What is Depression?

What is Depression?

Depression is the primary cause of disability worldwide. In the United States, nearly 10% of adults battle with depression. However, understanding this mental illness can be more challenging compared to something like high cholesterol. One major point of confusion is differentiating between having depression and simply feeling depressed. Almost everyone experiences periods of sadness from time to time. Situations such as receiving a poor grade, losing a job, having an argument, or even a gloomy day can evoke feelings of sadness. Sometimes, these feelings arise without any apparent trigger. However, they tend to dissipate as circumstances change. Clinical depression, on the other hand, is distinct. It is a medical disorder that does not simply vanish with a desire for it to do so. It lingers for a minimum of two consecutive weeks and significantly hampers one's ability to function in work, play, or relationships. Depression manifests through various symptoms, including a persistent low mood, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, changes in appetite, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, disrupted sleeping patterns, difficulty concentrating, restlessness or slowed movements, loss of energy, or recurring thoughts of suicide. According to psychiatric guidelines, experiencing at least five of these symptoms qualifies for a depression diagnosis.

How does depression affect the body?

Depression has physical implications within the brain. Observable changes, such as reduced frontal lobes and hippocampal volumes, can be seen with the naked eye and X-ray imaging. On a more microscopic level, depression is associated with abnormalities in neurotransmitter transmission or depletion, particularly serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. It also affects circadian rhythms, the REM and slow-wave phases of the sleep cycle, and hormone regulation, including elevated cortisol levels and thyroid hormone deregulation. However, neuroscientists still lack a complete understanding of the causes of depression. It appears to be the result of a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors, but there is currently no diagnostic tool to accurately predict its occurrence or timing. Additionally, due to the intangible nature of depression symptoms, it can be difficult to identify individuals who may appear fine but are actually struggling.

Is depression treatable?

Fortunately, there are highly effective treatments for depression. Medications and therapy work in tandem to enhance brain chemicals. In severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy, which induces controlled seizures in the brain, can be beneficial. Other promising treatments, like transcranial magnetic stimulation, are also under investigation. If you know someone grappling with depression, gently encourage them to explore these options. You could even offer to assist with specific tasks, such as finding local therapists or compiling a list of questions for a doctor. Taking these initial steps can seem insurmountable to someone with depression. If they feel guilty or ashamed, remind them that depression is a medical condition akin to asthma or diabetes. It is not a weakness or a personality trait, and they should not expect themselves to overcome it any more than they could will themselves to heal a broken arm. If you have not personally experienced depression, refrain from comparing it to moments of temporary sadness. Drawing comparisons to regular feelings of sadness can induce guilt in those struggling with depression. Simply engaging in open discussions about depression can be helpful. Research indicates that inquiring about suicidal thoughts actually reduces the risk of suicide. Open conversations about mental illness contribute to the erosion of stigma and make it easier for people to seek help. As more individuals pursue treatment, scientists can continue to advance their understanding of depression, leading to improved treatments.