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What are the symptoms of being depressed. Exploring the Complexities of Depression in Women: Symptoms, Treatment, and Unique Experiences

by alexxlab

What are the symptoms of depression in women? What specific types of depression can women experience? How can women seek treatment and support for depression? Discover the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive overview.

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Understanding Depression as a Real Medical Condition

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that can significantly impact a person’s ability to function in daily life. Contrary to the misconception that someone can simply “snap out of it,” depression is a real medical condition caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Most people with depression require professional treatment to find relief from their symptoms.

If you suspect you or a loved one may be experiencing depression, it’s crucial to seek evaluation and care from a healthcare provider. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Remember, depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw – it’s a treatable illness that affects many people, especially women.

The Physical and Emotional Toll of Depression

While sadness is a common symptom of depression, the condition can also manifest through a variety of physical symptoms. People with depression may experience aches, pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive issues that do not respond to treatment. They may also struggle with sleeping, waking up, and feeling fatigued.

If you have been experiencing any of the following symptoms for at least two weeks, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about the possibility of depression:

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
  • Irritability
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Decreased energy or fatigue
  • Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • Moving or talking more slowly
  • Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
  • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that do not ease even with treatment

Unique Types of Depression in Women

Women can experience certain types of depression that are closely linked to the significant hormonal and physical changes they undergo throughout their lives. These include:

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that can cause emotional and physical symptoms in the days leading up to a woman’s menstrual cycle. Symptoms may include mood swings, irritability, depressed mood, and feelings of hopelessness.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can occur after childbirth, affecting up to 1 in 7 women. Symptoms may include persistent sadness, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and difficulty bonding with the baby.

Perimenopausal Depression

The transition into menopause, known as perimenopause, can be accompanied by hormonal fluctuations that may trigger depressive symptoms in some women. These can include mood swings, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.

Seeking Help and Support for Depression

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, it’s important to seek professional help. Start by making an appointment with your primary care provider or a mental health specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, rule out any underlying medical conditions, and work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment for depression may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. It’s also essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which can include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and engaging in activities that promote well-being.

Remember, depression is a treatable condition, and with the right support and care, you can find relief from your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

Supporting a Loved One with Depression

If you have a friend or family member dealing with depression, you can provide invaluable support by offering understanding, patience, and encouragement. Avoid dismissing their feelings or telling them to “just be positive.” Instead, listen without judgment, remind them that professional help is available, and encourage them to seek treatment.

It’s also important to take care of yourself while supporting a loved one with depression. Encourage them to seek professional help, but don’t try to take on the role of a therapist or caretaker. Set boundaries, practice self-care, and seek support from other loved ones or mental health professionals if needed.

Conclusion

Depression is a complex and multifaceted condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. By understanding the symptoms, unique experiences of women, and the importance of seeking professional help, we can work towards providing better support and resources for those affected by this common yet serious mental health condition.

5 Things You Should Know

Being sad is a normal reaction to difficult times in life. But usually, the sadness goes away with a little time. Depression is different—it is a mood disorder that may cause severe symptoms that can affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating, or working. Depression is more common among women than men, likely due to certain biological, hormonal, and social factors that are unique to women.

This brochure contains an overview of five things that everyone should know about depression in women.

1. Depression is a real medical condition.

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. Depression symptoms can interfere with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy your life. Although researchers are still studying the causes of depression, current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Most people with depression need treatment to feel better.

You can’t just ‘snap out’ of depression.

Well-meaning friends or family members may try to tell someone with depression to “snap out of it,” “just be positive,” or “you can be happier if you just try harder.” But depression is not a sign of a person’s weakness or a character flaw. The truth is that most people who experience depression need treatment to get better.

If you are a friend or family member of a woman with depression, you can offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement. But never dismiss her feelings. Encourage her to talk to her health care provider, and remind her that, with time and treatment, she can feel better.

Most people with depression need treatment to feel better.

If you think you may have depression, start by making an appointment to see your health care provider. This could be your primary doctor or a health provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist). Certain medications, and some medical conditions, such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression. A health care provider can rule out these possibilities by doing a physical exam, interview, and lab tests. Your health care provider will examine you and talk to you about treatment options and next steps.

Talking to Your Health Care Provider About Your Mental Health

Communicating well with your health care provider can improve your care and help you both make good choices about your health. Read about tips to help prepare and get the most out of your visit. For additional resources, including questions to ask your health care provider, visit the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

2. Depression can hurt—literally.

Sadness is only a small part of depression. Some people with depression do not feel sadness at all. A person with depression also may experience many physical symptoms, such as aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems. Someone with depression also may have trouble with sleeping, waking up in the morning, and feeling tired.

If you have been experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
  • Irritability
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Decreased energy or fatigue
  • Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • Moving or talking more slowly
  • Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
  • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that do not ease even with treatment

Talk to your health care provider about these symptoms. Be honest, clear, and concise—your provider needs to know how you feel. Your health care provider may ask when your symptoms started, what time of day they happen, how long they last, how often they occur, if they seem to be getting worse or better, and if they keep you from going out or doing your usual activities. It may help to take the time to make some notes about your symptoms before you visit your provider.

3. Certain types of depression are unique to women.

Pregnancy, the postpartum period, perimenopause, and the menstrual cycle are all associated with dramatic physical and hormonal changes. Certain types of depression can occur at different stages of a woman’s life.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, refers to moodiness and irritability in the weeks before menstruation. It is quite common, and the symptoms are usually mild. But there is a less common, more severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a serious condition with disabling symptoms such as irritability, anger, depressed mood, sadness, suicidal thoughts, appetite changes, bloating, breast tenderness, and joint or muscle pain.

Perinatal Depression

Being pregnant isn’t easy. Pregnant women commonly deal with morning sickness, weight gain, and mood swings. Caring for a newborn is challenging, too. Many new moms experience the “baby blues”—a term used to describe mild mood changes and feelings of worry, unhappiness, and exhaustion that many women sometimes experience in the first two weeks after having a baby. These feelings usually last a week or two and then go away as a new mom adjusts to having a newborn.

Perinatal depression is a mood disorder that can affect women during pregnancy and after childbirth, and is much more serious than the “baby blues.” The word “perinatal” refers to the time before and after the birth of a child. Perinatal depression includes depression that begins during pregnancy (called prenatal depression) and depression that begins after the baby is born (called postpartum depression). Mothers with perinatal depression experience feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that may make it difficult for them to carry out daily tasks, including caring for themselves, their new child, or others.

If you think you have perinatal depression, you should talk to your health care provider or trained mental health care professional. If you see any signs of depression in a loved one during her pregnancy or after the child is born, encourage her to see a health care provider or visit a clinic.

To learn more about perinatal depression, see the National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) Perinatal Depression brochure.

Perimenopausal Depression

Perimenopause (the transition into menopause) is a normal phase in a woman’s life that can sometimes be challenging. If you are going through perimenopause, you might be experiencing abnormal periods, problems sleeping, mood swings, and hot flashes. Although these symptoms are common, feeling depressed is not. If you are struggling with irritability, anxiety, sadness, or loss of enjoyment at the time of the menopause transition, you may be experiencing perimenopausal depression.

Depression affects each woman differently.

Not every woman who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some women experience only a few symptoms. Others have many. The severity and frequency of symptoms, and how long they last, will vary depending on the individual and the severity of the illness.

Where Can I Learn More About Depression in Women?

The following agencies have additional information on depression in women.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health: Depression

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Women and Depression

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Depression Among Women

4. Depression can be treated.

Even the most severe cases of depression can be treated. Depression is commonly treated with medication, psychotherapy (also called “talk therapy”), or a combination of the two.

Antidepressants are medications commonly used to treat depression. People respond differently to antidepressants, and you may need to try different medicines to find the one that works best. Researchers also are studying and developing other medications for depression, such as brexanolone for postpartum depression, and esketamine. You can learn about recent developments on these and other medications at NIMH’s Science News webpage under the topic “Treatments.”

There are many different types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. The particular approach a therapist uses depends on the condition being treated and the training and experience of the therapist. Therapists also may combine and adapt elements of different approaches.

Depression affects each individual differently. There is no “one-size-fits-all” for treatment. It may take some trial and error to find the treatment that works best. You can learn more about the different types of depression treatment, including psychotherapy, medication, and brain stimulation therapies, on the NIMH’s webpage about depression. Visit the Food and Drug Administration website for the latest information on medication approvals, warnings, and patient information guides.

What to Consider When Looking for a Therapist

Therapists and patients work together, and finding a good match is important. The following tips can help you find the right therapist.

Ask about their areas of expertise. Therapists have different professional backgrounds and specialties. You want to find a therapist who has experience working with your specific condition.

Find out what kinds of treatments they use. Ask if those treatments are effective for dealing with your particular mental health problem or issue.

Find out how you’ll evaluate progress. Determine how long treatment is expected to last, and when you should expect to gain relief from symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Don’t be afraid to keep looking. Rapport and trust are essential. Discussions in therapy are deeply personal, and it’s important that you feel comfortable with the therapist you pick.

5. Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and across the country are dedicated to women’s mental health research.

Researchers continue to study depression to improve the way this medical condition is diagnosed and treated. For example, NIMH researchers are currently working to understand how and why changes in reproductive hormones trigger mood disorders, including postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and perimenopausal depression.

NIMH scientists are conducting a large number of research studies with patients and healthy volunteers to better understand why some women are at higher risk than others, and how they can translate these findings into new treatments or new uses of existing treatments.

You can play a role in research by joining a clinical trial.

Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. The goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Although individuals may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others may be better helped in the future.

In addition to volunteer research opportunities for the patient groups listed above, research opportunities for healthy volunteers are also available. Healthy volunteers play a critical role in our studies.

For more information about clinical research and how to find clinical trials being conducted around the country, visit NIMH’s clinical trials webpage.

Finding Help

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, an online resource for locating mental health treatment facilities and programs in your state. For additional resources, visit our Help for Mental Illnesses webpage.

If you are in immediate distress or are thinking about hurting yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You also can text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741) or use the Lifeline Chat on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.

Reprints

The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. However, you may not reuse or copy the images in the publication. If you do use our materials, we request that you cite the National Institute of Mental Health. To learn more about using NIMH publications, refer to NIMH’s reprint guidelines.

For More Information

MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) (En español)

ClinicalTrials.gov (En español)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
NIH Publication No. 20-MH-4779
Revised 2020

What Is Depression?

Written by Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD

  • Depression Symptoms
  • Depression in Children
  • Depression in Teens
  • Depression Causes
  • Types of Depression
  • Other Conditions That Cause Depression Symptoms
  • Depression Diagnosis
  • Is Depression Curable?
  • What Other Illnesses Happen With Depression?
  • Depression in Pregnancy
  • Depression Treatment
  • Are There Other Therapies to Treat Symptoms of Depression?
  • Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Depression
  • Depression Prevention
  • Depression and Suicide
  • When Should I Seek Help?
  • When to Get Emergency Help
  • More

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a mood disorder with a group of symptoms including constant sadness or lack of interest in life.

Most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times. It’s a normal reaction to loss, life’s struggles, or injured self-esteem.

But when intense sadness — including feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless — lasts for many days to weeks and keeps you from living your life, it may be something more than sadness. That’s when it’s time for you to seek medical help.

Your regular doctor is a good place to start. They can test you for depression and help manage your symptoms. If your depression goes untreated, it may get worse and last for months, even years. It can cause pain and possibly lead to suicide, as it does for about 1 of every 10 people with depression.

Recognizing the symptoms is key. Unfortunately, about half the people who have depression never get diagnosed or treated.

They can include:

  • Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
  • Pessimism and hopelessness
  • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much
  • Crankiness or irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Loss of interest in things once pleasurable, including sex
  • Overeating or appetite loss
  • Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won’t go away
  • Digestive problems that don’t get better, even with treatment
  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
  • Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempt
  • Lose pleasure in life

While these symptoms are common, not everyone with depression will have the same ones. How severe they are, how often they happen, and how long they last can vary.

Your symptoms may also happen in patterns. For example, depression may come with a change in seasons (a condition formerly called seasonal affective disorder).

If you have depression, it can also cause you physical symptoms. Those may include joint pain, back pain, digestive problems, sleep trouble, and appetite changes. You might have slowed speech and movements, too. The reason is that your brain chemicals linked to depression, specifically serotonin and norepinephrine, play a role in both mood and pain.

Childhood depression is different from the normal blues and everyday emotions most kids feel. If your child is sad, it doesn’t mean they have depression. But when their sadness stays day after day, depression may be an issue. Disruptive behavior that interferes with normal social activities, interests, schoolwork, or family life may also be signs of depression.

A lot of teens feel unhappy or moody. But if your teen’s sadness lasts for more than 2 weeks and they have other symptoms of depression, there may be a problem. Watch for their withdrawal from friends and family, a drop in their performance at school, or use of alcohol or drugs. Talk to your doctor and find out if your teen may be depressed. There’s  effective treatment that can help them move beyond depression as they grow older.

Doctors haven’t pinpointed the exact causes for depression. They think it may be a combination of things, including:

  • Brain structure. People with depression seem to have physical differences in their brains from people who don’t have depression.
  • Brain chemistry. Chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters play a part in your mood. When you have depression, it could be because these chemicals aren’t working the way they should.
  • Hormones. Your hormone levels change because of pregnancy, postpartum issues, thyroid problems, menopause, or other reasons. That can set off depression symptoms.
  • Genetics. Researchers haven’t yet found the genes that might be responsible for depression, but you’re more likely to have depression if someone you’re related to has it.

Different types of depressive disorders your doctor can diagnose include:

  • Unipolar major depression
  • Persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia, when depression lasts for at least 2 years.
  • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, when children and teens get very cranky, angry, and have intense outbursts that are more severe than a typical reaction
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, when you have severe mood problems before your period, more intense than typical premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Substance-induced mood disorder (SIMD), when symptoms happen while you’re taking a drug or drinking alcohol or after you stop
  • Depressive disorder due to another medical condition
  • Other depressive disorders, such as minor depression

Your depression may have other specific features, such as:

  • Anxious distress. You worry a lot about things that might happen or about losing control.
  • Mixed features. You have both depression and mania — periods of high energy, talking too much, and high self-esteem.
  • Atypical features. You can feel good after happy events, but you also feel hungrier, need to sleep a lot, and are sensitive to rejection.
  • Psychotic features. You believe things that aren’t true, or see and hear things that aren’t there.
  • Catatonia. You can’t move your body normally. You might be still and unresponsive or have uncontrollable movements.
  • Peripartum depression. Your symptoms begin during pregnancy or after giving birth.
  • Seasonal pattern. Your symptoms get worse with changes in the seasons, especially in colder, darker months.

Depression can be a symptom of other health conditions. It’s important you get the right diagnosis and the best treatment. Some disorders that can cause depression include:

  • Bipolar I and II disorders. These mood disorders include swings of highs (mania) to lows (depression). It can be tricky to tell the difference between bipolar disorder and depression.
  • Cyclothymic disorder. This involves mood swings that are milder than those of bipolar disorder.
  • Other depression disorders. These include depression caused by the use of recreational drugs, some prescribed medications, or another medical condition.

To decide if you have depression, and what type, your doctor will use:

  • Physical exam. They’ll check your overall health to see if you might be dealing with another condition.
  • Lab tests. You may have bloodwork done to check certain hormone levels.
  • Psychiatric evaluation. Your doctor will check your mental health. They’ll ask about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. You may also fill out a questionnaire.
  • “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5). The American Psychiatric Association lists the criteria for depression in this manual. Your doctor may use it to help make a diagnosis.

There’s no cure for depression. Your symptoms may go away over time, but the condition won’t. But with care and treatment, you can reach remission and enjoy a long, healthy life.

It’s common for people to have other medical or mental health problems along with depression, such as anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobias, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. If you have symptoms of depression or another mental illness, talk to your doctor. Treatments can help.

Research shows 7% of women in the U.S. experience depression during their pregnancy. Studies suggest that rate may be higher in lower income countries.

Because depression symptoms like changes in your sleep, energy level, appetite, and libido can be common in anyone who’s pregnant, your doctor may miss diagnosing your depression during pregnancy.

You’re at higher risk for depression during your pregnancy if you have:

  • Anxiety
  • Life stress
  • History of depression
  • Poor social support
  • Unintended pregnancy
  • Intimate partner violence

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends you be screened for depression and anxiety at least once during your pregnancy. In that screening, your doctor will ask you questions about your mood and anxiety.

But if you think you have depression, don’t wait for a routine screening. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms right away. They may recommend you have psychotherapy, or a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants.

If you have symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor. They can evaluate you and offer you treatment or refer you to a mental health professional.

The type of treatment they recommend for you will depend on your symptoms and how severe they are. You may need one or more of the following:

  • Medication. Antidepressant medications (used alone or with psychotherapy) are effective for most people with depression. There are many types of antidepressants. You may have to try several kinds before you find the one that works best for you. You may need a combination of two. Or your doctor may also prescribe another type of medication to help your antidepressant work best, such as a mood stabilizer, antipsychotic, anxiety medication, or stimulant medication.
  • Psychotherapy. Talking to a mental health professional on a regular basis about your depression and other issues can help treat your symptoms. Methods include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a common form of talk therapy.
  • Hospital or residential treatment. If your depression is bad enough that you’re having trouble taking care of yourself, or you may harm yourself or others, you may need psychiatric treatment in a hospital or residential facility.
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In this treatment, electric currents are passed through your brain to help your neurotransmitters work better. Typically, you won’t have this therapy unless antidepressants aren’t working, or you can’t take them for other health reasons.
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Your doctor typically suggests this only after antidepressants haven’t worked. This treatment uses a coil to send magnetic pulses through your brain to help stimulate nerve cells that regulate your mood.

Yes. Another treatment is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). It involves using a noninvasive device that’s held above your head to create a magnetic field. It targets a specific part of your brain that can trigger your depression.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is another treatment option. A pacemaker-like device is surgically implanted under your collarbone to deliver regular impulses to your brain. 

A medication called ketamine may also be used for hard-to-treat depression. It is given through an infusion or as nasal spray.

Some lifestyle habits can help you manage your depression and lessen its symptoms. They include:

Getting regular exercise. Physical activity including aerobic exercise, tai chi, yoga, and weight training have been shown to increase your body’s production of endorphins, which are hormones that improve your mood.

Studies show aerobic exercise such as walking and swimming can be as effective as an antidepressant in reducing depression. Those who continue to exercise are less likely to have their depression come back. 

Avoiding alcohol. While you may drink alcohol to relax, it can cause problems like depression and anxiety down the road. Alcohol is a depressant that can interfere with the neurotransmitters that control your mood.

Avoiding caffeine. It can worsen your anxiety by increasing your stress hormone cortisol.

Drinking water. Even mild dehydration can worsen your mood and increase your anxiety. Experts recommend men have 15 cups of water per day and women have 11. Of that, 80% should come from drinking water and 20% from the food you eat.

Taking care of yourself. Get enough sleep, set boundaries in your personal and professional life, eat a healthy diet, and practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness. These can help you better cope with life’s challenges without becoming depressed.

In addition to these steps, ask your doctor about supplements, vitamins, or herbs that may help with any symptoms of depression you’re having.

All types of depression may not be preventable. But there are some things you can do to help avoid it or lessen symptoms. 

Research shows that if you’ve had depression before, you may be more likely to have it again. But once you’ve experienced it, you can help prevent another one by learning which lifestyle habits and treatments work best for you.

Some helpful tips include:

  • Don’t stop your treatments for depression.
  • Reduce your stress as much as possible.
  • Build strong relationships with others.

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Warning signs include:

  • A sudden switch from sadness to extreme calmness, or appearing to be happy
  • Always talking or thinking about death
  • Clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
  • Taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving through red lights
  • Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
  • Putting affairs in order, like tying up loose ends or changing a will
  • Saying things like “It would be better if I weren’t here” or “I want out”
  • Talking about suicide
  • Visiting or calling close friends and loved ones

If your symptoms of depression are causing problems with your relationships, work, or family — and there isn’t a clear solution — you should see a professional. Talking with them can help prevent things from getting worse, especially if your symptoms last.

Anybody thinking or talking about harming themselves should be taken seriously. It’s time for immediate action.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or attempting suicide, or if you know someone who’s in danger of suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

And if you’re having suicidal thoughts:

  • Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, anytime day or night.
  • Call your doctor or mental health professional.
  • Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
  • Contact a minister, spiritual leader, or someone else in your faith community.

Top Picks

causes, types, stages, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment in women and men

Causes

Classification

Symptoms

Complications

Diagnosis

Treatment

Depression is a common mental disorder, the main features of which are a persistent decrease in mood, problems with memory and concentration, and minimal physical activity.

The causes of such a painful condition for a person in most cases are neuropsychic shock or chronic stress. Depression can be accompanied by severe illness, sudden changes in life.

Treatment is based on the use of psychotherapeutic techniques. In some cases, it is supplemented by taking medications.

Reasons

Depending on the form, the disease is associated with external or internal factors. The causes of psychogenic reactive depression can be severe experiences, an acute psychotraumatic situation. Often, a violation develops after the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce, relocation, injury.

Positively colored events, for example, finally gained wealth or popularity, can also cause upset. In this case, mental deviations are explained by the realization of a dream with the subsequent loss of the meaning of life, provided there are no other goals.

Neurotic depression is a consequence of chronic stress. In this state, it is usually not possible to establish a specific cause of experiences. A person finds it difficult to name any specific psycho-traumatic circumstance, sees his life as a whole as a series of losses and disappointments.

Depression in men often develops with regular use of alcoholic beverages, psychoactive substances.

Other risk factors for affective disorder in patients of either sex are:

  • very high or extremely low financial status;
  • impressionability, suspiciousness, poor resistance to stress;
  • low self-esteem, a tendency to self-flagellation;
  • pessimistic outlook on life;
  • high psycho-emotional stress in professional activities;
  • difficult childhood, psychotraumatic situations suffered at a young age;
  • divorce of parents or loss of one of them, upbringing in an incomplete family, orphanage;
  • the presence of mental or neurotic disorders, addictions among relatives;
  • loneliness, lack of support in the family and social environment;
  • economic and political instability in the country;
  • physiologically determined changes in the hormonal background – the process of puberty, the postpartum period, menopause.

Endogenous depressions develop as a result of neurochemical abnormalities due to genetic mutation or aging of the body. This group of disorders includes involutional melancholia and senile depression. This form of pathology also occurs in manic-depressive psychosis, characterized by a change in the phases of mania, depression and mental stability.

The likelihood of depression in women is higher in the postpartum and menopause periods, when there is a change in the level of sex hormones, which is stressful for the body. In a young mother, neuropsychic disorders can occur with complicated childbirth, problems with breastfeeding or the health of the baby, and the appearance of excess weight.

Diseases of various organs can also be accompanied by depression. They are divided into the following groups:

  1. Pathologies of the cardiovascular system – myocardial infarction, hypertension, circulatory failure, heart rhythm disturbances.
  2. Brain damage due to stroke, neuroinfection or head trauma.
  3. Endocrine disorders – diabetes mellitus, hyper- or hypofunction of the thyroid gland.
  4. Violation of the digestive system – cirrhosis of the liver, colitis.
  5. Rheumatic diseases with prolonged pain syndrome – rheumatism, systemic lesions of the connective tissue, arthritis.
  6. Oncological processes, especially malignant neoplasms.

Classification

Depending on the severity and nature of manifestations, depression is of the following types:

  • major or clinical;
  • postpartum;
  • atypical;
  • recurrent;
  • small;
  • dysthymia.

Latent or “masked” depression is characterized by the absence of signs of neuropsychiatric disorders and symptoms characteristic of somatic diseases. The following options are distinguished:

  • cardiology;
  • abdominal;
  • dermal.

Caused by an acute psycho-traumatic situation, reactive psychogenic depression proceeds in several stages:

  1. Denial. The psyche makes an attempt to isolate itself from the ongoing negative events, the patient stubbornly does not believe in what happened.
  2. Anger. Anger arises from a sense of injustice, and the search for the guilty begins.
  3. Trade. A person tries to negotiate in order to avoid consequences. This indicates active attempts to find a way out of the situation.
  4. Depression. There is a feeling of loss of control over what is happening, a feeling of powerlessness and the impossibility of correcting anything. This is accompanied by a depressed mood, apathy, laziness, sadness, pessimistic judgments.
  5. Acceptance. After a real assessment of the situation and the prospects that have opened up, a person resigns himself to his fate and mentally prepares for the consequences.

Symptoms

The main manifestations of the disease are united under the name “depressive triad” and include:

  • a persistent decrease in mood, despair, melancholy, a sense of hopelessness for several weeks and even months;
  • slowing down of thinking, problems with memorizing and analyzing information, fixation on one’s own experiences;
  • decreased motor activity, slowness, lethargy, prolonged stay in the same position.

The patient ceases to enjoy activities that previously brought positive emotions, becomes withdrawn and taciturn, can spend most of the day lying in bed or sitting, hunched over, bowing his head and resting his elbows on his knees. Feelings of guilt appear, self-esteem falls, suicidal thoughts arise. Fatigue is characteristic, the solution of simple everyday tasks requires great effort.

In some cases, depression may present with the following symptoms:

  • nocturnal insomnia, often associated with drowsiness during the day;
  • decreased appetite and weight loss;
  • increased heart rate;
  • constipation;
  • dilated pupils;
  • loss of sexual desire;
  • menstrual disorders;
  • intense pain in different parts of the body without objective causes;
  • aggressive behavior, attacks and accusations against other people;
  • dryness and flabbiness of the skin, the appearance of wrinkles;
  • increased hair loss, brittle nails.

With endogenous depression, the intensity of symptoms peaks in the morning, gradually weakening during the day, and the manifestations of psychogenic affective disorders increase in the evening. A feature of postnatal depression is a decrease in the mother’s interest in the child, irritation from the need to take care of him.

Clinical depression is severe, including all of the triad and many additional symptoms. The small form is characterized by only a couple of signs of the disease that persist for two or more weeks. The atypical variant proceeds with increased appetite, drowsiness, emotional arousal, and anxiety.

Recurrent depression is characterized by a short duration of several days with a monthly recurrence. Seasonal affective disorder is associated with the change of seasons, the symptoms begin and end at about the same time interval. With dysthymia, the mood is steadily reduced for several years, but negative emotions and experiences do not reach the intensity characteristic of clinical depression.

Complications

The greatest danger is suicidal thoughts arising from the disease. They can provoke appropriate actions and lead to tragic consequences. With postpartum depression, a woman can harm not only herself, but also the child. In order to alleviate symptoms, the patient may resort to taking alcohol, drugs.

Diagnostics

With somatogenic or latent forms of the disease, a person can seek help from a general practitioner, cardiologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist and other doctors. In the case of psychogenic affective disorder, self-referral to a psychologist is possible. It is important that these specialists promptly refer the patient to a psychotherapist who diagnoses depression. It detects the disease by questioning the patient, during which complaints and symptoms are clarified, possible causative factors. Based on the data received, the doctor will tell you how to get out of depression as soon as possible and draw up a treatment plan.

Special tests for depression are carried out to determine the severity of the process. They include standardized tasks designed and tested by experts. Thus, personal needs, character traits, emotional responses, intelligence levels, anxiety and stress are studied. The Beck Depression Scale with a test questionnaire is often used to identify and assess symptoms of the disease.

Treatment

With a mild course of the disease, it is possible to undergo only a course of psychotherapy without the use of medications. Additionally, massage, hydrotherapy and exercise therapy may be recommended. Moderate and severe affective disorders also require medication.

The essence of drug therapy for depression is to take drugs that affect the production of biologically active substances that cause the transmission of a neurochemical impulse through the neurons of the limbic system of the brain. For this purpose, antidepressants are used. A large clinical form of the disease, as a rule, requires hospitalization. According to indications for severe depression, pills for insomnia and anxiety are also prescribed – sedatives, tranquilizers.

Psychogenic reactive disorders are successfully treated, and soon after the onset of the disease comes the way out of depression. The clinical picture of the somatogenic form of the disease depends on the severity of the organic pathology. Endogenous disorders are not amenable to psychotherapy, but medication can often achieve long-term remission. Neurotic depression is prone to a long, chronic course.

The author of the article:

Ivanova Natalya Vladimirovna

therapist

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