A Comprehensive Guide About Depressions

Depression is a serious illness that significantly compromises the quality of life, but many people unfortunately still do not treat it with the seriousness it deserves. Even though awareness about the topic has grown a lot in recent years, there is still a certain taboo and even fear among patients to accept and talk about the condition.

To give you an idea, 19% of the population has depression, which means that one in five individuals in the world develops the problem at some stage in their lives. The data was released by the Ministry of Health and reveals how important it is to address the issue openly and offer support to those who need treatment.

This becomes even more urgent if we consider that less than half of patients have access to effective interventions against depression, according to WHO.

What Exactly Is Depression? Demystifying The Disorder

In general, depression is a disorder that generates deep sadness, anguish, and depression for no apparent reason. Above all, patients who suffer from the disease tend to lose interest and pleasure in things in life, and its worsening can lead to suicidal thoughts. It is worth highlighting that depression is not about being lazy, lacking strength, or having “little faith”.

It is an imbalance in brain biochemistry that can be motivated by some specific factors. Holding the patient responsible or “making light” of the pathology can only worsen the depressive condition, further reducing their self-esteem and making it difficult to overcome the problem.

In short, the disorder normally decreases neurotransmitters such as serotonin, linked to feelings of happiness, which affects the way we feel, live, and think. When this occurs, anxiety and depression (combined or not) end up lowering self-esteem, encouraging sadness, and generating pessimism.

Furthermore, it is known that depressive disorder goes beyond chronic unhappiness, also generating physiological changes. In this sense, we can observe that the immune system is weakened, favoring the occurrence of various diseases, whether viral, inflammatory, or respiratory, among many others. 

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Persistent Depressive Disorder

Understanding The Causes Of Depression

A psychological disorder can have several causes, and some more common points are capable of triggering depression. It is proven that genetic predisposition can facilitate the development of this disorder, however, having close family members with a confirmed diagnosis does not necessarily mean that all relatives will develop the disease.

The point about depression is that it can be caused by a biochemical dysfunction in the brain, but it is important to take into account that each person reacts differently to triggers for crises.
Furthermore, other possible causes that may be behind depression include:

• loss of a loved one
• relationship endings
• job loss
• traumatic events in childhood
• physical and psychological stress
• consumption of legal and illicit drugs
• hormonal dysfunctions and thyroid problems
• overweight, sedentary lifestyle, and disordered eating
• fibromyalgia and other chronic pain.

When we are talking about the symptoms of depression, it is important to highlight that the person with the disorder is not always sad. There are cases in which life is very good, but even so, symptoms begin to appear for several specific reasons.

What Is The Impact Of Depression On A Person's Life?

Many people with depression are so affected by the signs and symptoms that they are unable or unable to fully carry out everyday activities. They tend to feel unhappy without really knowing why. This has a series of consequences for different areas of life, such as:

• Work – loss of productivity, absenteeism, and sick leave

• School – drop in grade point average, loss of performance, difficulty in absorbing knowledge, loss of the school year

• Social life – isolation

• Relationships – separation from friends and family who do not understand the situation, divorce, difficulty maintaining a relationship.

For these reasons, when you notice any symptoms of depression, it is essential to seek professional help so that the disease does not progress and cause serious consequences.

Common Risk Factors For Depression 

From the same point of view, there is not just one cause for depression, but rather a set of conditions that can trigger it. 

Among the most significant risk factors for the disease, the following stand out: 

• Genetics: it is currently known that people with close family members who have a mental disorder are more likely to develop depression

• Environmental conditions: significant or negative life events can generate some anguish, leading people with a predisposition to depression. This ranges from sadness over losing a job, to anxiety over moving cities, for example

• Sleep Problems: Chronic insomnia problems are directly linked to depression

• Chronic diseases: some chronic pathologies can cause physiological changes that favor depressive disorders, such as chronic pain, arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes, among others

• Substance abuse: excessive consumption of alcohol, drugs, or even self-medication favors certain chemical changes in the brain, which often create the ideal conditions for the development of the disease.

All of this must be taken into account by the doctor for the diagnosis.

Signs And Symptoms Of Depression

Returning to the data from the Ministry of Health that I mentioned in the introduction to this article, the agency also makes a list of the main symptoms of depression available to the population.

Are they:

• Depressive mood or anxiety, irritability, and distress

• Generalized discouragement, excessive tiredness, and need for greater effort to carry out daily tasks

• Lack of motivation, apathy, and disinterest in things

• Indecision

• Decreased or inability to feel joyful

• Lack of pleasure in carrying out activities that the person enjoys

• Low self-esteem, with a disproportionate view of guilt, worthlessness, failure, illness or death

• Possible desire to die or attempted suicide

• Pessimism and feelings of meaninglessness in life

• Fear, insecurity, despair, and helplessness

• Feeling of emptiness

• Distorted interpretation of reality, with a negative view of everything

• Difficulty concentrating and reasoning

• Loss or increase in appetite

• Decreased libido and sexual performance

• Insomnia, with multiple awakenings, feeling shallow sleep, or early morning awakening

• Increased sleep in less common situations.

Also be aware of physical symptoms not caused by medical problems, such as:

• Heartburn

• Diarrhea

• Indigestion

• Cold

• Stomach ache

• Flatulence

• Tension in the shoulders and back of the neck

• chest pressure

• heavy body

• Headache

• Generalized body pain. 

Difference Between Anxiety And Depression

Anxiety is marked by restlessness, a feeling of rush, and urgency. According to psychologist Luciana Kotaka, it can be a disorder when it occurs at unjustified times or when it is so intense or long-lasting that it ends up interfering with the person's normal activities.

Depression, on the other hand, is a disease of the body as a whole, compromising the physique, mood, and thoughts, explains the specialist. In this condition, the way you see and feel reality changes, changing your emotions, mood, diet, sleep, and even how you feel about yourself.

Severity Of Depression

A depressive disorder can vary, depending on the number of symptoms, their intensity, and their impact on the person's functioning, depending on 3 degrees of severity :

• Mild – presence of few symptoms, or none, beyond the minimum required to make the diagnosis. A person with mild depressive disorder can minimally manage their discomfort, with deficits in social or occupational functioning being considered minor.
• Moderate – the number of symptoms present, their intensity, and the deficit caused in social or occupational functioning are between those specified for the mild and severe degrees.
• Severe – the number of symptoms substantially exceeds the minimum number required to make the diagnosis. A person suffering from a severe depressive disorder cannot manage the high level of discomfort they feel and the symptoms they experience interfere with their social and occupational functioning.

Just like the diagnosis itself, the severity of the disorder must also be assessed by a professional, based on the person's complaints. Depression can be highly disabling. According to the WHO, this disease represents, worldwide, around 10% of Years Lived with Disability (YLD – Years Lived with Disability).

What Are The Myths And Truths About Depression?

Many people with depression are discredited by those who believe that this condition is nothing more than a “cool thing”. In this sense, we bring together the myths and truths about this mental disorder, to eliminate prejudice about it. Follow along.

Depression can prevent a person from working

True

. By impacting a person's mood and behavior, this disorder can significantly affect their performance and results at work. The disease also makes it difficult for the patient to reason and concentrate, which leads to partial or total incapacity at work.

Having a mental disorder means being weak

Myth

. Having a mental health problem, such as depression, is not a weakness or character flaw. It is a set of internal and external factors that converge towards the development of the disease.

Going to a psychiatrist means you have a serious problem

Myth

. Psychiatry is responsible for caring for illnesses that cause intense emotional suffering and behavioral changes, which can often be subtle. Seeking help from this medical specialty is important, precisely, so the problem does not worsen.

The Various Types Of Depression

You need to know that from a clinical point of view, it can only be considered depression when symptoms persist for at least two weeks. Depending on the signs presented by the person, this disease can be classified in different ways, with all types having some common characteristics and specific variations, as we will detail below.

Classic Depression or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Classical depression, clinically called `Major Depressive Disorder` (MDD) or `Major Depression`, is a mental health condition characterized by persistent episodes of depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were previously considered rewarding; in addition to changes in appetite, sleep, energy, concentration and self-esteem. People with MDD may experience feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and suicidal thoughts.

The diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist or psychologist through observation of the symptoms - generally, the person presents several symptoms over some time - and from then on, appropriate treatment is recommended. The cause has several possible factors, such as major losses, trauma, and stress over long periods. The decrease in hormone production is present in the vast majority of cases, which raises the hypothesis that there may be a genetic factor causing the disease.

Treatment must be monitored by a psychologist or psychiatrist and is carried out through psychotherapy and in some cases, the use of antidepressants may be indicated. Treatment time varies from person to person.

Persistent Depressive Disorder or Dysthymia

Also called 'Dysthymia', Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) affects people of all ages and can even lead to depression in the elderly, a factor of attention. Here the diagnosis is marked by the persistence of depressive symptoms for more than two years and the patient's clinical history.

It is a very common emotional disorder that significantly impacts the routine and quality of life of those affected. It is believed that the disorder is multicausal, however, dysregulation in the function of neurotransmitters, dysfunctions in the neuroendocrine system, and psychosocial factors are more plausible hypotheses to explain dysthymia.

• Some symptoms of PDD are characterized by extreme behaviors, such as

• loss of appetite or the opposite in excess

• insomnia, agitation, or hypersomnia; loss of appetite or the opposite in excess

• fatigue, tiredness, or hyperactivity; It is

• very low self-esteem

Treatment is adapted according to the profile and severity of the patient's condition, generally a combined approach of psychotherapy and medication.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DDHD)

Do you know that child who throws tantrums in very exaggerated proportions? She may have disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, a psychiatric condition that mainly affects children and adolescents.

Symptoms of ADHD include chronic irritability, angry outbursts, behavioral problems, difficulties dealing with frustrations, and relationship problems.

ADHD is a relatively new diagnostic category that was introduced to avoid overdiagnosis of bipolar disorder in children who present with symptoms of severe irritability. It is important to know that these are distinct and different conditions. While Bipolar Disorder involves significant changes in mood between episodes of depression and mania (or hypomania), ADHD focuses primarily on outbursts of anger and irritability.

Treatment may include behavioral therapy, family therapy, and, in some cases, medication. A proper assessment by a mental health professional is crucial to determining the correct diagnosis and most appropriate treatment.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Do you or someone you know feel sadder in autumn or winter? It could be seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Also known as seasonal depression, it is a specific type of mood disorder that is associated with seasonal changes, primarily occurring during the fall and winter months. This disorder is related to decreased exposure to sunlight during the coldest and darkest months of the year.

As with classic depression, symptoms of SAD can include persistent sadness, lack of energy, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness. A hallmark of SAD is increased appetite, especially for carbohydrate-rich foods, which can result in weight gain.

Decreased exposure to sunlight during the winter months may affect the circadian rhythm (popularly known as the biological clock) and the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which are related to mood.

Treatment may include light therapy, where the person is exposed to bright light usually in the morning, to compensate for the lack of natural light. In more severe cases, light therapy may be combined with cognitive behavioral therapy or antidepressant medications.

When a person already has a history of SAD, it is possible to begin using light therapy before seasonal symptoms return as a way to prevent the development of depression. But, don't forget that it's important to seek help from a mental health professional if you believe you are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or any other type of mood disorder. Only healthcare professionals can make an accurate assessment and advise on the best treatment options for each situation.

Baby blues

According to research, 25% of mothers of newborns, 1 in every 4 mothers, are diagnosed with symptoms of depression between 6 and 18 months after giving birth.

Postpartum depression is a disorder characterized by deep sadness, which can cause a lack of interest in daily activities, insomnia, tiredness, anxiety, feelings of guilt, and lack of connection with the baby, among other symptoms.

Care and attention for mothers in the first few days after giving birth are very important, as it is at this stage that a woman's daily life undergoes sudden changes, which can have drastic consequences, such as the transition from sadness, known as “baby blues ” to depression. post childbirth.

Social pressure on the mother is one of the apparent causes of postpartum depression. If you live with a new mother, be part of her support network, as it is during the postpartum period that she is more susceptible to depression and needs the support of friends, family, and specialized medical care.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Classified as a depressive disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is the most intense and disabling manifestation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), also called Premenstrual Tension (PMS).

This disorder can greatly impact women's quality of life, as it causes a series of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms caused by hormonal fluctuations that naturally occur throughout the menstrual cycle. This disorder affects 3% to 8% of women of reproductive age.

This is a mental health problem, caused by a genetic change in serotonin receptors, which regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and pain. When the levels of this substance are low in the body, women experience marked and disproportionate emotional reactions.

The disorder is characterized by symptoms that appear two to ten days before menstruation and begin to disappear a few days after the end of menstrual flow. The most common symptoms are anxiety, irritability, depressed mood, emotional instability, difficulty concentrating, uncontrolled appetite, insomnia, fatigue, headache, and body swelling.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Affective Disorder is a psychiatric disorder, a manic-depressive illness, whose most striking characteristic is the alternation, sometimes sudden, of episodes of euphoria with those of depression (mania and hypomania). The disease causes changes in mood, sleep, and inability to think clearly and perform daily tasks.

Mood fluctuations cause disproportionate reactions to the events that triggered the crisis or even independent of them. Crises can vary in intensity, frequency, and duration.

The types of bipolar disorder

• Bipolar I Disorder – a person with this disorder experiences manic episodes that last at least seven days, or manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate medical care. It is common for these depressive episodes to last at least two weeks.

• Bipolar II Disorder – a person with this type of disorder has alternating depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes.

• Cyclothymic disorder – characterized by chronic mood swings, in which the person alternates symptoms of hypomania and mild depression, which are often understood as being typical of an unstable temperament.

There is still no determination as to the effective cause of bipolar disorder, but it is known that genetic factors, such as changes in certain areas of the brain and neurotransmitter levels, are associated with the disorder

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis is based on taking the history and reporting the symptoms and generally takes years to complete because the signs can be confused with those of other illnesses such as schizophrenia or other types of depression.

Bipolar disorder still has no cure, but it can be controlled. Treatment includes the use of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes, as per medical advice.

It is important to highlight that bipolar disorder does not define a person's identity. With the right treatment and support, many people can lead healthy, productive lives. If you or someone you know is experiencing that suggests bipolar disorder, it is crucial to seek help from a mental health professional for assessment and guidance on symptoms.

Psychotic Depression

Psychotic depression or Depressive psychosis is considered one of the most serious forms of depression. There are characteristics similar to other depressive disorders, associated with the occurrence of delusions (influence of some external stimulus) and hallucinations (phenomena associated with internal crises, created by the mind itself).

It is still not possible to pinpoint the cause of psychotic depression with certainty. However, there are indications of genetic, family, and environmental factors, as well as the influence of personality-related characteristics.

It is important to know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of psychotic depression and seek medical help as soon as possible. The person may present different types of delusions, accompanied or not by hallucinations.

Discover the most common types:

1. Auditory hallucinations

The person claims to hear non-existent sounds (only they hear), such as voices with commands, and other people's conversations, even when they are alone

2. Visual hallucination

The person imagines that they saw something (only they see it). This type of hallucination can also occur in other disorders, such as dementia, schizophrenia, and severe cases of drug addiction.

3.Olfactory hallucination

It is related to reports of the perception of unpleasant odors, the so-called 'phantosmia' (in which the main references of odors are feces, urine, vomit, and animals in a state of putrefaction), which do not exist.

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist or psychologist and depending on the case, it may be necessary to evaluate an interdisciplinary team, involving other health professionals. Treatment is based on medication and psychiatric and psychological monitoring.

Is Depression During Pregnancy Common? What Do I Do?

 

Yes. During pregnancy, depression can happen, and the hormonal environment can worsen the condition. Due to adaptive processes, fears, and expectations that are not met, pregnant women may feel unstructured and helpless, triggering depressive symptoms.

This is more common to occur after pregnancy, we call these episodes gestational blues, which often do not constitute depression, but can simply be a period marked by sadness, easy crying, and changes in sleep and appetite. In some cases, this period can be longer and more intense, becoming truly depressive.

The causes go back to the birth of the child, which naturally brings worries, tiredness, insecurity, disruption of previous life, and hormonal changes.

The family must be aware of the level of suffering of the pregnant/postpartum woman, observing whether it is causing limitations in daily life, in relationships with the child, marital, family, and self. If there is any sign of risk, a professional assessment is essential to establish adequate treatment, which does not always require medication.

It is essential to be aware of every moment of the postpartum pregnancy process, from the first trimester of pregnancy to the baby's 1000th day.

How Do I Know If I'm Sick Or Just Going Through A Bad Phase?

Since depression is a recurrent illness, it settles in the person, and the symptoms are not transient, that is, they do not pass after two weeks or 20 days. In serious cases, the syndrome disables the patient, paralyzing them in the face of problems common to everyone, such as family disagreements, mourning the death of someone close to them, falling out of love, losing a job, and financial difficulties.

Faced with adversity, individuals without the disease suffer, and become sad, but find a way to overcome it. In cases of depression, sadness is pathological and does not stop, even if there is no apparent cause. The mood remains depressed practically all the time, and there is no longer interest in activities that previously brought satisfaction and pleasure.

How To Diagnose Depressive Disorder

It is recommended that you look for a specialized professional. The diagnosis is made based on the symptoms presented, how the person presents themselves physically and emotionally at the moment, and on a brief analysis of their life and family history.

Furthermore, depression is classified according to its intensity – mild, moderate, or severe. Therefore, the specialist needs to assess to understand what conditions cause you to have depression and how to alleviate it.

Treatment Options For Depression

Psychotherapy

As you have seen throughout the article, there are several types of depression. In milder cases, psychotherapy alone may be enough for effective treatment. In others, this process must be combined with medications and other procedures.

The important thing is to keep in mind that psychotherapy is fundamental for any depressive condition, as it is capable of helping the person understand and work on the emotional causes of the disorder. Together with the psychologist, the patient will exercise self-knowledge, recognize triggers, and reflect on how to live healthier.

When this monitoring is started before the disorder becomes something worrying, it is even better. Therapy can bring more mental health, balance, and fulfillment, helping to avoid the worsening of different types of depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

is a very efficient approach in these cases, as it is based on explaining emotions and thoughts based on the relationship they have with the way the person interprets events in their life.

It's an interesting line of psychology because it helps the patient recognize their distorted thoughts and change them to create a more positive outlook.
Medicines

Only a doctor can tell you which medication is best suited for your case, as well as the correct dosage and duration of treatment. Always follow your doctor's instructions strictly and never self-medicate.

Do not stop using the medication without consulting a doctor first and, if you take it more than once or in much larger quantities than prescribed, follow the instructions on the leaflet

Effects of antidepressants

Antidepressants should only be taken with a doctor's prescription. After all, such medications, if taken without professional guidance, can result in a series of side effects that harm physical and mental health. 

Given this, psychiatrist and psychotherapist Fernando Portela Câmara, from the European Psychiatric Association recommends:

• Never increase or decrease the dose on your own

• Never try to take an antidepressant that has not been prescribed by a doctor.

• Never combine antidepressants with other medications without medical advice

• Never mix with alcoholic beverages

• Never stop taking antidepressants suddenly

Incorrectly taking antidepressants can:

• Damage the brain

• Cause chemical dependency

• Change Personality

• Increase drowsiness

• Reduce awareness

• Decrease libido and affect sexual relations

• Elevate symptoms of depression

Benefits of antidepressants

If you consulted a doctor and he prescribed an antidepressant, know that following professional advice along with the medication can, in fact, combat depression.

Thus, the main benefits of using antidepressants under medical supervision are:

• Reduce and even eliminate symptoms of depression

• Can be combined with diet and exercise

• Reduce the risk of heart disease

Is there a cure?

As long as a correct diagnosis has been made that takes into account all the factors involved, what can be expected is a complete improvement in the depressive condition.

With current treatment methods, and especially with the latest generation of drugs, the prognosis is very good and can indeed prevent the patient from depression.

Living And Coping With Depression 

As we have seen, depression can affect anyone. However, each of us has the power to adopt certain strategies to prevent its appearance. When a person already suffers from depression, it is important that they are properly monitored with psychotherapy and, in cases where this is justified, with combined therapy (psychotherapy + medication). However, in these cases, the following tips can also be put into practice (note: talk to your psychologist before adopting these strategies

• Try to start (or continue) activities that give you (or previously gave you) pleasure
• Try to maintain regular sleep, with relatively constant sleeping and waking times
• Try, as much as possible, to stay active, carrying out physical activities that suit your characteristics and that captivate you. The practice of yoga, for example, has been associated with improvements in symptoms of depression, when combined with psychotherapy.
• Try to eat regularly despite your changes in appetite
• Don't isolate yourself! Try to dedicate part of your time to family and friends;
• Try to participate in activities in your community.
• Focus on what was positive about your day.
• Create a daily moment of reflection and relaxation. The practice of relaxation and meditation exercises has been associated with improvements in depression symptoms, and these should be combined with psychotherapy.
• The deficiency of some substances has been associated with depression, mainly in terms of B vitamins, omega 3, and the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. To try to compensate for these deficits, you can choose some foods, such as:

• Foods rich in omega 3: such as salmon, tuna, and nuts.
• Foods that contain B complex vitamins: rice and whole grain bread, oats, spinach, and eggs.
• Rich foods that promote serotonin and dopamine: dark chocolate (cocoa), banana, nuts, turkey, chicken, soy, and derivatives.
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• When you don't feel well, seek help. Don't hide or ignore what you're feeling. A professional can help!

Conclusion

Throughout this article, I have presented to you how depressive disorders are characterized, what their causes are, different types, risk factors, main symptoms, and also how to get out of depression.

Knowing the seriousness of the disease, and also that it has a cure and can be prevented, be sure to pay attention to its signs, value more balanced habits, and seek treatment whenever you experience problems or changes in your quality of life.

Remember: the sooner the condition is combatted, the smaller its consequences.



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