Depression is like coffee. It’s a common drink that comes in multiple flavors, styles, and sizes. Not to trivialize depression, but it really is a wide umbrella that anyone can find themselves under. Often referred to as the common cold of mental health, there is much evidence to understand the comparison.
There is major depresive disorder, which is characerized by it’s persistant low mood, loss of interests, and its duration for being over two weeks. Persistent depressive disorder is a depression lasting for at least two years. Bipolar disorder, a mood disorder characterized by depressive states and mania. Peremenstrual Dysphoric is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that causes significant mood swings and other symptoms in the weeks leading up to menstration. Post-partum depression is a depression that develops after giving birth, and seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that occurs during certain times of the year. Perinatal depression occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth. Perimenopausal depression is one that affects women transitioning into menopause. Dysthymic disorder, Cyclothymic disorder, melancholia, depression with psychosis symptoms, depression due to a medical condition, depression with mixed features, and adjustment disorder with depressed mood are some other types of depression.
It’s important to remember that these are still just a few examples of types of depression and depression has many causes, treatments, and symptoms.
Some common causes of depression can include a family history, personality features , stressful or traumatic life events,lonliness, illness, alcohol and drug use and hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms of depression can range in intensity and durtion and can look different from person to person as well as across gender lines and age groups. They include, but aren’t limited to ; feelings of sadness, emptiness, tearfulness or hopelessness, angry, outbursts, irritability, frustration, loss of interest or pleasure in activities , hobbies, and other intrests, various issues with sexual interactions, sleep disturbances, lack of energy, tiredness, reduced appetite, weight loss, weight gain, increased food cravings, binge eating , starvation, disordered eating, anxiety, restlessness, aggitation, slowed thinking /speaking or body movements, feelings of worthlessness, guilt or being a burden, fixations on past failures , self-blame , trouble thinking, concentrating makig decisions or rembering things, frequent or recurant thoughts of death, suicide, suicidal ideations, death fanatsies, suicide attempts, unexplained physical problems such as stomach issues, headaches, backaches, muscle aches.
Depression is an insidious disease that can spread quickly or slowly and it can be fatal. Treatment can look different for everyone and there is no 1 size fits all approach to help someone manage their symptoms. But if symptoms are lasting any longer than 2 weeks, you should seek treatment. This could be from a Dr, mental health professional, a suicide hotline, friend , family, spirtual leader or any trusted person. For yourself or someone you care about.
In the US call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
US Veterans or srvice members in crisis can call 988 and then press “1” for the veterans crisis line or text 838255
The Spanish language lifeline is toll free at 1-888-628-9454
……until next week
herewesayf&@#k!!! 