Depression

I am in that temper that if I were under water I would scarcely kick to come to the top.

John Keats
Eighteenth-century British poet

Here is the tragedy: when you are the victim of depression, not only do you feel utterly helpless and abandoned by the world, you also know that very few people can understand, or even begin to believe, that life can be this painful.

Giles Andreae

In non-clinical terms, depression can be described as a "loss of" state. Loss of joy. Loss of motivation. Loss of appetite. Loss of hope. Clinically speaking, depression is a serious mental illness that causes long periods of sadness. People who suffer depression often have an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness and are unable to find joy in life. People and activities that once brought happiness no longer do, and it hardly feels worth the effort to engage with and in them. Life can deteriorate to nothing more than a daily struggle to get out of bed and a brave attempt to function normally.

When one is depressed it feels as if there is no area of life that is not enveloped in sadness. And this is an accurate assessment. Depression not only affects our moods, it affects our thoughts, our behaviors, and our physical reactions.

Surprisingly, some people may be affected by depression without even realizing it. They may have felt depressed for so long that they no longer recognize it as unusual. Or a prolonged season of typical, healthy grief or sadness may transition into a state of depression. It is important to know the signs of depression. As there are several types of depression, it is also crucial to properly identify which type of depression a person is suffering from in order to establish proper therapy and treatment.

Symptoms of Depression:

Thoughts of suicide
Sadness
Insomnia
Oversleeping
Anxiety
Feelings of hopelessness
Self-loathing
Tearfulness
Extreme mood swings
Increase or decrease of appetite
Weight gain
Weight loss
Withdrawal from social activities
Loss of interest in normal activities

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression affects women after childbirth or a miscarriage. Women with this depression often have difficulty bonding with their children and are unable to find joy in motherhood. Postpartum depression can occur as soon as a child is born or it may take several months to develop. Signs of postpartum depression include:

Severe mood swings
Insomnia
Lack of joy in life
Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby
Feeling emotionally numb
Feelings of unworthiness or guilt

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs at the same time each year, typically during the winter months. SAD is more common in people who live in geographical areas with significant changes in daylight or where they receive less natural light. Light therapy is a common form of treatment for SAD. In this therapy, sunlight is imitated by a specialized light box.

Winter SAD Symptoms:

Weight gain
Increased appetite
Eating more carbohydrates
Oversleep
Decreased energy levels

Summer SAD Symptoms:

Decreased appetite
Insomnia
Weight loss

Psychotic Depression

Psychotic Depression brings feelings of extreme sadness and forms of psychosis. Psychosis occurs when a person loses touch with reality. Examples of psychosis are hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations are seeing and hearing things that are not real. Delusions are irrational thoughts or fears. Symptoms of psychotic depression include:

Hallucinations
Delusions
Insomnia
Agitation
Anxiety

Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a form of depression that lasts longer than two years. Dysthymia is characterized by an inability to function and enjoy normal activities. People who are affected by dysthymia typically feel that it is their environment or circumstances that are to blame for the sadness they feel. Signs of dysthymia include:

Unhealthy appetite
Over eating
Difficulty making decisions
Feeling run down
Major changes in weight
Low self-esteem
Decreased productivity

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is characterized by extreme changes in mood and energy levels. A bipolar person's mood can range from severe depression to excess levels of mania. There are two types of bipolar disorders: Bipolar I and Bipolar II. The two disorders are distinguished by the severity of a person's mood swing.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms - Mania:

Hyperactivity
Unusual talkativeness
Racing thoughts
Increased sex drive
Acting recklessly
Inflated self-esteem
Increased levels of energy

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms - Depression:

Self-Loathing
Feelings of worthlessness
Uncontrollable crying

Situational Depression

Situational Depression arises when a person is unable to cope with a major life changing event. Common events that trigger situational depression might be the death of a loved one, divorce, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a job. Signs of situational depression include:

Frequent crying
Work or school avoidance
Withdrawal from loved ones

Treatment and Counseling for Depression

There are many effective treatments for depression. A skilled therapist can help you determine if you are depressed, what type of depression you may be suffering from, and what may be the next best steps for you to take in order to address your depression. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a common and highly successful form of treatment. In psychotherapy, patients are able to sit with a counselor and discuss the issues or circumstances that have triggered or exacerbated their depression. Because depression is accompanied by negative thoughts about the self, the world, and the future, and because these negative thoughts actually maintain the depressed mood, testing the truth and scope of one's thoughts with a therapist can be a positive step toward combating depression. In the midst of depression it is difficult to believe that happiness and joy can ever be yours again, but depression does not have to consume or control your life.

Judy Keappler

Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA