What is Depression?

Published February 29th, 2024

6 min read

Signs, symptoms, and treatment for depression.

Written by Janna Estrada

Depression is a complex and common mental health condition that can affect anyone. It is more than just feeling sad or down — it's a serious mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. The history of depression dates back centuries, evolving from ancient beliefs in spiritual possession to modern scientific frameworks. Most forms of depression are treated with a combination of therapy and medications.

Types of depression

Different types of depression come with their own challenges and symptoms. Figuring out what kind of depression you might have can help your mental health professional treat your symptoms effectively. Here are some of the key types:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD). Can be described by low mood that lingers, loss of interest in things that interest you, and other symptoms that can affect daily life.

• Persistent depressive disorder (formerly known as dysthymia). This form of depression lasts longer, with symptoms similar to those of major depression, but the symptoms may not be as intense

• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. Usually seen in children and adolescents, this disorder involves severe temper outbursts that are disproportionate to the situation.

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. A severe form of premenstrual syndrome marked by intense mood swings, irritability, and tension right before the period starts

• Substance/medication-induced depressive disorder. Depression symptoms triggered by substance abuse or withdrawal from certain medications.

• Depressive disorder due to another medical condition. Depression occurring as a result of a medical condition, such as chronic illness or neurological disorders.

• Unspecified depressive disorder. This is used when symptoms do not fit precisely into any specific depression category.

Symptoms of depression

Recognizing the symptoms of depression can help catch it early. General symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness. This may feel like a prolonged feeling of hopelessness, emptiness, or feeling numb.

• Irregular sleeping patterns. Depending on the individual, you may be sleeping more or less than usual.

• Fatigue. Feeling low energy or tired all the time.

• Difficulty concentrating. It gets harder to focus on school, work, or with everyday life. 

• Changes in appetite or weight. Some people with depression start to eat a lot more or may lose their appetite all together leading to fluctuations in weight.  

Treatment for depression

Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for depression. In many cases, the best approach will involve a combination of different treatments. These include:

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). A therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours

• Medication. Antidepressant medications prescribed by a mental health professional can help relieve symptoms. It takes a several weeks or months for medications to work. In many cases, combining medication with CBT is most effective. 

• Neuromodulation. Techniques that stimulate the brain like Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS).  A magnetic coil is held next to the head and is turned on and off. The changes in the magnetic field activate the neurons in your brain which help relieve some of the symptoms of severe depression.

Should I get a diagnosis?

Depression can be hard and confusing to deal with. If you think you may be experiencing depression, getting a professional diagnosis can be helpful -- but it isn’t required to get counselling or receive therapy.

Benefits of a diagnosis

Some of the benefits include:

• Getting more insight and clarity into your underlying problems.

• Putting a name to your experiences can be cathartic.

• Feeling like your emotions and symptoms are validated.

• It can open up doors to new treatments that may help improve the symptoms.

• Access to school support, like time with a social worker.

• More time to complete assignments or write tests and exams.

Downsides of a diagnosis

Some reasons people might not pursue a diagnosis include:

• It can take a lot of time to get a formal diagnosis. It can be hard to distinguish between depression and similar disorders.

• For some people, interacting with the medical system can be traumatizing and stressful.

• Diagnostic labels can still carry a substantial stigma.

Feeling sad vs. being clinically depressed

It's important to recognize the difference between feeling sad and being clinically depressed, as the latter often involves persistent and pervasive symptoms affecting daily life. Sadness is a normal reaction to a loss, disappointment, problems, or other difficult situations.

Feeling sad happens from time to time and can go away quickly. It is easier to go about your daily life. Depression is a persistent feeling that affects your mood, and other aspects of your health like sleep, diet, and thinking.

How we can help

Support from friends, family, and mental health professionals is essential for navigating depression. If you’re ready to take the next step, Resolvve can help you find a therapist who can work with you through your symptoms and can also help you get a referral to a psychiatrist.

Please note that this post is written for educational purposes; it is not therapy. If you need to talk to a professional, please book a consultation with a psychotherapist through Resolvve.

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