Major depressive disorder is a common yet serious mood disorder that can significantly affect daily activities.
Symptoms:
It is often characterized by a persistently low mood, decreased interest in otherwise enjoyable activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, lack of concentration, changes in appetite and sleeping patterns, extreme fatigue, psychomotor retardation(the slowing down of mental and physical activities), and suicidal thoughts.
While grieving has similar symptoms of depression, depression is differentiated by low self-esteem and thoughts of worthlessness. Grief and depression can coexist, but grief with depression is usually more severe and long-lasting. It is important to distinguish the two so that you may receive the most appropriate type of support.
Risk factors:
There are multiple factors to major depressive disorder. These include adverse environmental circumstances, internal factors such as low self-esteem or negative patterns of thinking, genetics, and biological factors.
Persistent Depressive Disorder:
A persistent depressive disorder is characterized by a depressed mood most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years. In cases of children and adolescents, the mood can be depressive or irritable and continue for at least one year.
This disorder often develops during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. Because of the persistence of this disorder, you may be hesitant to seek help; It can lead you to think that you have gotten used to its symptoms or that you have “always been that way”. However, treatments for major depressive disorder can still be highly effective for persistent depressive disorder and help you recover! Remind yourself that even if it takes time, you can improve with consistency.
Treatments:
Depression is actually one of the most treatable conditions, with 80-90% of people eventually responding well to treatment! Some treatment options include medications, primarily antidepressants. In the case of moderate to severe depression, antidepressants are used along with talk therapy. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is typically used alone for the treatment of mild depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help you recognize negative patterns of thinking and overcome them to respond to challenges more effectively.
Ways to relieve symptoms:
Engage yourself in stress-relieving activities such as meditation, mindfulness, exercising, journalling(writing it out), crafting or creating something (can be art, crochet, whatever you prefer!), and spending time with pets, family, and friends. Set realistic goals for yourself, it may help some people to have a routine to focus on, while others may struggle with daily tasks. In that case, break down those tasks into smaller ones, spacing them out as much as possible.
