Depression is a devastating illness that can strike at any age. Learn more about depression symptoms and treatment options online today.

Depression is a debilitating mental illness that affects nearly 7% of the U.S.'s population yearly. It affects all ages, ethnic, and social backgrounds, and it can also be very difficult to diagnose and treat. Too often, people suffering from depression are stigmatized by society or turned away from treatment because of misconceptions about the illness. The biggest misconception about depression is that it's all in the person's head and can be controlled. This is untrue. Depression is caused by an imbalance of chemicals that causes your body to experience negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that perpetuate the illness. Keep reading to learn more about depression symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Depression Symptoms

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Mild depression can cause a person to feel sad or disengaged. In contrast, severe depression can seriously impact daily life, causing a person to be unable to work or participate in social activities. Depression can also increase the risk of suicide significantly. In teenagers, depression may manifest as a lack of interest in school work, withdrawal from social life, and a problematic mood. It's important to note that depression may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Low mood level or sadness.
• Lack of interest or desire to partake in activities that were once joyful 
• Chronic pessimism
• Feeling guilt about something without substantial reason to do so
• Irritability
• Brain fog
• Bloated stomach or constipation
• Slow physical reaction
• Suicide ideation

What Causes Depression?

Depression is caused by a decreased amount of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, including deficiency of serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, acetylcholine, and gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA). 

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline increase activity in the brain by making nerve cells send impulses to other nerve cells. A deficiency of these substances causes reduced activity in some regions of the brain, which can lead to depression symptoms. Alternatively, a lack of GABA can cause nerve impulses to be too active, leading to anxiety and panic responses, along with symptoms of depression. It's also important to note that several subtypes of depression involve different physiological mechanisms. Keep reading to learn more about different types of depression. 

What are the Different Types Of Depression?

Symptoms of depression depend on the subtypes of depression it is. Some of the most common types of depression include:

Unipolar Depression (Major Depressive Disorder MDD) 

Unipolar depression is another name for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Unipolar depression involves depressive symptoms that last for longer than two weeks and cause a loss of interest and a general change in the way you function. 

Bipolar Disorder 

Bipolar disorder, also known as Manic Depression, is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings from depression to mania. The depression stage causes patients to feel sad, lonely, and hopeless. In the manic phase, a patient can feel euphoric and full of energy. They may also sleep poorly and have difficulty concentrating. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that tends to occur during the winter months when you get less sunlight. SAD symptoms typically go away in the spring and summer.

Postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is common in women who have recently given birth. Pregnancy and birth are physically and emotionally exhausting. The rise and fall in certain hormones can cause depressive symptoms to occur. 

Effective Depression Treatments

The most effective treatment for depression depends on the type of depression you're experiencing. Some commonly prescribed treatments for depression include:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Chronic depression and Major Depressive Mood Disorder are typically treated with anti-depressant medication, known as Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs help to increase the level of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, in the central nervous system. Consistent use of SSRIs can reduce the symptoms of moderate to severe depression and are relatively safe with few side effects. Examples of SSRIs include; Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), and Sertraline (Zoloft).

Mood Stabilizers

Bipolar is a life-long condition, but mood stabilizers used in conjunction with other medications can help improve the symptoms and enable patients to live a relatively normal life. Mood stabilizers help to control manic and hypomanic episodes. Examples of mood stabilizers include; lithium, valproic acid, divalproex sodium, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine. 

As well as medications, there are also other therapies that can help improve depression symptoms, such as:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is often used in combination with medication to help treat the root cause of depression. 

Supplements

Certain supplements such as St. John's Wort and 5-HTP have been shown in studies to reduce symptoms of depression. It's important to note that some supplements can interfere with prescribed medication and cause serious side effects. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements. 

Exercise

Regular physical activity can increase "feel good" hormones in the body and reduce symptoms of depression. 

Restful Sleep

Studies have shown that not getting enough sleep can increase stress hormones in the body and worsen symptoms of depression. You should aim to get around 8 hours of sleep every night. 

Light Therapy

Symptoms of seasonal depression can be improved with UV light therapy. UV rays help your body regulate its melatonin and serotonin production to improve sleep and mood. 

Depression is a debilitating mental illness that can seriously impact your quality of life. Fortunately, with effective treatment, you can improve your depression symptoms and regain your zest for life once again.