Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide in people ages 15–44 (1). In addition, depression ranks among the top 3 workplace issues in the United States (2).
Depressed individuals are often depicted as the image above. Head down, full of sadness, always alone…However, depression is not entirely black and white (also like this image). But this is how we often see depression.
Where do I begin…Okay!
Being Depressed Vs. Feeling Depressed
There is a difference between being depressed and feeling depressed. Everyone, at one point in their lives, has felt depressed. Maybe you've lost a job, didn't get the promotion you expected, getting a bad grade, getting rejected, having a bad argument, losing thousands of dollars, not being able to pay your bills, etc.
And the list goes on and on and on. If you are just like any human being on this planet I can bet your bottom’s dollar that you’ve experienced feelings of depression.
It’s normal.
Feeling depressed can be situational. Like breaking up after a long relationship or being betrayed by your best friend.
Situations, that result in feeling depressed, are just temporary and with time and actionable steps they sort of resolve on their own. Hopefully.
However, if you are depressed sometimes waiting it out doesn’t do much at all. If anything, waiting it out can do more harm than good.
Depression is a mental health disorder that doesn’t resolve on its own but rather can last for two consecutive weeks or more. It interferes with one’s daily living and their ability to function as they normally would.
Depression is quite complicated and not easily quantifiable. In fact, it is difficult to tell if someone is depressed.
Symptoms of Depression
Below includes a list of behavioral symptoms that are often found in people who are depressed. *You will also notice that a few of the symptoms can be contradictory.
Behavioral Symptoms (include but not limited to):
Low mood
A loss of interest in things one normally enjoyed
Changes in appetite
Feelings of worthlessness
Excessive guilt
Over-sleeping
Not getting enough sleep
Poor concentration
Restlessness
Slowness
Recurrent thoughts of suicide.
According to psychiatric guidelines, having at least five of these symptoms can qualify an individual to be diagnosed for depression (3).
The Biochemistry of Depression
People who are depressed express abnormal brain chemistry compared to those who are not depressed.
According to several studies, depression can be detected when there is an abnormal transmission (or depletion) of certain neurotransmitters. The three transmitters linked to depression are norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers of the brain and when not enough neurotransmitters are being produced or uptaken, the result is a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Often when it is known that there is a biochemical cause to someone’s depression, the individual is usually prescribed anti-depressants by a medical professional to counter this chemical imbalance. To learn more, check out my blog post "Treating Depression With Antidepressants".
People With Depression
Depression is a disorder that looks different from one person to another. In fact, it is difficult to determine if someone is depressed just by outward appearances alone.
People who live with depression express feelings of loneliness as well as feelings of helplessness. In particular, statistics have shown that Millenials experience a high incidence of loneliness and depression (Check out my previous blog post "Millennials-The Loneliest Generation"). Often the case, people who are depressed don’t even know why they are depressed in the first place.
Depression is not a choice…
Depression is not just about feeling sad.
Depression could look happy.
Depression could look calm
Depression could look productive.
Depression could look rich.
Depression could look sad.
Depression could like tired.
Depression could look healthy.
Depression has many faces and can even appear invisible.
Getting Treated for Depression
Luckily, depression can be treated and the earlier the treatment the more effective it can be.
Treatment for depression is not one-size-fits-all. Some require medication, such as anti-depressants. Some may need talk-therapy. Some may need a combination of the two.
Do I Have Depression?
Now, I am not a medical professional.
However, if you feel like you have depression or have experienced a few of the behavioral symptoms listed in this article for two weeks or more, I would say that it is in your best interest to get evaluated.
Because depression is a nationwide issue, Wellnite aims to help solve this problem by providing the nation’s most affordable treatment plans for depression and anxiety. Regardless of insurance and zip code.
Check out my blog post on the "10 Reasons Why You Should Join Wellnite"
In conclusion...
Depression is challenging and extremely difficult to deal with alone.
Many people deal with depression even if they may not look like it.
…and the best way to deal with depression is to get help for and the sooner the better.
