Truth of Depression

Taylor feels that she lives a good life. She feels that she has friends, a supportive family, and everything she needs as well as some wants. Nothing traumatic has happened to her or to any of her close friends and family recently. She is active in school, sports, and in the community. She loves to be with friends and continues to love reading and being with her family as she always has. However, during finals week, Taylor has felt more overwhelmed with schoolwork and feels there’s not enough hours in the day. With this stress, Taylor wonders if she may be depressed.

Depression is a mood disorder that disrupts every daily activity. It changes how you think and how you feel about every activity including eating, sleeping, and working. Some symptoms may be feeling worthless, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, appetite or weight changes, trouble sleeping or waking, headaches, loss of interest in activities, loss of energy, irritability, moving or talking slowly, and/or thoughts of death or suicide. According to The National Institute of Mental Health, the symptoms have to persist for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with depression (Depression).

Taylor does not have depression. Depression is not just feeling sad or stressed. It is many different emotions piled on, and they manifest in different forms. It’s important to know the difference and recognize the signs in case you or a loved one have it.

Major Depressive Disorder is the most common form of depression and can include all or most of the symptoms of depression. However, it is more long term, and extensive treatment might be needed all through life. Persistent Depressive Disorder, better known as dysthymia, is where a depressive mood last for two years or more. It differs from Major Depressive Disorder because it is not as long term and is not as serious. People with dysthymia can still function and go about their daily activities, but those with Major Depression can’t (Depression).

For example, a person with dysthymia may feel like they are under a blanket of sadness, but can keep it in the back of their mind while they go about their day. Major Depression can cause some to feel physically ill and unable to get out of bed. If Taylor’s symptoms of stress had a few other symptoms, and had lasted for two years or more, she might have had dysthymia.

There are more extreme forms of depression. Psychotic Depression happens when a person with depression is driven over the edge because of it. They experience hallucinations, believe things that are false, and may act insane out of depression. Bipolar Depression is characterized by extreme mood swings, ranging from mania (extreme high) to depression. People with Psychotic Depression are rarely in control of their actions, but those with Bipolar Depression often are. They can act rashly, and may not know why. This confusion may lead to them making their own conclusions about reality and believing things that are false ("Women and"). This can cause them to unintentionally push away their loved ones, and living a normal life is near impossible.

Taylor probably will never experience either of these as she is far from the extremes of these disorders. Maybe if the stress from finals caused her to have extreme mood swings that caused her to lash out at family members, then she could be Bipolar.

Some forms of depression only last so long. Seasonal Affective Disorder is when a someone is depressed generally in the winter months. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder is due to the lack of natural sunlight, and most likely will lift in the spring and summer. Postpartum Depression, like Seasonal Affective Disorder, is short-term. Women who have recently given birth are susceptible to this form of depression. “Many new mothers experience a brief episode of mild mood changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming” (“Women and”). Since Taylor is not pregnant, nor has recently given birth, she is not at risk for Postpartum Depression. If Taylor felt depressed around winter finals only, and felt the same way every year, she might be diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

There are many ways to get help, and one is to get matched with an antidepressant. The National Institute of Mental Health states that, “Antidepressants work to normalize naturally occurring brain chemicals.” Serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels are the main chemicals antidepressants aim to balance. There are many different antidepressants, and it may take some testing and a lot of patience to find the one just right for you (“Women and”).

Another method of treatment can be to seek psychotherapy, or “talk therapy” ("Women and"). Psychotherapy can be the best option for those with lighter depression. On the other hand, it may not be enough for those with heightened depression. However, a combination of medication and therapy can be helpful. To find a therapist, talk to your family doctor to see what your options are. Don’t be afraid to open up; your doctor wants to keep you both physically and mentally healthy. Your family doctor will most likely be the one to prescribe medications, but only if it is a route you would like to take. For psychotherapy, your doctor can refer you to a clinic nearby. Most cities and small towns have a government run Department of Mental Health. There are also some private therapy businesses.

It’s important to watch over those who are at risk for depression. Those who have personal or family history of depression have experienced recent life changes or trauma, or have suddenly fallen upon physical illness or new medication are commonly at risk for depression.

Depression is not a made up condition. It is a chemical disorder that manifests in different ways. Taylor was right to worry about herself, as all people should monitor how they feel to remain healthy. Taylor should also keep an eye out for those around her. If you notice any of the symptoms in a loved one, be gentle and understanding. Encourage them to get help. Remember that nothing is more important than getting better.

Works Cited

“Depression.” The National Institute of Mental Health. October 2016, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

“Women and Depression:Discovering Hope.” National Institute of Mental Health. No. 09-4779, revised 2009