Your life matters
Depression is more than feeling really sad. It can impact everyday life in some big ways. If you feel you may have depression, your feelings are valid and you deserve support.
Depression
Having a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, and/or having low interest in things that used to be enjoyable, nearly every day.
What does depression feel like?
While there are official criteria for diagnosing depression, some have described it as feeling like:
Tired or drained, even after getting enough rest
Depression can disrupt chemical balances in the brain which can lead to fatigue that just won't go away.
Less enjoyment in things that used to be fun or bring joy
Losing interest in most or all of the things that you used to enjoy is called "anhedonia", and it is a common symptom of depression.
Low, empty, or heavy inside for a long time
This is a symptom people often think of when they hear the word depression. It usually lasts most of the day nearly every day when associated with clinical depression. Feelings of guilt or persistent low self-worth may also occur.
Being more annoyed, anxious, or frustrated
Anxiety, frustration, or even psychosis may occur with depression. When our brains are trying to work through something like depression, it can be difficult to maintain a level of functioning we had before the symptoms started.
Having a hard time focusing or remembering things
"Brain fog" as it is sometimes called can happen with most mental health conditions including depression. When the brain has to work overtime to adjust to an imbalance, it struggles to keep up with other tasks like attention and memory.
Help is available
Depression is not something to "tough out". It is often caused by factors like chemical imbalances that are best treated with therapy and/or medications.
Things that happened when you were young.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are events that happen during childhood that can have an impact on someone their whole life. Examples include being exposed to violence, neglect, drug or alcohol use, and several more. ACEs are associated with higher rates of depression and other types of mental health diagnoses.
Sometimes it's something you're born with.
Genetics can play a role in depression. This does not mean people born with those genetics are destined to get depression, but they can be more likely to develop it sometime in their life, especially if they have other risk factors.
Life can be really hard.
Big life changes can be hard on our minds. Things like death, breakups, financial changes, and many other experiences can worsen or cause depressive episodes. Even positive changes can cause stress that might bring about depressive episodes.
Your mind and body are connected.
Physical conditions like autoimmune disorders and pregnancy can cause changes in the body that increase depression risk. Also, having pain or discomfort from an illness or injury chips away at our resilience which can increase our odds of having depressive mood events.
Things can add up.
There are several mental health conditions that often happen alongside depression. Anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar, and personality disorders are a few that commonly happen with depression or can make depression worse.
What causes depression?
Almost anyone can develop depression but here are some factors it is usually associated with:
Can we improve depression ourselves?
There are many factors that play into depression, but steps can be taken to help protect against or improve depression like:
Staying active
If there ever was a "wonder drug", activity/exercise would be it. Almost every aspect of life is shown to improve with regular activity and exercise. Click for strategies anyone can use to become more active with small manageable steps.
Giving our body what it needs
What we put into our bodies also affects our minds. Getting the right nutrients and supporting our "brain-gut connection" can be for everyone. Click to learn more about how to make small changes that add up.
Strong sleep habits
Sleep impacts mental health and mental health impacts sleep. There are subtle changes that can be made to our nightly routines that encourage more restful sleep.
Understanding emotions
Sometimes it is important to give yourself a break. Understanding where emotions are coming from can help you identify areas to improve, as well as let you go easier on yourself for things that may not be in your control.
Healthy hobbies
Hobbies can help us become better at handling the challenges of life. Hobbies are often overlooked as a mental health tool. They help us unwind, meet like-minded people, and can improve mood.
What treatments help depression?
There are medication and non-medication based treatments that have been shown to help with depression.
Medication
Depression can be caused by a variety of things, so it is important to become established with a psychiatric professional in order to receive the right medication treatment for you (if needed).
Non-Medication
It is also important to consult with a mental health professional about non-medication treatments. Some may still require referral or a prescription. Examples of non-medication treatments include:
- Therapy
- Vitamin modification
- Sunlight/Red light
- Lifestyle changes
- Therapeutic groups
It is important to find a mental health specialist that blends best practices and your personal preferences, to help create a treatment plan that works best for you.