Depression
"An estimated 21.0 million adults - 8.4% of all adults - in the United States has had at least one major depressive episode. More adult females (10.5%) than males (6.2%) experience depression. The occurance of major depressive episodes were highest among individuals aged 18-25 (17.0%). In addition, people who report being of two or more races report suffering more of these episode (15.9%)." -- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Depression is a normal part of life. Most people feel sad or depressed at times. Sadness is a normal reaction to loss, disappointment, or life's challenges. But when intense sadness -- including feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness -- lasts for several days or even weeks, and if it keeps you from living your life, you may have Major Depressive Disorder or Clinical Depression. People with Major Depressive Disorder may become so depressed that they find it difficult to get our of bed, and may abandon basic hygiene, such as showering, for many days. Clinical depression is severe depression where symptoms persist for two weeks or longer.
Risk Factors
Research suggests that major depressive disorder is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, and although it can manifest at any age, it most commonly occurs in adults. A person has a greater chance of developing major depression if they have a personal or family history of depression, major life changes or trauma, and possible side effects from medication.
Treatment
Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is. Depression is usually treated with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and other brain stimulation therapies may be options to explore. No two people are affected the same way by depression and there is no "one-size-fits-all" for treatment. It may take some trial and error to find the treatment that works best for you.
Want to learn more?
Here are some downloadable articles and fact sheets from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) you might like:
Chronic Illness and Mental Health
Recognizing and Treating Depression: This brochure provides information about depression and mental health for people living with chronic illnesses, including children and adolescents. It discusses symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.
Depression
This brochure provides information about depression including the different types of depression, signs and symptoms, how it is diagnosed, treatment options, and how to find help for yourself or a loved one.
Depression and Older Adults
This brochure describes the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for depression in older adults.
Depression in Women:
5 Things You Should Know
This brochure provides information about depression in women including signs and symptoms, types of depression unique to women, treatment options, and how to find help.
Perinatal Depression
This brochure provides information about perinatal depression including how it differs from the “baby blues”, causes, signs and symptoms, treatment options, and how you or a loved one can get help.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
This fact sheet includes a description of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), signs and symptoms, how SAD is diagnosed, causes, and treatment options.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
More Than the Winter Blues: This infographic provides information about how to recognize the symptoms of SAD and what to do to get help.
Teen Depression:
More Than Just Moodiness
This fact sheet is intended for teens and young adults and presents information about how to recognize the symptoms of depression and how to get help.
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Depression
Suicide
Depressive Mood Disorders
Some forms of depression are slightly different than Clinical Depression, developing under unique circumstances.
Persistant Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia) is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. A person diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for two years to be considered persistent depressive disorder.
Psychotic Depression
Psychotic depression occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false, fixed beliefs (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations). The psychotic symptoms typically have a depressive “theme,” such as delusions of guilt, poverty, or illness.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is different from depression, but we're including it here because someone with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major depression (called “bipolar depression”). But someone with bipolar disorder also experiences extreme highs – euphoric or irritable moods - called “mania” or a less severe form called “hypomania.”
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is much more serious than the “baby blues”. Baby blues is relatively mild depression and anxiety that typically clears within two weeks after giving birth. But women with postpartum depression experience a full-blown, major depressive episode during pregnancy or after delivery (postpartum depression). The feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that accompany postpartum depression may make it difficult for these new mothers to complete daily care activities for themselves and/or for their babies.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder occurs during the winter months, with the season change and the days get shorter, resulting in less natural sunlight. This depression generally lifts during spring and summer when the days once again begin to lengthen. Winter depression is typically accompanied by social withdrawal, a need for more sleep, and weight gain, and returns every fall when the days grown shorter.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a condition in which children or adolescents experience ongoing irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. Symptoms of DMDD go beyond a “bad mood,” and are quite severe. Youth who have DMDD experience significant problems at home, at school, and often with peers. They also tend to have high rates of health care service use, hospitalization, and school suspension, and are more likely to develop other mood disorders.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that includes extreme behavioral symptoms that usually resolve with the onset of menstruation. The extreme mood shifts caused by PMDD can disrupt work and damage relationships. Symptoms include extreme sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or anger, plus common premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as breast tenderness and bloating.