Depression
Everyone has been upset at some point in their lives. It is an emotional response to certain situations that people come across with. Different types of people have different ways in dealing with the not-so-pleasant events. Some people can recover from breakdowns with enough positivity and a support system, while others fall into a downward spiral.
Depression affects the way you think and feel, in a negative way. It is a psychological state of distress characterized by feelings of unhappiness, discontentment, hopelessness, emptiness, anxiety, sleep problems, loss of appetite or over appetite, lack of energy, negative thoughts and loss of interest in activities.
More than 20 million people in the United States suffer from depression. [1] It is not just a momentary disappointment, but a condition that could go on for a long period of time and have a major impact on everyday life.
Types of depression
- Major depression or major depressive disorder is a mood disorder that adversely affects the way a person thinks and feels. Characterized by sadness, frustration, loss of interest, and other emotional and physical problems that may restrict one’s daily activities.
- Atypical depression is a type of depression characterized by the usual symptoms of depression. People who suffer from atypical depression often tend to over-eat and over-sleep. It is a common condition that often starts during the teenage years.
- Dysthymia is a chronic mood disorder that is less severe compared to other types of depression. Its symptoms are the same with that of major depression, only less intense. It affects 5% of the general population, and is more common in women than in men. [2] People who suffer from dysthymia may experience low moods that can go on for at least 2 years.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, is a mood disorder that is relative to seasonal changes. This type of depression commonly occurs during late fall or early winter or, in unusual cases, during late spring or early summer. Experts believe that changes in the amount of sunlight trigger the symptoms.
- Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs after childbirth. Physical and emotional changes during pregnancy may play a role.
- Premenstual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS characterized by severe and debilitating physical and emotional changes that occur a week prior to the onset of menstruation. The symptoms of PMDD are similar to those of PMS, but only much worse.
The exact cause remains unknown; however, social and biological factors seem to play a role, such as traumatic events, neurotransmitters, hormones, a person’s genetic predisposition, alcohol and drug abuse, and medical conditions.
Depression is a serious mental illness that usually requires treatment. Treatments often include medication and therapy. Aside from professional treatment, there are also self-care tips that help in the management of depression, such as exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, having a healthy eating diet, and getting support from family and friends.
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