Understanding depression disorders: the good, the bad, & what you need to know

Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM

Summary

• Depression is a common mental health condition  with various forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, perinatal depression, seasonal affective disorder, and depression with psychotic features.
• Myths about depression abound—including that depression is simply feeling sad, that it is a choice, that it always follows trauma, and that antidepressants are the only effective treatment.
• Key symptoms include persistent low mood, loss of interest, significant weight changes, sleep problems, physical agitation or slowing down, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.
• Effective treatments for depression include psychotherapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and community support.
• Recognizing early signs and seeking help quickly from qualified medical professionals can help improve health outcomes and reduce the impact of depression.

Depression is a common condition but help is available

Major depression is one of the most common mental health conditions  in the United States, affecting over 8% of adults and over 20% of adolescents.

Recognizing the signs of depression early is important because depression often recurs. If you’ve experienced one depressive episode, you have a 50% chance of experiencing another, and an 80% chance if you’ve experienced two.

While depression is common, it is also treatable. In the article, we’ll explore the various treatment methods that can help reduce depression’s impact on your life, and provide other useful information including common symptoms.

At Lemonaid Health, we offer online treatments for depression and resources that can help you make informed decisions about your mental health.

Defining depression: symptoms, types, & more

Symptoms of depression

Understanding what depression looks like can make it easier to find treatment when needed. Core symptoms of a depressive episode may include:

• Low mood: Feeling sad, empty, or tearful most of the day, almost every day.
• Loss of interest: A noticeable lack of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities, most of the day, almost every day.
• Weight changes: Significant weight loss (without trying) or weight gain, or a big change in appetite nearly every day.
• Sleep problems: Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, almost every day.
• Physical agitation or slowing down: Being noticeably restless or slowed down in your movements, almost every day. This is something others can see, not just a feeling you have.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or having no energy, almost every day.
• Feelings of worthlessness: Experiencing feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, almost every day. This can sometimes include unrealistic or delusional guilt.
• Difficulty concentrating: Having trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions, almost every day. This can be noticed by you or by others.
• Thoughts of death: Frequently thinking about death or suicide, having suicidal thoughts without a specific plan, or making a suicide attempt or planning it.

Diagnosing & assessing depression

How to get a diagnosis

If you worry that you are suffering from depression, make an appointment with a qualified healthcare provider like your primary care doctor, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist to discuss your concerns. They’ll perform a screening, and make a diagnosis, if appropriate. They will likely ask you questions evaluating whether you are experiencing the symptoms of depression. They will also typically investigate:

• When your symptoms started
• How long your symptoms have been occurring
• How often you experience symptoms
• How your symptoms have impacted your daily life

Criteria for diagnosing depression

A major depressive episode must meet the following criteria used for diagnosing depression:

• Include five or more of the symptoms listed above in a two week period.
• One of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.

Symptoms are not counted if they are due to a general medical condition, a hallucination, or a mood-incongruent delusion (these may indicate the presence of depression with psychotic features), or if symptoms are substance-induced.

If symptoms of depression are interfering with your daily life, or even if you just want support to feel better, seek the help of a mental health professional who can help you manage your symptoms and find a treatment plan.

Other types of depression disorders

Major depressive disorder is not the only type of depression. Here’s how it differs from some other common types:

• Major depression: Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, this type of depression can negatively affect the way you think, feel, and behave on a daily basis. Symptoms must be present for two weeks (see the “Diagnosing & assessing depression” section of this article below).
• Persistent depressive disorder: Formerly called dysthymia or dysthymic disorder. This type of depression has less acute symptoms, but can last for longer periods of time—often for 2 or more years.
• Perinatal depression: This occurs during pregnancy and after childbirth, and can be mild or severe. It is referred to specifically as prenatal depression when it occurs during pregnancy, and as postpartum depression when it takes place after childbirth.
• Seasonal affective disorder: This type of depression involves significant mood and behavioral changes that come with changing seasons.
• Depression with symptoms of psychosis: Severe depression accompanied by psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions.

Common myths about depression

You might have heard some common beliefs and attitudes about depression, but research shows they aren’t true. It’s important to understand the facts so you can better support yourself and others. Here are a few misconceptions:

• Depression is just feeling sad. You might casually say you are depressed, clinical depression is much more than just feeling sad. It’s a complex mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. While sadness can be a part of depression, the condition can include a range of symptoms such as persistent hopelessness, lack of energy, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating. It’s important to recognize that depression is a serious and real medical condition that requires attention and treatment.
• Depression doesn’t affect your physical health. Depression can impact physical health in several ways, including pain, difficulty sleeping, and changes in appetite. Depression can have a significant impact on your health. 
• Depression is a choice. Depression is not a choice; it’s a medical condition that arises from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. You can’t simply decide to “snap out of it.” Just like any other illness, such as diabetes or heart disease, depression requires proper treatment and support. 
• Depression always follows a traumatic event. Depression can develop due to various factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life circumstances. Traumatic events can lead to depression in some people. However, not everyone who experiences trauma will develop depression, and conversely, not everyone with depression has experienced trauma. Depression is a complex condition with multiple possible causes. It can arise without a specific triggering event.
• Antidepressants are the only effective treatment for depression. While medication is helpful for many people who suffer from depression, it’s not your only option for treatment. There are several other treatments for depression you can explore and combine, including psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes can also have a positive effect on your depression symptoms.

Treatment options for depression

Psychotherapy

There are many types of psychotherapy that can be effective for treating depression. These include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Aims to improve interpersonal relationships and communication.
• Behavioral Activation (BA): Encourages activities that improve mood.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores past experiences and emotional patterns to understand how they impact current behavior.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines CBT with mindfulness techniques to manage emotions.
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Integrates mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy to prevent relapse.
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Concentrates on finding solutions in the present time and exploring hope for the future.

Social support

If you are struggling with symptoms of depression, reaching out to people in your life can help. Research suggests that social support can have a significant impact on depression.

Important sources of social support may include

• Family
• Friends
• A significant other

Medications

There are several different types of FDA-approved medications for depression that can help you manage or reduce your symptoms.

Many of these use different methods of action to increase the levels of mood-boosting chemicals in your brain (like serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine) by preventing them from breaking down. Examples include:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Tricyclic and Tetracyclic Antidepressants
• Atypical Antidepressants
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
• N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) Antagonists
• GABA-A Receptor Positive Modulators

These medications can only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider and should only be taken under their guidance and supervision.

Lifestyle changes

Recent and ongoing research making certain lifestyle changes may help prevent depression. You might consider:

• Eating a nutritious diet: Focus on foods rich in magnesium, folate, zinc, and essential fatty acids to support your brain health.
• Staying active: Aim for 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise and strength training, four to six times a week.
• Practicing mindfulness: Try meditation, yoga, mindful walking, or breathing exercises.
• Drinking in moderation: Swap heavy drinking for moderate alcohol consumption.
• Quitting smoking: This can have a significant positive impact on your overall health.
• Improving your sleep: Limit caffeine intake and try to wake up at the same time every morning.

These changes can empower you to take charge of your mental health. Remember, you can always talk to a healthcare professional about your options.

Finding professional support for depression with Lemonaid Health

Depression can severely affect your health and wellness, but there are many ways to help prevent it and reduce its impact. If you’re concerned that you or someone you know may be showing signs of a depressive episode, reach out to a healthcare provider for help as soon as possible.

Learn about how you can access online treatment for depression with Lemonaid Health. By starting a personalized treatment plan, you can take a step closer to breaking the hold depression has on your life.