Demystifying the Blues: Understanding Depression and its Impact

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that causes a combination of symptoms, in addition to low mood, that make it hard to handle day-to-day activities and enjoy life.

While some people may only experience one depressive episode in their lifetime, others may struggle with a recurrence of depressive symptoms that come and go over time. Without treatment, episodes may last a few months to several years.

So if you feel you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, it might be time to seek help.

Symptoms of depression

Depression affects how you think, feel, and behave. Symptoms of depression can overwhelm a person, causing difficulty in performing normal day-to-day activities (such as sleeping, eating, or working) and impacting one’s overall sense of well-being.

Depending on how severe it is, depression can cause an inability to enjoy life, have interpersonal relationships, or engage in activities once enjoyed. This can in turn increase feelings of isolation and hopelessness.

Depression can present different symptoms, depending on the person and severity of their depression. Some people experience only a few symptoms while others may experience many. To be diagnosed with depression, several symptoms in addition to low mood must be persistent for at least two weeks.

Common symptoms include:

Physical

• Fatigue - tiredness or decreased energy

• Sleep problems – difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

• Changes in eating patterns - reduced appetite and weight loss or increased food cravings and weight gain

• Changes in body movement – agitation or less activity

• Unexplained aches or pains, headaches, or cramps

• Digestive problems

Emotional

• Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism

• Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness or guilt – fixating on past failures or self- critical

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

• Feelings of frustration

• Low self-esteem

• Poor self-image

Mental

• Decreased ability to concentrate

• Trouble remembering details

• Decreased ability to make decisions

• Slowed thinking and speaking

• Increasing preoccupation with depressive feelings

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Behavioural

• Loss of interest in once-pleasurable hobbies and activities

• Withdrawing from friends and family

• Irritability and restlessness

• Spending increasing amounts of time sleeping

• Angry outbursts, even over small matters

• Increasing challenges in meeting demands of normal day-to-day activities

• Self-harm

• Suicide attempts

Types of depression

There are different types of depression, some of which develop due to specific circumstances. The most common types include:

Major depression

This includes a combination of symptoms that significantly interfere with a person’s ability to perform normal day-to-day activities (sleep, eat, work or study), have interpersonal relationships, or engage in activities once enjoyed.

Major depression can become so debilitating that a person is unable to function normally in their day-to-day life.

Minor depression

This is a milder form of depression that is defined by the presence of symptoms that are not severe enough to meet the criteria for major depression.

While not as severe, symptoms of mild depression can cause difficulties in daily life and impact a person’s overall sense of well-being. Minor depression should not be left untreated as it could lead to development of major depression episodes during a person’s lifetime.

Persistent depressive disorder

Also referred to as dysthymia. This often includes less severe symptoms of depression that typically last at least two years. People who have dysthymia may experience episodes of major depression during their lifetime.

Prenatal and postnatal depression

Depression can arise during pregnancy or in the weeks and months after delivery (postpartum depression).

It’s most common in women, but men can also experience postnatal depression.

Seasonal affective disorder

This comes and goes with the seasons. It typically – but not always – starts during late autumn and early winter, and goes away during spring and summer.

Risk factors for depression

Depression has no clear single cause. However, research suggests that a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a role in depression

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The most common risk factors for depression include:

• Genetics - family history of depression

• Major life events - relationship changes, marital status, bereavement, redundancy, housing problems

• Past and/or continued traumatic events

• Financial worries

• High stress situations – including problems at work

• Chronic pain or disability

• Physical health problems

• Chronic medical conditions

• Poor social support

• Childhood neglect or abuse

• Hormone imbalances - such as those caused by menopause, pregnancy or delivery

• Changes in brain chemistry

• Low self-esteem, poor self-image

• Overly dependent, pessimistic, and/or self-critical personality traits

• Drug and/or alcohol abuse

• Certain medications

Treatment

Depression, if left untreated, can be devastating for those who have it and their families. The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is. With the right treatment plan, many people suffering from depression are able to overcome it and lead a happy, healthy, and productive life.

Depression is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. In addition, healthy lifestyle choices can help with recovery.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most researched type of psychotherapy and has been found to be an effective treatment for depression. In general, CBT works to help you identify negative thoughts that can cause negative behaviours and it teaches you to develop more positive ways of managing difficulties.

CBT delivered virtually by a therapist using technology — such as video, chat, text, phone calls or online learning modules can be just as effective as therapy delivered in-person.

Medication

Antidepressants are medicines commonly used in treatment for depression. They may be used to help control symptoms of depression, such as low mood, sleep problems and concentration difficulties.

Health care providers can prescribe medication for depression and should advise on the potential benefits, risks and side effects.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes that may help you cope with depression include:

• Stress and relaxation techniques – such as breathing exercises and meditation.

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet.

• Exercise - engaging in regular physical activity can help boost your mood.

• Getting enough sleep.

• Journaling - this can help you deal with overwhelming emotions and improve your mood.

• Connecting with other people, and talking with people you trust about how you are feeling.

• Simplifying your life - cutting back on obligations when possible, and setting reasonable goals for yourself.

• Continuing to do activities that usually make you happy.

• Avoiding alcohol and drugs.

Takeaway

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that can make it hard to handle day-to-day activities and enjoy life. After understanding what depression is and how it affects you, if you feel you need a mental health professional to help you deal with your depression so you can live a happier life, then online therapy can make an immense difference.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular treatment option for depression, and research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy.

Online therapy comes with the following benefits:

• Flexible - You can schedule therapy sessions for times that are most convenient for you.

• Convenient - You can access therapy from anywhere, from the comfort or your home or wherever you feel most comfortable.

• Time-saving - You don’t have to travel or spend months on a waiting list for a suitable therapist in your area.

If you’ve been struggling with depression, help is available for achieving better mental well-being.