Understanding Depression

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder with consistent symptoms such as feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities that can disrupt daily life. 

These changes in feelings can develop into harmful or dangerous emotional and physical issues, such as:

• Risk-taking
• Substance Use
• Uncontrollable feelings like anger 

People with depression can find that day-to-day activities are challenging to engage in or complete. Or they may feel fatigued or like their life isn’t worth living. 

If you have depression, you may need long-term mental health treatment that can include:

• Psychotherapy
• Antidepressants
• Support Groups

What Causes Depression?

Depression can be caused by a combination of biological, genetic, environmental, psychological factors, and certain medical conditions.

Mental health experts believe several factors can lead to the development of depression. 

Some of the potential causes include:

• Genetics: If a parent or sibling has depression, your risk of developing depression is higher than that of most people. However, your close family members’ mental health history doesn’t mean you will or won’t be diagnosed with depression. 
• Environment: What you’re exposed to (toxins, stressors, social isolation) can increase your risk of developing depression.
• Brain Chemistry: The neurotransmitters (they’re in charge of communication) in your brain affect your moods. 
• Life Events: The death of a loved one, moving, financial issues, trauma, or relationship issues can play a part in your mental health. Any of these life issues can trigger depression.
• Medication: Certain medications’ side effects include depression.
• Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses and pain can lead to depression.

If you think one or more of these triggers are affecting your mood, you should talk with your healthcare provider. 

What Are the Different Types of Depression?

There are various types of depression, each characterized by different patterns and causes, but generally, they involve persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and changes in mood or behavior.

The most common types of depression are:

• Major Depression: Symptoms of major depression can last for at least two weeks and can disrupt day-to-day routines.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia/Dysthymic Disorder): The symptoms of this type of depression are less severe but last much longer, typically for at least two years.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depression symptoms hit in a specific season, typically in the wintertime.
• Depression With Psychosis Symptoms: If you have this type of depression, you can have hallucinations or delusions
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder includes depressive and manic episodes, which can also include significantly elevated mood, irritability, and activity level.

Is Depression Genetic?

Yes, genetics can play a role in developing depression. 

Research has shown that if a parent or sibling has a depressive disorder, you’re at a higher risk of developing the mental disorder. 

The genetic reasons you’re at a higher risk are:

• Polymorphisms: Variation in certain genes increases your risk of developing depression.
• Epigenetics: Environmental factors like stress and trauma can change genes.

When discussing your mental health, you should also talk to your mental health or health care provider about your family’s history of mental illness. 

Symptoms of Depression

What Are Symptoms of Depression?

The symptoms of depression aren’t the same for everyone. You may have different types or numbers of symptoms than someone you know or love. 

Some of the common symptoms of depression include:

• Feeling empty or sad
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
• Change in appetite (loss of or overeating)
• Sleep Problems (an increase or decrease in the quality of sleep)
• Severe Fatigue
• Experiencing anxiety, irritability, and hopelessness
• Physical issues (body aches, cramps, digestive problems)
• Change in moods or behaviors
• Social Isolation
• Thoughts of self-harm, death, or suicide
• Worthlessness

If you’re having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek immediate help. Contact your mental health provider or call the suicide or crisis lifeline. The admission team at Ocean View is available 24/7 to help you get the help you need.

Can Depression Cause Health Problems?

Yes, depression can cause or worsen health problems. 

The symptoms associated with depression can be overwhelming and make daily functioning difficult. 

Your physical and mental health are negatively affected by depression. Several factors can increase your risk of poor physical health. 

Three of those factors include:

• Behavior: The symptoms of depression often make it challenging to sustain habits like regular exercise and healthy eating.
• Health: Depression is connected to an increased risk of inflammation in your body, as well as decreased heart function and changes in stress hormones.
• Access to Healthcare: People with depression can face challenges in accessing or using healthcare services. In this case, mental health apps can help reduce access issues.

 Some of the severe health problems include:

• Suicidal Thoughts or Attempts
• Self-Harm (cutting, punching yourself)
• Premature Death (suicide, caused by co-occurring medical conditions) 

Treatment of an acute psychiatric crisis can help your long-term physical and mental health. Treating a psychiatric crisis is a part of self-help. It’s okay to reach out and ask for help during your most acute phase of your depressive symptoms. 

Can My Symptoms of Depression Be Connected to Other Underlying Mental Health Conditions?

Yes, your symptoms of depression can be linked with other mental health conditions. 

You can have depression and other mental health disorders. For example, people with depression also often have an anxiety disorder. 

When a person has two or more mental health disorders, they’re diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. For example, women with anxiety disorders and depression are also more likely to have an eating disorder. People with borderline personality disorder are more likely than the general population to develop depression.

What Are Some Overlooked Symptoms of Depression?

Some of the overlooked signs of depression include:

• Brain Fog: Depression can reduce your cognitive functioning. You may not be able to focus on tasks, have slower reactions to situations, feel mentally blocked, or be forgetful.
• Substance Use: Substance use disorders are caused by several factors, and one of them is depression. People often begin to use substances as a way to make them feel “better,” elevate their mood, or be able to function in social situations.
• Weight Changes: Depression can affect your appetite. You may overeat or lose interest in eating. Furthermore, one of the stigmas associated with depression is weight gain. On the other hand, if you lose weight because you lost your appetite, you may be praised for your weight loss.

Social media or other entertainment apps often show depression as a person crying excessively, lying alone in the dark, or neglecting their hygiene. While these images aren’t wrong, they’re not the whole picture. Often, hidden symptoms are overlooked by you or your loved ones.

The lesser-known symptoms of depression can be confused with other, less severe changes in behavior or thoughts. Knowing how to recognize lesser-known symptoms can help you or a loved one get the care you need.

What Are the Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?

Major depressive disorder’s symptoms disrupt your life because they occur almost every day, most of the day, and can include, but aren’t limited to:

• Feeling tearful, empty inside, or worthless
• Uncontrolled anger, frustration, or irritability
• Loss of interest in everyday activities like sports, sex, or hobbies
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Lack of energy
• Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
• Weight gain or loss
• Agitation, anxiety, or restlessness 
• Fixation on past failures or mistakes
• Self-blame

Seasonal Depression

What Is Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) occurs during specific seasons of the year, typically during the fall and winter months. 

The exact reason people have SAD is unknown. Still, mental health experts believe that the reduction in daylight hours decreases the production of serotonin, which plays a role in regulating mood.

How Do I Deal With Seasonal Depression?

Strategies to help you cope with SAD are often included in the treatment plan you developed with your mental health provider. 

Some coping skills can include:

• Spend Time Outside: Even if you can only spend a few minutes in the sun, those minutes can make a difference because sunlight helps regulate mood by increasing serotonin levels.
• Regular Exercise: Physical activity is known to boost your endorphin levels (mood boosters). Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity each day.
• Healthy Diet
• Socialize: Socializing with loved ones or friends can lessen feelings of loneliness and boost your mood.
• Quality Sleep

Does Seasonal Depression Only Happen Around the Holidays?

No, SAD doesn’t happen only around the holidays. It usually occurs during the fall and winter months.

Depression and Loved Ones

How Does Depression Affect Loved Ones?

The effects of depression on loved ones often include strained relationships, an increase in arguments or conflict, and a decreased quality of life for caregivers. 

Loved ones or caregivers may experience:

• Heightened stress
• Personal mental health challenges stemming from their loved one’s depression
• Emotional Distress 

How to Deal With a Depressed Spouse?

Depression can severely impact your relationship with your spouse. 

You can help them by:

• Providing Understanding
• Giving them Support
• Reassure them that seeking help is beneficial

How to Help a Loved One Dealing With Postpartum Depression?

Many women struggling with postpartum depression (PPD) need the support of loved ones through simple things such as:

• Assisting or encouraging them to seek therapy
• Being emotionally supportive
• Providing or offering practical help (washing dishes, cleaning the house, preparing meals)
• Learning about PPD

PPD affects women after childbirth. You or a loved one may have feelings of sadness, anxiety, or difficulty in bonding with the baby. These symptoms can trigger depression and guilt. 

Treatment for How to Deal With Depression

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider About Depression?

It’s best to see your healthcare provider when you first recognize the symptoms of depression. 

Early intervention can improve your ability to prevent or reduce the impact of its symptoms. You can also learn healthy coping skills that will increase long-term success in managing your symptoms.

Should I Seek a Mental Health Professional?

Yes, mental health professionals are equipped with evidence-based treatments for depression and other mental health conditions.

How Essential Is Early Intervention?

Early intervention is key to improved outcomes and the management of depression symptoms. 

When your symptoms are detected in the early stages, your doctor or mental health provider can begin treatments like talk therapy and antidepressant medication management. 

What Are Some Treatment Options for Depression?

Depression symptoms can be treated with psychological treatments, medication management, recreational therapy, life skills, and coping skills. 

There are several treatment options your mental health provider can try to help you successfully manage your depression symptoms. 

Some examples of these options are:

• Psychotherapy
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): You will learn how to identify and change harmful behaviors and negative thoughts that are connected with depression. By targeting current issues and symptoms, CBT aims to recognize the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that decrease your ability to experience pleasure.
  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): IPT’s goal is to improve problematic circumstances and relationships that are closely connected with a depressive episode.
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): The combination of cognitive therapy and mindfulness meditation can modify negative thoughts and build a positive, loving view of yourself.
  • Supportive Therapy: This therapy mode focuses on strengthening your ability to make positive choices that help you cope with various stressors by utilizing empathy and supportive listening.
  • Psychodynamic Therapy: In this type of therapy, you will focus on unconscious thoughts, childhood or early experiences, and a therapeutic relationship to improve your self-awareness, develop healthy behaviors, and understand challenges.
• Additional Treatments
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): This is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted areas of your brain that regulate mood.
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT can be effective for severe depression. The procedure involves short electrical pulses to the brain.

Medications are also a common treatment for depression. However, some side effects, such as weight gain, can be discussed with your doctor. If you feel like the medication is negatively affecting your well-being, speak with your psychiatrist or doctor. 

Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility will help you manage your medication.

What Are Some Coping Skills for Depression?

Effective coping skills for depression include engaging in activities that promote physical and mental well-being.

Healthy, evidence-based coping skills for depression include:

• Mindful meditation
• Physical activity
• Art
• Music

Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility has trained recreational therapists who can teach you healthy coping skills.

Medication for How to Deal With Depression

Will I Need Medication for my Depression?

The severity of your symptoms, type of depression, and family history play a role in the decision to take medication.

You should talk with your doctor before you make a decision. 

What Medications Are Used to Treat Depression?

Medications like antidepressants and mood stabilizers are often used to help alleviate the symptoms of depression. 

Since everyone is different, their medication type and dosage must be tailored to their individual needs. 

Often, adults are prescribed second-generation antidepressants known as:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) 
• Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) 
• Norepinephrine/Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)

These medications help regulate the brain’s neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels and are what control your behaviors and moods, like happiness and pleasure. 

Mood stabilizers are typically prescribed for those with bipolar disorder.

Are Medications Safe?

Extensive research has shown that antidepressant medication and mood stabilizers are safe and effective.

Can I Deal With Depression Without Medication?

Whether or not you can deal with depression without medication depends on the severity of your symptoms and whether you have other underlying causes of your depression. 

Talk to your doctor to see what treatment is proper for you.

Self-Care for How to Deal With Depression

What Is Usually Recommended as Self-Care for Depression?

The recommended self-care habits for depression include:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Plenty of sleep
• Regular exercise
• Avoid drugs and alcohol
• Socialize with family and friends

Can Improved Nutrition Help My Depression?

Yes, a diet rich in nutrient-packed foods can increase your brain and body function.  

Eating a healthy diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to maintain good physical and mental health.

How Does Good Sleep Improve Depression Symptoms?

Good quality sleep allows your mind to manage stress and regulate your emotions because sleep balances serotonin and other neurotransmitters.

FAQs

What should I avoid when I’m depressed?

During a depressive episode, you should avoid:

• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Excessive social media exposure
• Social isolation
• Foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats

What is smiling depression?

Smiling depression is when you look happy from the outside and can function in your everyday life, but you’re having severe internal struggles, like:

• Difficulty making decisions
• Consistent sadness
• Feeling worthless or guilty

Am I depressed or just sad?

The difference between depression and sadness is that sadness is a normal, temporary emotion. 

On the other hand, depression is a mental health disorder that can last for weeks, months, or years.

Is depression a disability?

The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Social Security Administration state that depression can qualify as a disability. 

Can depression go away?

Yes, with the right evidence-based therapies, lifestyle changes, and/or medications, depression can be managed. 

Reaching out for help to manage your acute psychiatric mental health crisis is the first step in good mental health. The medical and mental health team at Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility is trained to provide acute psychiatric and medication stabilization. We also offer outpatient programs that include psychoeducational and recreational therapy sessions. Our social workers will help you find the support you need once you transition into aftercare. We encourage you to learn coping and life skills that will help you manage your mental health symptoms while improving your quality of life. Find out how psychiatric crisis care can guide you to better mental health. Contact one of Ocean View’s admission team members today at (844) 562-1212 or outreach@ovphf.com.