Depression

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a common and serious medical condition that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. It causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.

Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It's a real medical condition with biological, psychological, and social causes. The good news is that depression is highly treatable, and most people who receive treatment experience significant improvement.

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Irritability
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much)
• Appetite or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause

Symptoms must last at least two weeks and represent a change in your previous level of functioning for a diagnosis of depression.

Seek emergency help immediately if:

• You have thoughts of harming yourself or others
• You're experiencing severe depression symptoms
• You're unable to care for yourself or others
• You're having thoughts of suicide

Crisis Resources:

• Call 112 (Sweden) or your local emergency number
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Available 24/7
• Contact a mental health professional immediately

While professional treatment is important, self-care strategies can help manage symptoms:

1. Stay Connected:

   • Maintain relationships with family and friends
   • Join support groups
   • Avoid isolation

2. Physical Activity:

   • Regular exercise can help improve mood
   • Even light activity like walking can help
   • Aim for 30 minutes most days

3. Sleep Hygiene:

   • Maintain a regular sleep schedule
   • Create a relaxing bedtime routine
   • Avoid screens before bed

4. Healthy Eating:

   • Eat regular, balanced meals
   • Limit alcohol and caffeine
   • Stay hydrated

5. Stress Management:

   • Practice relaxation techniques (meditation, deep breathing)
   • Set realistic goals
   • Break large tasks into smaller ones

6. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs:

   • These can worsen depression
   • Can interfere with medications

• Symptoms lasting more than two weeks
• Symptoms interfering with daily life
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Difficulty functioning at work or home
• Physical symptoms without clear cause
• Need for medication or therapy adjustment

• Mild symptoms that don't interfere with daily life
• Following treatment plan as prescribed
• Symptoms improving with current treatment

Diagnosing depression involves:

1. Clinical Assessment:

   • Discussion of symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns
   • Medical history review
   • Family history of mental health conditions

2. Physical Examination:

   • Rule out physical causes of symptoms
   • Check for underlying medical conditions

3. Laboratory Tests:

   • Blood tests to rule out thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies
   • May check for other medical conditions

4. Psychological Evaluation:

   • Questionnaires or screening tools
   • Assessment of mental status

There's no single test for depression. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history, and clinical evaluation.

Depression is highly treatable. Treatment options include:

1. Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy):

   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
   • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
   • Problem-solving therapy
   • Can be individual, group, or family therapy

2. Medications:

   • Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, others)
   • May take 4-8 weeks to see full effect
   • Often combined with therapy

3. Lifestyle Changes:

   • Regular exercise
   • Healthy diet
   • Adequate sleep
   • Stress reduction

4. Other Treatments (for severe cases):

   • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
   • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
   • Light therapy (for seasonal depression)

Treatment is often most effective when combining medication and therapy. Finding the right treatment may take time and patience.

While depression can't always be prevented, you can reduce your risk:

• Manage Stress: Learn healthy coping strategies
• Stay Connected: Maintain strong social connections
• Get Treatment Early: Don't wait for symptoms to worsen
• Take Care of Physical Health: Exercise, sleep, nutrition
• Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: These can trigger or worsen depression
• Know Your Risk Factors: Family history, life changes, medical conditions

Depression involves changes in brain chemistry and function:

• Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Changes in serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine
• Brain Structure: Some areas may be smaller or less active
• Hormonal Changes: Stress hormones, thyroid hormones
• Inflammation: Some research suggests inflammation may play a role

These biological changes interact with psychological and social factors to cause depression symptoms.

• May show different symptoms (irritability, behavior problems)
• School performance may decline
• May have physical complaints
• Requires specialized pediatric mental health care

• May be mistaken for normal aging
• Often underdiagnosed and undertreated
• May have different symptoms (memory problems, physical complaints)
• Can be triggered by medical conditions or medications

• Hormonal changes can trigger depression
• Postpartum depression is common and treatable
• Important to seek help for both mother and baby's wellbeing

No. While sadness is a normal emotion, depression is a medical condition that persists and interferes with daily life. Depression involves multiple symptoms and lasts for weeks or months.

Sometimes mild depression may improve, but moderate to severe depression usually requires treatment. Without treatment, depression can worsen and last for months or years.

No. Antidepressants help restore normal brain function and reduce symptoms. They don't change who you are as a person.

Most people see improvement within 4-8 weeks of starting treatment. Full recovery may take several months. Some people may need long-term treatment.

While you can't always prevent depression, maintaining good mental health habits, managing stress, staying connected, and seeking help early can reduce your risk.