Depression is one of the most common mental conditions in the U.S. Current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in adulthood. Depression, especially in midlife or older adults, can co-occur with other serious medical illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease. These conditions are often worse when depression is present. Sometimes medications taken for these physical illnesses may cause side effects that contribute to depression.
Depression is a common, but serious, mood condition. It causes symptoms that affect how you feel, how you think, and how you handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, and working, and. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
You may be experiencing depression if you have been presenting any of the following signs most of the day, nearly every day, for a minimum of two weeks:
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Changes in appetite and/or weight
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Lingering fatigue or decreased energy
- Aches, pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease, even with treatment
- Moving or talking more slowly
- A persistently sad or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few on this list, while others may experience many.
Types of Depression
Two of the most common forms of depression are:
- Major Depression: Having symptoms of depression most of the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks that interfere with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life. An episode can occur only once in a person’s lifetime, but more often, a person has several episodes.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Having symptoms of depression that last for at least two years. A person diagnosed with this form may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms.
Some other forms of depression are:
- Postpartum Depression: Women with postpartum depression experience acute issues following the delivery of their children. The feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that accompany postpartum depression may make it difficult for these new mothers to complete daily care activities for themselves and/or their babies.
- Perinatal Depression: Women with perinatal depression experience symptoms during pregnancy.
- Bipolar Disorder: An individual with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major depression, in this case called “bipolar depression”. However, a person with bipolar disorder also experiences extreme high – euphoric or irritable – moods called “mania” or a less severe form called “hypomania.”
You can learn more about these disorders on the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)’s website at www.nimh.nih.gov.
Does Depression Look the Same in Everyone?
The short answer: No. Depression affects different people in different ways. For example:
- Women: Typically, women with depression have symptoms of sadness, worthlessness, and guilt.
- Men: Oftentimes, men with depression are more likely to be very tired, irritable, and sometimes angry. They may lose interest in work or activities they once enjoyed, have sleep problems, and behave recklessly, including the misuse of drugs or alcohol. Many men do not recognize their depression and fail to seek help.
- Older Adults: Older adults are more likely to have medical conditions, such as heart disease, which may cause or contribute to depression, and they may be less likely to admit to feelings of sadness.
- Older Children and Teens: Children with depression may get into trouble at school, be moody, and irritable. Teens with depression may have symptoms of other disorders, such as anxiety, substance abuse, or body dysmorphia.