Understanding Depression
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it can cause severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.
There are different types of depression, some of which develop due to specific circumstances.
Major depression: Depressed mood or loss of interest, most of the time for at least 2 weeks, that interferes with daily activities.
- Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia or dysthymic disorder): Less severe symptoms of depression that last much longer, usually for at least 2 years.
- Perinatal depression: Occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth. Depression that begins during pregnancy is prenatal depression, and depression that begins after the baby is born is postpartum depression.
- Seasonal affective disorder: It comes and goes with the seasons, with symptoms typically starting in the late fall or early winter and disappearing during the spring and summer.
- Depression with symptoms of psychosis: A severe form of depression in which a person experiences psychosis symptoms, such as delusions (disturbing, false fixed beliefs) or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things others do not hear or see).
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
Depression can affect people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and genders. Many people diagnosed with depression have experienced some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, irritability, guilt, or worthlessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Fatigue, lack of energy, or feeling slowed down
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Physical symptoms like aches, pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive issues without a clear physical cause
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms associated with depression often interfere with day-to-day functioning and cause significant distress for the person experiencing them. However, not everyone who is depressed experiences all these symptoms. Some people experience only a few symptoms, while others experience many. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last will vary depending on the person, the illness, and the stage of the illness.
If you or someone close to you experiences signs or symptoms of depression, please reach out to Vitalize. Schedule a time with our trained mental health clinicians to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options available at our clinic in Fresno.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat online at 988Lifeline.org.
In life-threatening situations, call 911.
Risk Factors for Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, research suggests that genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a role in depression.
Risk factors for depression can include:
- Personal or family history of depression
- Major negative life changes, trauma, or stress· Physical health problems or medications taken for an illness
Depression can happen at any age, but it often begins in adulthood. Women are diagnosed with depression more often than men, but men can also be depressed. In fact, because men may be less likely to recognize, talk about, and seek help for their feelings or emotional problems, they are at greater risk of their depression symptoms being undiagnosed or undertreated.
Studies also show higher rates of depression and an increased risk for the disorder among members of the LGBTQI+ community.
Depression Treatment
Depression, even in the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it can be. Depression is usually treated with therapy or counseling, medication, or a combination of the two. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks.
At Vitalize, we recognize that depression impacts each person differently, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We’re here to provide personalized care and create a treatment plan that fits each patient’s needs. Reach out today to schedule an appointment with our mental health clinicians in Fresno if you or someone you know are experiencing signs of depression.
Note: The information on this page is provided in part by the National Institute of Mental Health. For more up-to-date information, click here.
