Depression is a world we hate to hear; mostly because we all have been through a depressing time at least once in our lives. By definition depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
According to healthline.com it’s estimated that 16.2 million adults in the United States, or 6.7 percent of American adults, have had at least one major depressive episode in a given year. It is more prevalent in women than men, and half of all cases are considered serious.
Types of Depression:
Major Depression
People who suffer from major depression tend to experience what many describe as an “all-consuming darkness.” They lose interest in most activities, even ones that they may have previously enjoyed. Other symptoms include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite or weight, loss of energy, and feelings of worthlessness. In additions, thoughts of death or suicide may occur. Major depression is usually treated with antidepressant medication(s) and psychotherapy.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect nearly one in seven mothers after childbirth. Mothers with postpartum depression experience feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that may make it difficult for them to complete daily care activities for themselves or others.
It’s considered to be the result of both physical and emotional factors. After childbirth, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body drop quickly. This leads to chemical changes in the brain that may trigger mood swings. Additionally, lack of sleep means the body and the mind cannot recover from childbirth. This constant sleep deprivation can lead to physical discomfort and exhaustion, both of which affect mood and may lead to postpartum depression.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
As the name suggests, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterized by changes in mood as seasons change. The symptoms are generally more prevalent during fall and winter seasons. It’s believed that SAD may result from changes in the body’s natural schedule/rhythm or changes in the function of chemical messengers in the body, such as serotonin and melatonin.
Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin” or the “happy vitamin” may be related as well. When skin is exposed to sunlight, it makes vitamin D from cholesterol in the skin’s cells, but without adequate energy from sunlight, vitamin D synthesis cannot occur. Because people are less active and more likely to remain indoors during fall and winter seasons, less vitamin D synthesis occurs, hence the depressed mood. Many people refer to this as the “Winter-Time Blues.”
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder was formerly referred to as “dysthymia.” As the name suggests, someone with this type of depression exhibits symptoms that are persistent or ongoing, often lasting for at least two years. Although the symptoms linger, they do not reach the intensity of major depression.
Many people with persistent depressive disorder function well with day-to-day activities. However, they rarely show signs of joy or happiness. In addition, changes in appetite, energy, self-esteem, and sleep patterns will be present.
Persistent depressive disorder is often linked to changes in neurotransmitters in the brain or associated with disorders such as hypothyroidism or stroke. Stress and life changes may also contribute to persistent depressive disorder.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is commonly referred to as “manic-depressive disorder.” This type of depression is associated with mood changes and behavior that may be described as “polar opposites.” Individuals who experience bipolar disorder experience periods of high energy and then feel very low and depressed.
Symptoms of Depression:
* Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
* Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
* Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
* Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
* Loss of energy or increased fatigue
* Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others)
* Feeling worthless or guilty
* Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
* Thoughts of death or suicide
As we can see, depression comes in all kinds of forms. Living in this problematic world can easily cause depression with the stresses we anxiously hold on to. But what’s most important is knowing if we are effected. It’s important to check with ourselves mentally and check up with our doctors regularly about how we’re feeling.
I personally have been around depression my entire childhood and it wasn’t fun. My mother fought depression my whole life. She would have her days where she felt better than others but the fight was real.
I’ve learned that depression can also cause other body illnesses or even severe migraines. Depression is no fun. It’s something that needs to be talked about more because the fight of depression is like a continual war.
Check on your loved ones who are fighting depression.
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