Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest or pleasure. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living.
More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness, and you can't simply snap out of it. Multiple situational factors influence or cause depression, such as the weather, holidays, or the loss of a relationship or job. Genetics and biochemistry can also play a part in daily or regular depression symptoms. Depression may require treatment or medication. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy, or both.
Major depression associated with pregnancy or within four weeks of childbirth, formerly known as postpartum depression, is now classified as a major depressive disorder with peripartum onset.
More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness, and you can't simply snap out of it. Multiple situational factors influence or cause depression, such as the weather, holidays, or the loss of a relationship or job. Genetics and biochemistry can also play a part in daily or regular depression symptoms. Depression may require treatment or medication. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy, or both.
Major depression associated with pregnancy or within four weeks of childbirth, formerly known as postpartum depression, is now classified as a major depressive disorder with peripartum onset.
Signs and symptoms
If you experience some of the following symptoms and signs most of the day, almost daily, and for at least two weeks you may be experiencing depression.
- Tiredness and lack of energy, feeling slowed down
- Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much)
- Anger and irritability
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed (hobbies, sports, physical intimacy, etc.)
- Changes in eating habits (loss of appetite or excessive eating)
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures, or self-blame
- Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
- Digestive problems with no clear physical cause that do not go away with treatment
- Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
Types
Also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it is characterized by at least two weeks of low moods or loss of interest and pleasure with at least four other symptoms described above. It is severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning.
This long-term form of depression can look like a gloomy personality, low self-esteem, or feelings of hopeless. Children tend to exhibit irritation and anger. Milder than major depression, its longevity is what makes it challenging. Symptoms and intensity may vary and may include major depression episodes.
Sometimes known as winter depression, this type of depression comes and goes with the seasons. Most people feel symptoms starting in late fall or early winter. More than the winter blues, this is a serious mood change triggered by a change in weather and is related to bipolar disorder due to its cyclical nature.
Also called delusional depression, this mood disorder includes elements of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusional thinking. A major psychotic depressive episode typically requires hospitalization.
Mental health professionals prefer the term peripartum (or perinatal) depression over postpartum because symptoms usually begin before the baby is born. It can affect both mothers and fathers. It is characterized by five or more signs or symptoms of depression that last for at least two weeks in conjunction with pregnancy or childbirth.
Sometimes called reactive or temporary depression, this is a short-term adjustment disorder with a specific trigger causing a depressed mood beyond normal representations of grief. Triggers are typically traumatic life changes, such as a job loss, divorce, diagnosis, or death.
When to see a doctor
If you experience depression symptoms most of the day, every day, for more than two weeks; feel paralyzed by stress; or cannot control your emotions, seek the help of a physician or licensed mental health professional. Depression can interfere with your ability to function or engage in daily routines or responsibilities, so getting help is critical. If you are self-medicating with non-prescribed medications or alcohol or having suicidal thoughts, get help right away.