, or very irritable.
There are different types of depressive disorders. Symptoms can range from relatively minor through to very severe. Even when relatively minor, they can still be disabling. It is helpful to be aware of the range of conditions and their specific symptoms.
Major depressive disorder involves low mood and/or loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities, also including changes in behaviour, emotional feelings, thoughts, and physical changes. These symptoms are experienced most days and last for at least two weeks. Depression can fluctuate in severity, and be melancholic or psychotic. Other types of depressive disorder include antenatal and postnatal depression, bipolar disorder, cyclothymic disorder, persistent depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, substance/medication-induced depressive disorder, depressive disorder due to another medical condition, and seasonal affective disorder
There are different types of depressive disorders. Symptoms can range from relatively minor through to very severe. Even when relatively minor, they can still be disabling. It is helpful to be aware of the range of conditions and their specific symptoms.
Major depressive disorder involves low mood and/or loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities, also including changes in behaviour, emotional feelings, thoughts, and physical changes. These symptoms are experienced most days and last for at least two weeks. Depression can fluctuate in severity, and be melancholic or psychotic. Other types of depressive disorder include antenatal and postnatal depression, bipolar disorder, cyclothymic disorder, persistent depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, substance/medication-induced depressive disorder, depressive disorder due to another medical condition, and seasonal affective disorder
What causes depression?
Researchers have learnt that depression is caused by a combination of genetics, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some types of depression run in families, as some genetic research shows certain genes may make some people more vulnerable to depression. Depression likely occurs in people because of various environmental factors as well. Some causes and risk factors for depression may include:
Often, causes of depression are not immediately apparent, but working with a psychologist to understand the cause of your depression can help determine the best treatment approach.
- Loneliness
- Lack of social support
- Recent stressful life experiences
- Family history of depression
- Marital or relationship problems
- Financial strain
- Early childhood trauma or abuse
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Unemployment or underemployment
- Health problems and chronic pain
- Trauma
- Loss of a loved one
- Loss of self-identity
Often, causes of depression are not immediately apparent, but working with a psychologist to understand the cause of your depression can help determine the best treatment approach.
Behavioural changes
- A tendency to isolate oneself and an unwillingness to venture out of the home
- Procrastination and not getting things done at work/school
- Withdrawing from others, including family and friends
- Relying on alcohol and sedatives in an effort to self-medicate
- Not doing usual enjoyable activities anymore
- Poor concentration
Changes in emotional feelings
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feelings of guilt
- Irritability
- Frustration
- Lacking confidence
- Feeling unhappy
- Indecisiveness and procrastination
- Feeling disappointed
- Feeling miserable
- Feeling sad
Cognitive (thought) changes
Typical changes in thoughts include:
- "I am a failure"
- "It is all my fault"
- "Nothing good ever happens to me"
- "I am worthless"
- "Life is not worth living"
- "People/the world would be better off without me"
Physical changes
- Feeling tired all the time
- Being sick and run-down
- Regular headaches and muscle pains
- Churning gut
- Sleep problems/insomnia
- Loss or change of appetite
- Significant weight loss or gain