Depression may include different symptoms and, usually, lasts longer than 2 weeks. Depression is believed to be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain that are linked to mood. The scientific name for these chemicals is neurotransmitters. Their job is to send messages to brain cells (known as neurons). Depressive symptoms may occur if the neurotransmitters do not work properly. Serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine are different types of neurotransmitters.
 |
What is Depression? |
Serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine work alone and together to affect mood. Scroll over outer circles of the diagram below to see the effects of each of these chemicals.
|
Roll Over for More Info |
A doctor may diagnose depression if you have had a depressive episode. This is a period of at least two weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest and pleasure in daily activities combined with other depression symptoms. Left untreated, a depressive episode may become worse. It is important for anyone experiencing depression to seek medical attention.
Only a healthcare provider (a doctor or a licensed mental health care professional) should diagnose depression. He or she will recommend a depression treatment plan. The goal of treatment is to relieve all depressive symptoms. This is called remission.
Anyone diagnosed with depression should talk openly with their healthcare provider about their symptoms and treatment. They should also follow their depression treatment plan exactly as prescribed. This is important because sticking with the treatment plan until the symptoms have gone away means a person is less likely to have another depressive episode.
No-one knows exactly what causes depression but it has been linked to: family history of depression, gender, other medical problems, and stressful life events.
Your questions answered:
Is this sadness or clinical depression?
We all go through ups and downs in our mood. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word "depression" to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness.
Some people describe clinical depression as "living in a black hole" or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some individuals with clinical depression don’t feel sad at all—instead, they feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic.
What is clinical depression?
Clinical depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs someone’s day-to-day life, interfering with the ability to work, eat, sleep and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.
There are several terms used for depression including: major depressive disorder, clinical depression, and unipolar depression.
It is believed that clinical depression is caused by an imbalance of the chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that normally regulate how one feels.
Why me?
It is unclear why some people get depression and others don’t, although some factors such as family history of depression, other physical and mental illnesses and a stressful life event may contribute to the likelihood of developing depression.
Why now?
While it appears that stress may trigger a depressive episode, some people experience depressive episodes with no apparent trigger or stressor. Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may cause depression. Problems with hormones like thyroid hormone and estrogen in women can facilitate the onset of depression. Certain medications may have depression as a side-effect. You’ll want to talk with your doctor about all of these possible causes of depression.
Does this mean I am a weak person?
Depression like many other mental illnesses was misunderstood for many years. Some thought of clinical depression as a weakness. However, like any other serious medical illness, such as heart disease and diabetes, it is not caused by the affected person being personally weak. Many people who experience depression overcome symptoms that affect them mentally and physically, leading them to become more self-aware.
Will I have depression for the rest of my life?
Some people with depression only experience one depressive episode in their lifetime. Others will experience several depressive episodes. The risk of additional episodes increases with each depressive episode. The chance of experiencing a relapse or an additional episode decreases if treatment is maintained until the symptoms of depression are relieved. By working with a doctor and completing a treatment plan, one can reduce the risk of repeated depressive episodes.