What is depression – part three
Depression isn’t generally considered to be preventable.
Depression test: There isn’t a single test to diagnose depression. But your doctor can make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and a psychological evaluation. In most cases, your doctor will ask a series of questions about your moods, appetite, sleep pattern, activity level, and thoughts.
Because depression can be linked to other health problems, your doctor may also conduct a physical examination and order blood work. Sometimes thyroid problems or a vitamin D deficiency can trigger symptoms of depression.
Don’t ignore symptoms of depression. If your mood doesn’t improve or gets worse, seek medical help. Depression is a serious mental illness with risks of complications.
If left untreated, complications include: weight gain or loss, physical pain, substance use problems, panic attacks, relationship problems, social isolation, suicidal thoughts or self-mutilation.
Types of depression: Depression can be broken into categories depending on the severity of symptoms. Some people experience mild and temporary episodes, while others experience severe and ongoing depressive episodes. There are two main types: major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
Major depressive disorder: Major depressive disorder is the more severe form of depression. It’s characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that don’t go away on their own. In order to be diagnosed with clinical depression, you must experience 5 or more of the following symptoms over a two-week period:
- feeling depressed most of the day
- loss of interest in most regular activities
- significant weight loss or gain
- sleeping too much or not being able to sleep
- slowed thinking or movement
- fatigue or low energy most days
- feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- loss of concentration or indecisiveness
- recurring thoughts of death or suicide
There are different sub types of major depressive disorder (which the American Psychiatric Association refers to as ‘specifiers’). These include:
- atypical features
- anxious distress
- mixed features
- peripartum onset, during pregnancy or right after giving birth
- seasonal patterns
- melancholic features
- psychotic features
- catatonia
Persistent depressive disorder: Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) used to be called dysthymia. It’s a milder, but chronic, form of depression. In order for the diagnosis to be made, symptoms must last for at least two years. PDD can affect your life more than major depression because it lasts for a longer period.
It’s common for people with PDD to:
- lose interest in normal daily activities
- feel hopeless
- lack productivity
- have low self-esteem
Depression can be treated successfully, but it’s important to stick to your treatment plan. Read more about why depression treatment is important.
Treatment for depression: Living with depression can be difficult, but treatment can help improve your quality of life. Talk to your doctor about possible options. You may successfully manage symptoms with one form of treatment, or you may find that a combination of treatments works best.
It’s common to combine medical treatments and lifestyle therapies, including the following:
Medications: Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants, antianxiety, or antipsychotic medications. Each type of medication that’s used to treat depression has benefits and potential risks.
Exercise: Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity three to five days a week. Exercise can increase your body’s production of endorphins, which are hormones that improve your mood.
Avoid alcohol and drugs: Drinking or using drugs may make you feel better for a little bit. But in the long run, these substances can make depression and anxiety symptoms worse.
Learn how to say no: Feeling overwhelmed can worsen anxiety and depression symptoms. Setting boundaries in your professional and personal life can help you feel better.
Take care of yourself: You can also improve symptoms of depression by taking care of yourself. This includes getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet, avoiding negative people, and participating in enjoyable activities. Sometimes depression doesn’t respond to medication. Your doctor may recommend other treatment options if your symptoms don’t improve.
Omega-3 fatty acids: These essential fats are important to neurological development and brain health. Adding omega-3 supplements to your diet may help reduce depression symptoms
Vitamins: Vitamins are important to many bodily functions. Research suggests two vitamins are especially useful for easing symptoms of depression:
- Vitamin B: B-12 and B-6 are vital to brain health. When your vitamin B levels are low, your risk for developing depression may be higher.
- Vitamin D: Sometimes called the sunshine vitamin because exposure to the sun supplies it to your body, Vitamin D is important for brain, heart, and bone health. People who are depressed are more likely to have low levels of this vitamin.
Many herbs, supplements, and vitamins claim to help ease symptoms of depression, but most haven’t shown themselves to be effective in clinical research. Learn about the ones that have shown some promise, and ask your doctor if any are right for you.
Preventing depression: Depression isn’t generally considered to be preventable. It’s hard to recognize what causes it, which means preventing it is more difficult. But once you’ve experienced a depressive episode, you may be better prepared to prevent a future episode by learning which lifestyle changes and treatments are helpful.
Techniques that may help include:
- regular exercise
- getting plenty of sleep
- maintaining treatments
- reducing stress
- building strong relationships with others
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