What you need to know
- Depression is a common mental health condition characterised by a persistent low mood, lack of interest in taking part in activities and often thoughts of self-harm.
- Through a combination of medication, professional support and positive lifestyle changes, it is possible to reduce feelings of depression and lead a normal life.
- One of the biggest challenges facing those living with depression is that the condition can leave you with feelings of hopelessness, so seeking out help can be additionally challenging.
Depression explained
Depression is a serious mental health condition that commonly manifests as a low mood, lack of interest in activities and low energy. The difference between occasional bouts of sadness and clinical depression is the duration. With depression, these symptoms last for at least two weeks at a time.
It is a genuine illness and not something that individuals should feel the need to “snap out of”. It’s not a sign of weakness or an unwillingness to try. It is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, often due to low levels of dopamine and serotonin.
The difference between occasional bouts of sadness and clinical depression is the duration.
Genetic factors can also increase a person’s likelihood of developing depression, so if you have a sibling, parent or close relative with depression, it’s more likely that you will suffer from this condition at some point.
Life events can also trigger bouts of depression, such as grief and severe emotional stress. It can also be secondary to other medical conditions such as diabetes.
Common treatment for depression
Treatment for depression requires a combination of therapies, including medication, talk therapy and lifestyle changes.
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to help balance chemicals in the brain. There are four main types of antidepressants:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) work by increasing serotonin levels in the body by preventing its reabsorption into nerve cells. This allows more to remain active in the brain.
- Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) work by increasing levels of both serotonin and noradrenaline.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) are an older class of antidepressants that work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline, but these are known to have more side effects.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) work by blocking the enzyme that is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters, which helps to increase their availability.
Antidepressants need to be taken consistently for the best results.
In general, patients can start to see results after around two weeks of continual use, with optimal results seen after around 8-12 weeks.
It’s important not to stop taking medication suddenly, as this can lead to unwanted side effects. An issue that many patients face is that taking medication daily can be more difficult with depression.
Support strategies for depression
Alongside medication, it’s vital for patients to seek out professional help in the form of talk therapy, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is particularly helpful as it allows the patient to identify and challenge the negative thought patterns associated with their depression.
While depression often makes individuals want to withdraw from life, it’s essential to remain connected and to maintain relationships. Spending time with friends and family can help to improve self-worth and reduce stress.
Healthy lifestyle changes can also be very important, such as limiting alcohol intake and increasing exercise. Regular exercise can help to increase mood-boosting endorphins while also reducing stress hormones. Help is also available through community groups and mental health charities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sadness and depression?
Everyone gets sad from time to time, but there is a big difference between an occasional bout of sadness and clinical depression. Duration is key in this instance, so feelings of sadness that persist for longer than two weeks should be treated as depression.
Can depression be cured?
Those who are prone to depressive episodes might be able to find relief from their symptoms and limit occurrences, but there is no real cure for depression. Through positive lifestyle changes, patients can reduce the impact on their day to day lives and live a happy life. It’s common for depression to come and go throughout life, so learning to spot the early signs of an episode can help patients to take swift action.
When should you see a doctor for depression?
You should visit your primary care physician if you are worried you may be depressed. If you have had a continually low mood, you are withdrawing from everyday activities, or you have persistently low energy for longer than two weeks, this could be a sign you are suffering from depression.
