What Are Depressive Disorders?
Depressive disorders are also referred to as depression, and depression is a feeling of discouragement and hopelessness, oftentimes characterized by feelings of extreme sadness, dejection, with an awfully extreme urge to not perform any physical activities and feelings of unreasoning anxiety.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines depression as. “A common illness worldwide. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Especially when recurrent and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health condition. It can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school and in the family. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.”
Depression can be a serious illness up to the point of threatening lives- a known major cause of suicide. Research by WHO has it that “an estimation of 3.8% of the population is affected, including 5.0% among adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60 years. Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression. Over 700 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide, the fourth leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.”
-World Health Organization ([WHO], 2021)
However, the feeling of depression could be a common feeling of emotion, just like sadness, discouragement, even happiness. But it can also be a symptom of a wide variety of medical and psychological illnesses.
Causes and Symptoms
There are no written-down causes of depression. Depression can appear suddenly for no evident reason, or it can be triggered by stressful life events (the loss of a loved one) or a related medical condtion (a thyroid disorder, for example). Some depressive episodes can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the severity of symptoms, as well as the impact on the individual’s functioning. During these episodes, the individual experiences significant difficulties in personal, family, social, educational, and occupational areas of functioning. In general, every day-to-day function of the individual. The individual may also experience bodily symptoms like pain, fatigue, weakness, lack of zest, fluctuations in weight, weight gain or loss, lack of sleep or too much sleep.
However, these physical symptoms are not due to another medical condition. They are usually random, and most of the time, incessant. If these symptoms persist, it is advisable that the individual seeks medical attention.
Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. People who have gone through adverse life events (unemployment, bereavement, traumatic events) are more likely to develop depression. Depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction and worsen the affected person’s life situation and the depression itself.
There are interrelationships between depression and physical health. For example, cardiovascular disease can lead to depression and vice versa.
Types of Depression
Depression shows its symptoms in several ways. There are several types of depression. Generally, there are three types of depression:
Biological depression
Psychological depression and
Socio-cultural/environmental depression
Biological Depression: this type of depression is usually inherited and passed down from parent to child. Research shows that this type of depression is oftentimes responsive to treatment and medical attention. Although they might persist for several months despite treatments, the individual is sure to recover.
Psychological Depression: This is the most common type of depression. It has to do with one’s mood or emotional state; it is also characterized by feelings of low self-worth or guilt and a reduced urge to enjoy and appreciate life. An individual who is depressed usually experiences constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, low self-esteem and heightened levels of self-depreciation.
Socio-cultural/Environmental Depression: This type of depression is particularly affected by environmental factors such as childhood trauma, long-term stress, relationship strife, and significant loss. Natural disasters and non-chemical environmental stress can also trigger this type of depression.
There are other common types of depression, such as:
The Blues: This is the most common type of depression, where an individual feels weepy, sad, discouraged, hopeless, and unable to cope. This is particularly caused by excessive fatigue, extreme stress, and at most times, for no apparent reason. This type of depression is usually short-lived and rarely requires treatment or medical attention. The individual usually bounces back soon after.
Reactive Depression: This is the type of depression that stems from very intense life crises, such as losing a loved one, job, or suffering from serious illness. This is a form of psychological depression. During this phase, the individual is unable to carry out daily activities and responsibilities. The individual automatically withdraws from people around. Supportive measures are advised at this phase. However, if this persists, a more aggressive, prolonged treatment is advised.
Psychotic Depression: In this type of depression, the individual loses touch with every sense of reality. This type of depression particularly requires professional care.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Depression, depending on the severity, type and pattern of depressive episodes over time, may be diagnosed and treated. Health-care providers may offer psychological treatments such as behavioral activation, cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, and/or antidepressant medication. Different medications or approaches are required for the different types of depression. Likewise, bipolar disorders, which causes extreme mood swings, including intense emotions, for example, depression and hypomania.
These medications often have adverse effects on the individual involved. Health-care providers should keep the possibility of these side effects in mind and readily intervene (in terms of expertise, and/or treatment availability) when the need arises.
Psychological treatments, such as individual and/or group face-to-face psychological treatments delivered by professionals and supervised by therapists are also recommended. Antidepressants are not advised to be the first line of treatment for mild depression. They should not be used for treating depression in children and adolescents. First, try to understand what type of depression it is the individual may be passing through before undergoing any medical procedure.
Conclusion
Depression, as grave as it may sound, is not the end of the world as long as the right and proper approach is taken. Individuals with depressive disorders are advised to get adequate rest, have a well-structured life (or create one), exercise daily, and interact more with people. Even depressed people can make simple everyday choices, and deal more favorably with their life situations, instead of completely slipping into depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know That I am Depressed?
The feeling of discouragement is usually misunderstood for depression. Discouragement occurs occasionally, might lead to change of moods and sadness, but these feelings do not last and it is not as disturbing and severe as depression.
However, if this feeling of discouragement persists and intensifies, it is extremely advised to seek medical attention. Depression is usually severe or lasts a long time, and requires professional attention.
What is the Cure for Depression?
Different medications are usually needed for psychological and certain kinds of biological depression.
Depression is no longer seen as an affliction, like it once was. By improving physical health, developing positive mental attitudes, making good life choices, and leading a healthy lifestyle, most people can deal with feelings of depression and live a very productive life.
Citation
Author, Aileen Ludington, MD & Hans Diehl DrHSc, MPH (2000). Health Power: Health by Choice, Not by Chance. Review and Herald Publishing Association.
Michael, K. (2021, October 19) Depression (Major Depressive Disorder). Healthline.com. https://www.healthline.com/health/clinical-depression.
