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Depression: what it is and what we can do 

Depression: what it is and what we can do 

It’s unfortunately often that life can get us down, for some people they can get so far down that their life is deeply affected by their mental state. This is depression and it affects around 5 percent of the world. Depression is as varied as it is common and can look different for any individual, but there are some common threads and common ways to manage it. Here we will take a look at what depression is, why it happens, and how you can get help to treat it.   

What is depression? 

Clinical depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent depressed moods, loss of interest in activities, and a general lack of pleasure in life. Depression symptoms can also include physical symptoms such as disrupted sleep, intense fatigue, appetite affects (such as overeating or starving), and an inability to concentrate. Another unfortunately common effect of depression is ideation or actions of self-harm or suicide.  

To be diagnosed with a depressive disorder, a person must experience these symptoms for 2 weeks or more, and a variety of criteria will determine the disorder a person is diagnosed with. 

Common depressive disorders include: 

  • Major depressive disorder: the most common type and includes experiencing the above symptoms for at least 2 weeks to a degree that impairs daily function. 
  • Persistent depressive disorder: is a chronic low mood with less intense but longer lasting symptoms that major depressive disorder. 
  • Bipolar: alternating states of severe depression and mania in which a person will swing between super high highs and really low lows.  
  • Seasonal affective disorder: a form of depression that is triggered by environmental factors, primarily the time of year and weather.  

Who does depression affect? 

Depression can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender, culture, etc. depression is very complex in its onset with no single clearly defined cause. Naturally experiencing traumatic events are a major contributor to experiencing depression, however negative interactions between biological, psychological, and environmental factors also build up and increase risk of developing a depressive disorder. Most people with a depressive disorder will experience onset between their late teens and early adulthood (15-28) however there are of course people in every age group that struggle with depression.  

How can depression be treated? 

Common treatment for depressive disorders include methods such as therapy, medication, and specialist treatments, depending on the needs of the patient.  Examples of therapy can include practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and focus on treating the problematic behaviours associated with depression. Medications vary depending on the needs of a patients and will be prescribed after consultation with a psychiatrist. Generally, medications will aim to balance the brain chemicals that may be part of the depressive symptoms.   

Depression can make the world feel smaller, heavier, and harder to move through, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. With the right support, things can shift. Reaching out, even when it feels difficult, can be the first step toward feeling lighter, steadier, and more like yourself again.