Depression

What is Depression?

Depression: Types, Symptoms, & Treatments

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Depression is a collection of symptoms with the ability to impact all parts of the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Because the term “depression” covers a range of disorders and symptoms, the way one person experiences depression can vary greatly from someone else.

Depression is a mood disorder that generally brings about sadness, but it can also influence a person’s energy, motivation, irritability, and overall well-being. It is one of the most powerful mental health conditions a person can endure. The numerous depressive disorders differ based on the types of symptoms as well as their frequency, intensity, duration, and triggers. Depression is incredibly common—about 8.7% of women and 5.3% of men have some form of depression1—fortunately, it’s very treatable. Mental health experts can successfully diagnose and treat a range of depressive disorders to restore the health and well-being people desire.
Symptoms of Depression

  • A depressed mood with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, or irritability
  • Decreased pleasure and interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • A noteworthy weight change or a significant change in appetite
  • Feeling or looking very sped up or slowed down in behaviors
  • Sleeping too much or too little throughout the day
  • Loss of energy
  • Feeling worthless or very guilty
  • Thinking about death, dying, or suicide
Types of Depressive Disorder

This is the condition most people think about when considering depression. MDD is marked by five or more symptoms of depression lasting for at least two weeks, which can range in intensity from mild to severe.

Changing symptoms that accompany menstruation are expected, but premenstrual dysphoric disorder occurs when the repeated hormonal changes create a drastic shift in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In many cases, these symptoms make it impossible for a person to maintain relationships and responsibilities.

People may also experience depressive symptoms triggered by prior drug or medication use, while others will note other symptoms of depression that do not meet the criteria for a full depressive diagnosis.

Rather than a period of depression that recur and remit, persistent depressive disorder represents a more stable and consistent level of depression. Symptoms may not be as intense as other disorders, but the duration will be very uncomfortable (at least 2 years in adults and one year in children).

As a disorder that targets children and teens, DMDD presents as anger and irritability more than sadness and low motivation. Kids with this condition may frequently tantrum and engage in unwanted outbursts.

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Treatment of Depression

Effective treatments for depression include professional services like psychotherapy and medication management. Some people will also find success with lifestyle adjustments like changes in their exercise, diet, and sleep. Not every treatment option will be an appropriate match for every person with depression, so treatment must be tailored to each individual for the best results.
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Depression: Types, Symptoms, & Treatments

Depression is a mood disorder that generally brings about sadness, but it can also influence a person’s energy, motivation, irritability, and overall well-being. It is one of the most powerful mental health conditions a person can endure.
Read more

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We seek to ensure that all people with mental illness including people with past experiences of mental illness are supported by the association.

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