Experiencing low motivation and energy, common symptoms of depression, can make self-care and overcoming these challenges particularly difficult. However, consistent and even minor efforts towards recovery can lead to noticeable improvements in your symptoms more quickly than you might anticipate.
Key points
- Depression is the most prevalent mood disorder, impacting approximately 5-10% of adults in the United States
- Depression drains your joy in life, hampers your ability to perform effectively at work and at home, and negatively influences your relationships
- Even minor changes to your lifestyle can lead to significant improvements in your symptoms
- Professional help is accessible and highly effective in treating depression
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Overview
Depression is the most frequently occurring mood disorder, impacting 5 to 10% of adults in the United States. It diminishes your enjoyment of life, impairs your ability to perform well at work, and hinders maintaining healthy relationships. Thankfully, depression often responds well to treatment, frequently without the need for medication.
Symptoms of depression
- Persistent low moods, feeling sad or gloomy without any specific reason, lasting for at least two weeks.
- Low motivation and trouble completing even simple tasks
- Feeling tired or lethargic even after getting sufficient sleep
- Difficulty obtaining adequate nutrition and experiencing weight gain or loss due to insufficient eating or poor food choices
- Diminished enjoyment from activities you typically find pleasurable
- Withdrawing from social activities
Causes
It’s impossible to determine why one person experiences depression while another with similar circumstances does not. However, depression is more likely to occur following a stressful life event, such as a divorce, bereavement, job loss, or during life transitions. Starting or ending a career, getting married or divorced, becoming parents, or adjusting to an empty nest are all times when individuals must reassess their identity and self-worth. Without proper support, these transitions can easily lead to depression.
Risk factors for depression
Factors that raise the risk of developing depression include genetics (having a family member with depression), environmental influences (such as a history of abuse or trauma, underdeveloped life skills, and lack of a supportive network), and biological aspects (including certain medical conditions, brain chemistry, or medications used to treat other conditions).
Diagnosis
To obtain an accurate diagnosis, it is crucial to see your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Clinical depression will be treated based on the specific type of depression you have. For instance, Seasonal Affective Disorder (a form of depression that arises with colder weather) will be treated differently from postpartum depression (depression occurring after childbirth). Similarly, depression that coexists with another mental health condition requires a different approach than depression caused by an underlying medical condition.
A qualified healthcare provider will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, health status, family history, and any other factors that may have contributed to your depression, and will provide recommendations based on these findings. In some cases, blood tests are necessary to rule out any underlying health conditions that might be causing your depression. Once medical causes are eliminated, your doctor will likely refer you to another professional, such as a therapist or psychologist.
Treatment
The appropriate treatment for your depression will largely depend on the underlying causes and the severity of your symptoms.
If your depression is due to an underlying health condition or a side effect of other medications, your doctor may adjust or change your medication. For mild depression, healthy lifestyle changes like improving your diet, establishing a regular sleep routine, and getting regular exercise can significantly alleviate symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of psychotherapy can also help reduce symptoms while developing lifelong coping skills.
In cases of severe depression, your mental health provider might suggest medication, at least for the short term, to help you navigate a particularly challenging period.
Fortunately, depression frequently responds well to the appropriate treatment. While you may feel unmotivated to seek assistance, reaching out is the first step toward recovery. Even minor efforts can lead to significant improvements in your symptoms. All you need to do is begin!
Depression and other mental health challenges
Depression frequently coexists with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and OCD. It can sometimes result from trauma or be triggered by events like bereavement or a breakup. Those with depression are often more susceptible to alcohol abuse or other unhealthy coping mechanisms.
By collaborating with your mental health professional, you can unravel the complex web of causes and effects that often accompany depression. Together, you can address these challenges and develop strategies to help you heal from depression and build a fulfilling life.
References and further reading
Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Wit, L., & Ebert, D. (2020). The effects of fifteen evidence-supported therapies for adult depression: A meta-analytic review. Psychotherapy Research.
Cuijpers, P., Oud, M., Karyotaki, E., Noma, H., Quero, S., Cipriani, A., Arroll, B., & Furukawa, T. (2021). Psychologic Treatment of Depression Compared With Pharmacotherapy and Combined Treatment in Primary Care: A Network Meta-Analysis. The Annals of Family Medicine.
Pablo, G., Solmi, M., Vaquerizo-Serrano, J., Raduà, J., Passina, A., Morsillo, P., Correll, C., Borgwardt, S., Galderisi, S., Bechdolf, A., Pfennig, A., Bauer, M., Kessing, L., Amelsvoort, T., Nieman, D., Domschke, K., Krebs, M., Sand, M., Vieta, E., McGuire, P., Arango, C., Shin, J., & Fusar-Poli, P. (2021). Primary prevention of depression: An umbrella review of controlled interventions. Journal of affective disorders.