Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Between 80% and 90% of people with depression improve with treatment.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, helps you learn to change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. This type of treatment can also help you build a support network.
Medications can change brain chemicals that affect mood. Several types of antidepressants are available.
Stress has been shown to increase the chances of depression. This is likely because the continuous bombardment of stress hormones, like cortisol, can suppress the immune system, cause weight gain and lead to heart problems. It can also cause insomnia and other sleep disorders. This can contribute to low energy and a lack of interest in daily activities, which can then make people feel more stressed.
It is important to recognize symptoms of depression, especially if they are accompanied by a history of stress. It is also important to get treatment at the first sign of depression. Depression can often be improved with psychotherapy, which can include individual therapy or group therapy. The goal is to learn healthy coping skills. If you are under a lot of stress, try to relax, and get enough sleep. Also, avoid substances that can be depressants, such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, as can spending time with friends and family.
Acute stress is a response to a specific event or situation. This includes things such as a car accident or a bad job interview. It can also be caused by things such as major natural disasters, or loss of a loved one. The good news is that acute stress can also be positive, such as winning a race or election. This type of stress is called eustress.
Chronic stress can lead to other health issues, such as high blood pressure, muscular pain, insomnia, and a suppressed immune system. It can also contribute to depression, and it may be a factor in the development of other conditions, such as bipolar disorder. It can also lead to negative coping behaviors, such as drinking or withdrawing from social relationships, which can then add to the stress.
Family history plays a key role in depression, and current research suggests that people with a family history of mental health problems are at greater risk. But it is important to understand that depression does not just run in the blood; it is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Twin and adoption studies indicate that having a first-degree relative with depression increases your risk of developing the condition. The exact mechanism by which depression genes are passed on is still unclear, but researchers believe that it may be the result of a gene pool that is more susceptible to certain environmental stresses.
For example, a person with a high-risk family history is more likely to develop depression after suffering from a major life event such as losing a job or the death of a loved one. These stressors can cause a “kindling” effect, which means that the person will be more sensitive to future environmental triggers.
While many of the risk factors for depression can’t be changed (like family history), some are amenable to change. It is therefore important to educate individuals about their risk factors and provide them with preventive strategies based on evidence from randomized controlled trials.
This study aimed to evaluate the first online psycho-educational intervention that provides individuals in a general practice setting with their familial risk for depression and evidence-rated information about preventive strategies. It also aims to examine the association between major life stress and family history of depression, and how these factors interact. The results suggest that it is crucial to take into account all three predictors in depressed samples, and that they should not be considered independently of each other.
A person’s genes are the blueprint for how their body functions. Genes control which proteins get made, and how those proteins are regulated. When certain genes are messed up, the result can be a variety of health problems, including depression.
Scientists are trying to figure out what role genes play in depression. They have found some clues by studying families that have a history of depression. People who have first-degree relatives with depression have about a two to three times greater risk of developing the illness themselves. This is especially true if the depression occurred in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood (i.e., recurrent depression).
Researchers also are conducting large-scale genetic studies to determine how much of a person’s depression is due to their genes. These studies, called genome-wide association studies or GWAS, scan the entire DNA of thousands of people to look for patterns linked to depression and other diseases. Scientists have focused their research on genes that regulate serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters.
One study compared identical twins to see how much of a person’s depression was due to their genes. It turned out that about 40% to 50% of the risk was genetic. Other studies have looked at family environment and the way a person responds to stress. For example, a Swedish study suggested that a high-quality family environment might protect people with high-risk genes from depression.
But it’s important to remember that not everyone who has a genetic predisposition to depression develops the disease. That’s because many other factors must be at play, like lifestyle, stress levels and other medical conditions. For this reason, mental health experts take what’s known as a biopsychosocial approach to treatment.
Your environment can influence your mood and your mental health. If you live in a house that has mold, bugs, or a lack of security, your mood can become worse. These factors can contribute to depression and make it difficult to function in everyday life.
Inherent personality traits may also increase a person’s risk of developing depression. For instance, people who are prone to catastrophizing and becoming extremely upset under stress can be at higher risk than others. They may also be prone to self-criticism and negativity, making them more likely to suffer from depression.
Depression is a serious mental illness that requires professional help and treatment. There are many ways to treat depression, including talk therapy and medication. There are also many lifestyle changes that can help reduce the likelihood of recurrence. These include eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs.
Research has shown that some environmental risk factors for depression are outside of a person’s control, such as traumatic events and natural disasters. However, there are some environmental factors that can be controlled, such as exposure to negative media. Practicing stress management techniques and attending support groups can also help. These strategies can reduce a person’s vulnerability to depression. In addition, they can help them develop coping skills and avoid triggering environmental triggers.
Personality is a set of behavioral, emotional and cognitive patterns that are largely determined by biological and environmental factors. These patterns are fairly stable over time periods and are evident in the way people interact with others and their environment. A variety of models have been proposed concerning the relation between personality and mood disorders. These include: (a) personality and depression have common causes; (b) personality and depressive disorders form a continuum or spectrum; (c) a precursor model; (d) personality predisposes to developing depressive disorder; (e) pathoplastic effects of depression; and (f) personality features are state-dependent concomitants of or consequences (or scars) of depressive episodes.
A recent study conducted by a CAMH scientist found that specific personality traits are linked with depression, adding to the growing body of evidence on this topic. The study looked at three personality traits — withdrawal, enthusiasm and industriousness — that were associated with the severity of symptoms in those with depression.
These findings suggest that a combination of personality and depression influences the person’s response to treatment. It is important to note that the results of this study were based on self-report inventories of personality and depressive symptoms rather than direct observations or standardized interviews. These measures can be affected by current mood state and the responder’s limited insight, which may inflate associations.
The link between personality and depression is an interesting one because some of the same personality traits that are correlated with mood disorders are also associated with other psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety disorders. This suggests that the traits are intermediate phenotypes that provide more tractable targets for research than specific psychiatric diagnoses. This, in turn, could help explain broad patterns of comorbidity and point toward more etiologically relevant classification systems.
If you’re worried about depression symptoms, consult with your doctor or therapist. They can give you a diagnosis after conducting a mental health exam and medical history.
Make sure you get enough sleep and eat well. Exercise can help lift moods and ease depression. Try yoga, tai chi or walking.
If you’ve lost interest in daily activities like work, hobbies or even socializing, this may be a sign of depression. You might also feel worthless, or not worthy of a good life, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness. Feelings of hopelessness can be so strong that they make it difficult to think clearly or concentrate. You might have difficulty falling asleep or wake up frequently at night, and feel exhausted all the time, despite getting adequate sleep.
Depression often starts after a series of negative events or feelings, such as a breakup, losing a job or the death of someone close to you. These can cause you to believe that nothing will ever get better and that there is no point in trying.
While everyone feels low sometimes, it’s important to talk with a health professional about persistently dark feelings. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and history, and do a mental health exam. They will likely refer you to a therapist for psychotherapy or a specialist if they suspect you have depression.
Depression can affect people of all ages, races and ethnicities. However, it’s more common in women than men. Those with family histories of depression or a history of substance abuse are at increased risk for the condition. Women are more likely to report feelings of hopelessness and despair than men, and are more likely to have suicidal thoughts. They are also more likely to experience irritability, escapist behavior and misplaced anger.
Those who have depression may find it difficult to concentrate on their work, study or family. This can lead to misunderstandings in relationships or missed deadlines at work or school. It can even be dangerous if you’re driving, as you might miss important information in the road ahead or have difficulty following written instructions.
Some people’s depressive symptoms develop slowly, with the individual gradually feeling sad or down in mood. In others, however, the condition can progress quickly from a low point to an all-out depression episode that lasts for more than two weeks. Either way, if you notice symptoms that are unusual for you and they’re persistent for more than a few days, make an appointment with your doctor or a mental health professional.
Depression can be triggered by a variety of events, including the loss of a loved one, a major life change or failure to achieve goals. Other people experience depression after the onset of a medical illness or after an accident, natural disaster or war. In addition, depression is more common in people who have experienced a history of trauma such as abuse, neglect or rape.
While genetics and environmental factors can increase your risk of developing depression, the condition can affect anyone. You can also take steps to reduce your risk, such as getting regular physical activity and staying away from drugs or alcohol. Talking with friends and family, a spiritual leader or a health care professional can also help you feel supported and receive the treatment you need. Taking action as early as possible can prevent depression from becoming more severe and potentially leading to suicide. If you’re considering suicide, call a crisis or suicide prevention hotline for immediate help.
Guilt and feelings of worthlessness are common symptoms of depression. They can help to explain why someone who is depressed may have difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and may feel like they’re doing nothing right or that they don’t deserve good things in their life. It’s important to remember that these feelings are not based in reality and that they can be very damaging to a person’s self-esteem. People who have feelings of worthlessness and guilt can struggle with self-care, including eating well and getting enough sleep. They also might avoid social activities and withdraw from relationships. They can have trouble with their work or school, and find it difficult to care for children or pets.
It’s also possible that feelings of worthlessness can lead to thoughts of suicide, particularly among men who are depressed. People with these symptoms often feel like they don’t deserve to be alive, and can have a hard time accepting that they need treatment.
Studies suggest that feelings of guilt and worthlessness are closely related to each other, and that they enable depressive symptoms. They form a cycle in which each triggers the other, and it’s important to break this pattern. For example, if you feel guilty for feeling depressed, you may think that you don’t deserve to be happy and you shouldn’t even try.
A therapist can help you change these unhealthy emotions and beliefs. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, involves working with a mental health professional who can teach you skills to manage your moods. Some people benefit from short-term therapy, while others continue to see their therapists for several months or years. There are also prescription medications, such as antidepressants, that can help to improve your mood and decrease feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Many people who are depressed find they experience physical symptoms, such as changes in appetite or eating less or more than usual, aches and pains (including joint or back pain), difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, or fatigue. A change in appetite may also lead to weight gain or loss. Some people who are depressed have feelings of guilt and worthlessness, or feel they should be punished for something that happened in the past.
If you experience any of these symptoms for 2 weeks or more, talk to your doctor or GP. They will want to get a full picture of how you’re feeling and your life, so they can understand what’s happening for you. They will also look at whether any other medical conditions or medications you’re taking could be causing your depression.
Depression can often come on slowly, and it’s not always easy to recognise that you’re unwell. It might take a friend or family member to point it out to you, or you may be too busy to notice your mood changing. It’s important to take steps to look after your mental health, including getting enough sleep and practicing stress reduction techniques such as meditation.
Depression can affect people of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles. But some people are more prone to it than others. Research has found that certain personality traits and life experiences can increase the risk of depression, including low self-esteem, a tendency to hold in worries or stress, or being easily overwhelmed by difficult situations.
Feelings of worthlessness are a common symptom of depression. When a person feels this way, they may feel insignificant, useless and that they don’t contribute to society, family or friends in any meaningful way. These feelings can be very difficult to overcome and can lead to thoughts of suicide if they are left untreated. This is why it is so important to seek help if you are feeling this way, as well as any other symptoms of depression.
Feelings of depression can occur for a short period of time, or they can last longer and become more frequent. A diagnosis of depression is made when a person has had these symptoms for two weeks or more. People who are depressed will often have a change in their appetite and sleep patterns, as well as having low energy levels and a general loss of interest in the things they usually enjoy.
It is also possible for depression to develop due to an illness or injury. In these cases, the health care professional may be able to arrange for therapy or other treatment options.
Anyone can feel down or worthless at some point in life, but when these feelings are persistent and impacting daily living it is a sign of depression. Effective treatment can lift these feelings and improve the ability to make good choices, connect with loved ones and find enjoyment in hobbies and interests again. To combat negative rumination, try writing down when you start to feel like this and what type of thoughts are contributing to these feelings. This can be helpful in identifying triggers that need to be addressed with a therapist.
Depression is one of the most treatable mental disorders. The first step is getting a diagnosis, which can be done by a health professional.
You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire and have a psychiatric exam. Blood tests may be used to check for medical causes of your symptoms such as a thyroid problem or vitamin deficiency.
Your family doctor, usually called a primary care physician or GP, can help you find mental health services. He or she can refer you to a specialist, provide medication or recommend lifestyle changes. They can also direct you to community resources.
During your appointment, be prepared to talk about your symptoms. Your doctor may want to do a physical exam and ask you questions about your past experiences with depression. They might also want to test your blood for medical conditions like low thyroid or hormonal problems. They will also want to know if you have a history of drug or alcohol use.
The doctor will be able to give you reassurance that depression is real and treatable, as well as explain the treatment options available for you. They might give you a prescription for medicine, which can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy. They will also schedule follow-up appointments to check on your progress and make adjustments as needed.
If your doctor thinks you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or others, they may recommend hospitalization for psychiatric treatment. They can offer a short stay in a psychiatric hospital to keep you safe and calm, or they may refer you to a partial or day treatment program to receive ongoing outpatient care.
If you decide to try therapy, it is important to choose the right therapist. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a therapist, and your doctor or local community mental health services can provide referrals. You can also check the websites of national mental health organizations for referral lists of licensed credentialed providers. In addition to finding the right therapist, setting up a support system for yourself is important. Friends and family can be a source of encouragement, and they can also help you find ways to manage stress and cope with depression. Setting realistic goals for yourself is also helpful. Your goal is not to have a perfect conversation with your therapist, but rather to communicate your feelings and symptoms and learn more about your disorder.
A combination of psychotherapy and medications is often necessary to treat depression. Many antidepressants take a while to begin working, and you may need to try several before finding one that helps. Antidepressants don’t cure depression, but they do help relieve symptoms and allow you to function better.
Medications for depression are generally well-tolerated, and most people find they do not cause any significant side effects. Choosing the right antidepressant depends on your unique situation, and your health care provider may start with an SSRI, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) or vilazodone (Viibryd). If the SSRI doesn’t work for you or causes bothersome side effects, your doctor might move on to an SNRI, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Effexor XL, Khedezla) or desvenlafaxine (Pristiq, Khedezla).
You also can try a tricyclic antidepressant, such as nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Oleptro) or vortioxetine (Brintellix). Tricyclics are older drugs that alter chemicals in your brain. You might also be prescribed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or MAOI. These drugs block the protein that breaks down norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin.
Some people are unable to tolerate any of the medications listed above, or their side effects are too severe. In these cases, a new class of antidepressants, called ketamine, may be prescribed. Ketamine is a nasal spray that acts much faster than other antidepressants, within hours rather than weeks. It is typically given only at a certified treatment center because of its potential for abuse and addiction.
It is important to tell your health care provider if you are taking any over-the-counter medications, vitamins or supplements, as some can interfere with how the medication works or increase your risk of side effects. Your doctor also will need to know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as certain antidepressants are discouraged during pregnancy and while nursing. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t take antidepressants, but your doctor will need to adjust the dosage and monitor you closely for any adverse reactions. Talk to your therapist and your health care provider about alternative or complementary therapies, such as yoga, acupuncture, exercise and journaling, to see if they might be helpful.
If you are suffering from depression, a mind/body practice can help to relieve symptoms. These practices, such as yoga, meditation and tai chi, combine physical exercise with breathing techniques, and focus on how the mind and body interact. They have been shown to decrease stress levels, improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and increase positive feelings of well-being. Mind/body practices can be used as a stand-alone treatment, but they may also enhance psychotherapy and medication.
Some studies have shown that these practices are effective in reducing mental health symptoms in disadvantaged populations, such as those with lower socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic minority groups. Adding these techniques to conventional mental health treatment could foster resiliency, build coping skills, and prevent adverse experiences, especially among youth.
However, if you are struggling with depression, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it is to get well. Some people may need to undergo psychiatric hospitalization if the symptoms are severe. In extreme cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be used to treat depression that does not respond to medications.
Talking to family and friends can be helpful for people with depression. In addition, you can find support groups in your community or online. You can also try writing in a journal to express your pain, anger or fear. These exercises can improve your mood by releasing emotions and allowing you to work through them.
In addition to practicing mind/body techniques, you can also eat a balanced diet and avoid overeating. You can also use herbal remedies and dietary supplements to help alleviate depression. But remember that it is best to consult your doctor before trying these therapies. Some herbs and supplements can interact with some medications, so it is essential to speak with your therapist before trying them.
Other treatment options include acupuncture, massage and art therapy. These treatments can be incorporated into regular psychiatric care, but they can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. If you are interested in these methods, ask your therapist to recommend a practitioner.
It’s important to remember that depression is a medical condition and not something that you can just “think yourself out of.” However, many people are interested in more holistic approaches to treating their mood problems. This includes meditation, expressive therapies and supplements. Many of these options are used in conjunction with psychotherapy or medication, and they can also be a great way to help manage side effects from medications.
Those who are more interested in natural remedies often try things like St John’s wort or SAMe. However, it’s important to talk with your doctor before trying any of these self-help treatments. They can tell you which herbs have been shown to interact with certain medications, and can give you recommendations for a reputable herbalist.
Other natural treatments that are sometimes used for depression include yoga, acupuncture and light therapy. Light therapy is a particular useful treatment for those who have seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression that appears during the darker months of the year. It involves sitting in front of a bright light for about half an hour each morning.
Talking therapies, or counselling, can also help. The most common type of talking therapy for depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps you learn how to change your thoughts and behaviors in ways that reduce your symptoms. It’s usually offered by a therapist who is trained in CBT. Statutory health insurance companies in Germany offer a list of psychotherapists who specialize in treating depression, and you can also find a therapist through private practice or the association of statutory health insurance physicians.
Other types of talking therapy that can help include depth psychology and systemic therapy. These focus on your relationships with others and how they may contribute to your depression.
Other forms of alternative or complementary therapy are acupressure, aromatherapy, hypnosis and reiki. These practices don’t have much scientific evidence, but they have a long history of use and may ease some symptoms.
There are a variety of treatments for depression. These may include individual therapy sessions, group therapy, couples or family therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you identify and reshape the thought patterns that contribute to depression.
Significant adverse life events such as unemployment, abuse or loss of a loved one can increase your risk for depression. Some people also have a genetic predisposition for depression.
When feelings of sadness are more than just a normal part of life, it may be a sign of clinical depression. It is a medical condition that requires treatment with medicine and psychotherapy. Depression can have a profound effect on work and social relationships, as well as the overall quality of life. It’s important to know that you are not alone and that treatment is available.
In most cases, people with depression are able to recover from the illness with medication and psychotherapy. They must stick with their treatment plan to ensure success. This is especially true for psychiatric medications, which can take several weeks before they start to work.
The first step is to talk to your doctor about the symptoms you are having. It is also important to rule out other causes of the symptoms, such as a thyroid problem or vitamin deficiency.
Depression probably results from changes in certain parts of the brain that control mood, or from problems with how nerve cells communicate with each other. Hormone changes can also play a role. It’s likely that a combination of factors — including environment, life experience and genetics – makes you more vulnerable to depression.
Women are at greater risk for depression than men. This is because they are more likely to develop two depression types that are influenced by reproductive hormones — perinatal depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). These conditions are typically treated with medicine and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help address issues that are affecting the individual’s ability to function in their relationships, as well as to learn healthier coping skills. The type of psychotherapy used can vary, depending on the person and their particular situation. It can include family therapy, group therapy or individual therapy.
SAD is much more than the “winter blues.” It starts in fall or winter when the days are shorter and lasts until spring and summer. It happens more often in women than men, and it usually begins in young adulthood. SAD is more common in people who live farther from the equator, where there are fewer daylight hours during the winter. It also occurs more frequently in those with other mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder and major depression.
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes SAD, but they think it is linked to hormone changes that happen in your brain. During the fall and winter, less sunlight can cause you to make less of a brain chemical called serotonin. This affects mood by affecting nerve cell pathways that regulate your feelings of calm and well-being. It may also lead to overproduction of melatonin, which can interfere with your normal sleep-wake cycle.
Treatment for SAD includes getting more sunlight, if possible. You can do this by spending time outside during daylight hours and sitting by a window when you are inside. You can also use light therapy, which involves exposure to a bright light each day for a certain amount of time. This type of therapy is most effective if it begins in the fall, before you start feeling symptoms.
Keeping in touch with friends and family can help you feel supported and cared about. If you have been isolating yourself because of your SAD, try to reach out to others. You might ask an old friend to meet for coffee or go for a walk, or you could make the first move to connect with someone new. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can also help. Psychotherapy can help you change the distorted thoughts that contribute to your SAD, and it can teach you skills for managing stress and improving interpersonal relationships.
The hormonal, physical, emotional and social changes triggered by childbirth can bring on a range of emotions for many women. But if feelings of sadness, anxiety and mood swings interfere with daily functioning or keep you from bonding with your baby, it could be postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is more serious than the “baby blues,” which are normal and short-lived.
Symptoms of PPD usually appear within the first two weeks after delivery and can include crying bouts, fatigue, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, irritability and guilt. The condition can affect any woman who has given birth, including surrogates and adoptive mothers. It can also occur after the birth of multiple children or if you have a previous history of depression.
These symptoms can also affect the mother’s partner or family members, and can make it difficult to care for the baby. If untreated, it can cause problems with breastfeeding, interfere with the bonding process and increase the risk of future episodes of major depression.
PPD can develop because of the rapid drop in hormone levels that occurs after birth. Estrogen and progesterone, which increase tenfold during pregnancy, drop to pre-pregnancy levels in just three days after delivery. This can trigger a range of mood disorders, especially in women with a history of depression and anxiety, or who have a genetic predisposition to depression.
To diagnose the condition, your health care provider will ask you questions about your feelings and symptoms. They may also do a depression screening test, or order blood tests for thyroid function and other conditions. Be open and honest so they can get a complete picture of your health. Your doctor can then recommend treatment options, such as psychotherapy or antidepressants.