What is depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It is a condition that is closer to despair than to sorrow, though both are very much connected to each other. The symptoms vary from person to person, and are not uncommon as they can be a part of our down times, but they usually centre on the feelings of helplessness, worthlessness and hopelessness. When these feelings become overwhelming and hinders your ability to function properly in day-to-day tasks, you might be suffering from depression.
Types of depression
There are several kinds of depression:
Major Depression. This condition affects is more prevalent in women than men. Major depression interferes with the ability to work/study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. An episode of major depression may occur just once in a lifetime. More often than not it recurs many times in a lifespan.
Major depression involves an intense feeling of sadness that lasts most of the day for two or more weeks and causes significant distress, paired with other symptoms such as a loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable. Feelings of guilt, helplessness, worthlessness may also occur, along with other symptoms, such as sleep problems and changes in appetite or weight.
Dysthymia. This is a chronic mood condition that affects many adults. The symptoms are similar to those of a major depressive episode, but are less intense. Symptoms can persist for two years or more, but in most cases, people with dysthymia may be able to work, study, and care for themselves. They may seem unhappy or sluggish most of the time.
Bipolar Disorder. This condition is characterized by episodes of depression that alternate with episodes of mania. A manic episode may make a person who has bipolar disorder feel extremely productive and euphoric — the opposite of how they feel during an episode of depression.
Postpartum Depression. Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that happen in a woman after giving birth. Postpartum depression is linked to chemical, social, and psychological changes associated with having a baby. The term describes a range of physical and emotional changes that many new mothers experience.
Are you suffering from depression?
Here are some common signs and symptoms of depression
Helplessness and hopelessness. You have a bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
Reckless behaviour. You engage in escapist behaviour such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.
Treating depression
Life is not as bleak as you think it is, even if you are depressed. There are many ways depression can be treated, but they all hinge on a very important factor, acknowledging your need for help, and then to ask for help. Know that feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness are only symptoms of depression, and do not necessarily reflect the reality of your situation. Ask for help and suport from family and friends.
To treat depression effectively, doctors will have to find out what triggered the symptoms of depression. If you are seeking professional help, it’s best to be perfectly candid in order for your doctor to help determine the underlying cause of depression. Understanding why you feel depressed will also help you take measures that will help relieve those symptoms. In many cases, one might have to learn the skills of coping emotionally with events that cause them to sink into depression. Some professionals might recommend antidepressants, though it’s important to note that these medications often come with side effects.
Remember, it is not embarrassing to be depressed, it can be treated just like any other disease. Depression can have a huge impact on your life if not treated, and it is not fair to yourself and others around you if your do not seek help to get it under control. Some people might have depression to the point of suicidal thoughts, if you fall under this category, we urge you to seek professional help as soon as possible.
More information: Malaysian Mental Health Association
Information sourced from WebMD and Helpguide.
