Depression is a serious and common medical disorder that affects the way people think and act. Depression is more than grieving or being sad—it is an intense combination of sadness, self-loathing, grief, and decreased feelings of pleasure. It is not always easy to tell when someone is struggling with these feelings, which is why it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of depression.
Depression is treatable, but not everyone understands their symptoms or feels comfortable getting help. We’ll identify the causes and types of depression, along with the warning signs of symptoms people may feel. We’ll also provide some tips for ways that you can help those with depression and what to do if you recognize these warning signs in someone you know.
What causes depression?
Depression looks different for a lot of people and it can be triggered or caused by a variety of factors.
Biochemistry: Chemicals in your brain may contribute to your depression symptoms.
Genetics: Depression can be inherited from your genetic line. If someone in your family has depression, there is a higher risk that you will develop it too.
Personality: If you are easily overwhelmed, stressed, and have low self-esteem, you are more likely to feel the effects of depression.
Personal environment: If you are exposed to violence, abuse, poverty, or neglect, you can develop symptoms of depression.
Physical environment: If you live in a place that has long winters, rainy days, or an overall limited amount of sunshine, you may begin to notice feelings of depression.
Medical issues: People with thyroid problems, heart disease, cancer, and other medical stressors, especially chronic pain, tend to develop depression and other mood disorders.
Substance abuse: A percentage of people with a history of substance abuse problems also suffer from depression.
Even people who live in seemingly ideal circumstances can develop and suffer from depression. With so many factors to cause depression symptoms, it can be difficult to know who is truly struggling.
What are some different types of depression?
It can be helpful to know the different types of depression to understand what people may be going through. Increasing your understanding of depression can help you increase empathy and sympathy for others who are suffering.
Major depression: People with major depressive disorder suffer from depression symptoms most of the day, every day. Despite what is happening around them, they will still feel symptoms of despondency, fatigue, and anxiety. Symptoms vary in how long they show. Some people experience it for their whole lives, while others only have it for a few weeks or months.
Persistent depression: When depression symptoms last for more than two years, it’s called persistent or chronic depression. It is not as intense as major depression but it still causes feelings of hopelessness, inadequacy, and leads to social withdrawal.
Manic/Bipolar depression: People are only diagnosed with bipolar depression when a manic episode lasts for more than seven days. A manic phase will include grandiose thinking, risky behavior, and sometimes even hallucinations.
Perinatal/Postpartum depression: This type of depression affects pregnant women and new mothers. It is mostly due to the hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy and childbirth. Symptoms can be as severe as major depression and typically manifest as extreme worry, thoughts of harming oneself or the baby, and difficulty caring for oneself or their child.
Seasonal depression: When someone’s environment lacks light and warmth it can trigger seasonal depression symptoms. Some symptoms are weight gain, social withdrawal, and increased sleep.
Situational depression: When life events trigger anxiety, frequent crying, and an inability to concentrate, you are likely suffering from situational depression. Look at what’s happening in a person’s life. Are they reeling from the death of a loved one? Or are they going through a divorce, abusive relationship, legal or financial troubles? The situations we face can trigger our susceptibility to symptoms of depression.
What are the common signs and symptoms of depression?
Though there are different types and causes of depression, many of the symptoms are similar. This makes it easier to identify those who are struggling. Some common symptoms include:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Social withdrawal
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Sleep and appetite changes
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Lack of concentration
- Increased headaches and muscle pains
- Frustration and irritability
Not every person struggling with depression will experience all of these symptoms. They will also experience different frequencies and severities than others. It’s also important to note that depression symptoms may vary with the gender and age of each person.
Symptoms in genders and age
Men who suffer from depression are more likely to complain about sleep problems and a lack of interest in their hobbies.
Women will often feel symptoms of guilt and they may tend to overeat.
In teens, symptoms like frustration and irritability are most common.
What should I do if someone I know is showing signs of depression?
If you notice a family member, friend, classmate, or coworker has begun to socially isolate themselves or lose interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy, pay close attention to them. If this behavior continues or worsens, don’t ignore it.
Talk about it
While some people may be uncomfortable approaching the subject of their depression, if someone else talks to them about it, they might open up. However, every person is different and may not react the same. When someone is displaying the signs of depression, talk to them about it. Even if you are not sure that the signs they are showing are depressive, talking to them about their feelings can show them that you care and give them the courage to get help if they need it.
How should I help someone who is depressed?
If you want to help someone who is depressed, start by being a good friend. People with depression are more likely to open up to and trust someone who is kind and non-judgemental.
Treatment
If someone has confided in you that they are struggling with undiagnosed symptoms of depression, encourage them to seek treatment. Unless you are a doctor or psychiatrist you should not try to diagnose and recommend treatments yourself.
Offer support
You can offer to help them research a doctor and accompany them to appointments if they want some extra support. You can also help someone with depression by planning fun activities to do together and encouraging them to socialize with more people. Even exercising or spending time outside with them can help them feel a little better.
Familiarizing yourself with the causes, types, signs, and symptoms of depression will help to educate you on how to approach and talk to people who may be struggling. Alvarado Parkway Institute has resources available to help you if you want to learn more about depression or if you’d like to ask someone for advice.
If you know someone who is struggling with depression and is ready to seek treatment, encourage them to call Alvarado Parkway Institute at 619-333-7050, and we will help them find the best treatment options for their individual needs.
Sources: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-symptoms-and-warning-signs.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-depression#atypical-depression
