Depression – The Basics

Depression: Definite

Depression is often confused with sadness. Everyone feels sad or “down” at some point in their lives. Sadness is a natural reaction to something upsetting or painful. It is also a temporary feeling that usually goes away when someone accepts their problems. Depression, on the other hand, can persist for weeks, months, or even years. It is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness or lack of pleasure interfere with daily life for an extended period of time. In addition to extreme sadness and/or loss of interest or pleasure for two weeks or more, people experiencing a depressive episode also experience 5 or more of the following symptoms nearly every day (as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). SAW):

(1) depressed mood most of the day
(2) markedly decreased interest or pleasure in activities
(3) significant weight loss without dieting or weight gain
(4) insomnia or hypersomnia
(5) agitation or psychomotor retardation
(6) fatigue or loss of energy
(7) feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
(8) decreased ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
(9) recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan to commit suicide.

Source: American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 1994.

Depression: Causes

There are many factors that can contribute to depression. The diathesis-stress model of illness is a useful way to understand depression. Someone could have a predisposition to depression (the “diathesis” component) due to temperament, hormones, or genetic factors. For example, there may be a family history of a mood disorder, such as unipolar depression or bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). It is not inevitable that a person with this family history will develop depression. However, if there is a stressor in her life (eg, a divorce), the stress could exacerbate the potential for depression.

Not everyone who has a predisposition to depression will develop depression. And many people without this predisposition will have a depressive episode, perhaps triggered by a loss, an identity crisis, a major life change, or an interpersonal situation. Depressive episodes can be triggered not only by “negative” life changes or stressors, but also by positive changes. For example, an upward career move or getting married can also trigger depression.

Depression: Types

There are many types of mood disorders, from recurrent depressions to a single depressive episode, a cluster of depressive symptoms, and dysthymia (which is a lower level of depression that can last for longer periods, such as a year or more). , to bipolar depression (including periods of elevated or extremely happy mood, often described as feeling “on top of the world” or feeling very agitated or irritable). For more information on the various subtypes of mood disorders, you can visit http://www.nimh.nih.gov (National Institute of Mental Health).

Depression: Treatment

Depression can be treated with therapy and/or medication. The range of therapies ranges from cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people change their thoughts and behaviors from negative modalities to more realistic thoughts and actions, to psychodynamic therapy, which helps people identify and reverse their repetitive patterns. long-standing unhealthy conditions that can lead to depression and other psychological disorders. symptoms. When therapy alone is not enough, medications are often used to help treat depression. There is a wide range of medications that can relieve depression, from SSRIs to atypical antidepressants. You should see a psychiatrist to find out which medication, if any, would be most helpful for you.

Research studies have found that group therapy is one of the most effective treatments for depression. A group psychotherapy is a safe and confidential place to address and resolve relational issues such as intimacy, isolation, assertiveness, anger, and loss that can contribute to depression. Although the group provides many opportunities for personal growth, the primary goal for group members is to understand how and why they react the way they do to different interpersonal situations. Group members’ perceptions of how “tic” leads them to experiment with new ways of interacting. Group growth invariably leads to growth in the “real world.” As a group, clients have reactions to one another that replicate their experiences to people in the “real world.” Under the watchful eye of an experienced group therapist, group members:

* Learn new ways to interact and deal with the people in their lives. For example, they may become more intimate or assertive. They learn to communicate in a more open and authentic way, and become less fearful of the impact on other people when they are honest, even when expressing angry emotions. They can witness the impact of their behaviors on others and get feedback from the group.

* Get in touch with experiences of loss, envy, longing and desire for intimacy. Often group members represent the client’s family or background, so they have the opportunity to project these feelings onto other members and “get over” their early experiences in a safe environment.

Another powerful aspect of group therapy is the experience you have that you are not alone in the world. The group is a place where you feel connected and get support, empathy, and validation from people who have shared experiences.

Depression: action time

If you suspect that you are depressed, let your friends or family know that you need their support. See your GP or other doctor to find a therapy referral. You can also get a referral from someone who has had a successful experience with a therapist. If you can’t find a therapist through these means, you can find a therapist online, such as through psychologytoday.com or through your insurance company. You should seek immediate care if you have thoughts of death or suicide.

If you suspect that a friend or family member is suffering from depression, you can:
* Learn about depression and its symptoms.
* Engage in a conversation with your friend and begin by saying that you care about him. Make it clear to him that you are not trying to judge him, but that you can see that he is struggling and that you want to help him. You can simply ask, “what can I do for you?” Allow him to vent without offering advice or solutions unless he specifically asks for such advice.
* Try to spend time with him and encourage him to get involved in life and not isolate himself. Most importantly, encourage him to see a professional.