Sadness is a normal part of life. As difficult as sadness can be, it does help us create balance in our life. Ideally, it also empowers us to better appreciate the good times. What we casually call “depression” is most definitely not the same as normal sadness. In fact, it is actually Major Depressive Disorder — a diagnosable and serious condition that is increasing in prevalence.
What is Major Depressive Disorder?
Depression is a mood disorder that impacts how we think, behave, and feel. Among many other things, it causes:
A persistent feeling of overwhelming sadness
Loss of interest in what once engaged us
A sense that life is not worth living
Roughly 16.2 million adults in the United States experience at least one major depressive episode in any given year. This is 6.7 percent of American adults. More specifically, middle-age women between the ages of 40 to 59 are the most at risk. The numbers are daunting: one in eight women in that age range (12.3 percent).
Unlike normal sadness, we cannot just “snap out of it” when it comes to depression. It requires treatment — usually on a long-term basis. An important step toward such treatment is honestly assessing your situation. This process commences with an exploration of the signs and symptoms present in your life.
Signs and Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Frequent agitation, restlessness, irritability, and anxiety
A feeling of hopelessness or emptiness
Sluggishness in physical movements and mental acuity
Prone to outbursts disproportionate to cause
Activities like hobbies, sex, etc. no longer hold any interest
Sleep disturbances
Fluctuations in appetite/Unexplained weight loss
Body aches and pains without an obvious cause
Loss of both energy and motivation for tasks of all sizes
Faltering focus, memory, decision-making, and concentration
Obsession with the past and perceived failures
Relentless guilt
Feelings of worthlessness
Ongoing thoughts of death and suicide
Suicide attempts
This list may feel daunting but it’s still incomplete. Major Depressive Disorder manifests in many ways and such symptoms must never be taken lightly. Again, sadness is not depression but prolonged sadness that moves into hopelessness is not to be ignored. It is always better to err on the side of caution and ask for help.
Common Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder
As mentioned below, therapy is an important and popular option. In addition, about 1 in 8 U.S. adults taking medications for depression (most often, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). Not infrequently, dietary changes are suggested by a medical practitioner. These may include:
Reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption
More vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and legumes
Decrease sugar intake
Reduce processed foods
Omega 3 fatty acids were once considered to help with Major Depressive Disorder but more research needs to be done.
For those who tend to be more holistic, studies have found St. John's wort to be an effective depression treatment. In cases of mild to moderate depression, St. John's wort can be on par with medication in terms of results — with fewer side effects.
It Starts With a Single Phone Call
All treatments options have one big thing in common: They begin with a single phone call (or email?). Major Depressive Order does not discriminate. Each of us is susceptible and there is no shame in this experience. If your arm was throbbing in pain, you’d probably visit a doctor without any sense of guilt or doubt. Please view mental conditions the same way.
Choosing to contact a therapist is not only a self-loving choice, but it may also be life-altering. Talk therapy — particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — has been found to have promising and long-lasting results. It also helps prevent relapse after treatment (of any kind) has ended. Please reach out for help with your depression soon.