Depression: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a bad day. It is a much worse and more serious mental condition affecting mood, thought, and day-to-day life activities. Millions suffer from depression all over the world, and thus it is important to understand depression to pick it up early and support people who need help and provide the right treatment.

Dr. Geetanjali Physioworks is here to diagnose depression. Here, we will explore the causes, symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and preventive strategies for depression.

What is Depression?

Depression is a disorder in mood. It is clinically known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It is a mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a significant decline in energy. It affects emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, often interfering with one’s personal and professional life.

Depression is not only a phase of mood; clinically, it can be referred to as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This is the condition in which there is ongoing sadness and loss of interest in activities, with energy reduction. Emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are affected by this disorder. It usually interferes with an individual’s personal and professional life.

Depression is not a phase or passing sadness but lasts for days, weeks, months, or years if left untreated. It requires medical attention, help, and therapy in order to cope with it.

What are the Common Causes of Depression?

Depression happens for many reasons, like biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Here are some common causes of depression listed below:

Brain Chemistry: Abnormal neurotransmitter chemical levels disrupt brain signaling, causing mood disorders. The neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Genetics: Genetic predisposition accounts for an increased risk of development with a family history of depression. Some specific genes might predispose the development of the disorder in an individual.
Hormones: Certain hormonal changes, like those occurring during pregnancy, postpartum stages, due to thyroid disorders, and menopause, can be responsible for a depressing condition.
Traumatic Life Events: Certain events like the death of a loved one, abuse, or a big financial loss might serve as immediate triggers.
Brain Structure: Different studies have reported reduced gray matter volume in critical regions of the brain being associated with depression.
Medical Conditions: Chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease contribute to symptoms of depression.
Pain: Chronic pain or unresolved bodily pain and frequent health problems create emotional pressure, which leads to increased chances of developing depression.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

Depression can occur in different ways in individuals. Symptoms can vary from person to person. So, here are the symptoms of depression in males, females, teens, and adults:

Symptoms in Males and Females

Males: Irritability, fatigue, anger, and issues with focus. They may engage in risky behaviors or abuse.
Females: persistent sadness, guilt, insomnia, and emotional outbursts.

Symptoms in Children and Teens

Mood swings, irritability, and withdrawal from social activities.
Difficulty concentrating in school and an increased sense of hopelessness.

Symptoms in Older Adults

Memory problems, physical aches, and reduced interest in previously enjoyable activities.
Often misdiagnosed as part of aging.

Risk Factors of Depression

Many factors can increase the rate of the chances of falling into depression, and they are all given as follows:

Sex: A woman is twice as susceptible to depression than a man because of a complex interaction between hormonal changes in the female body and societal pressure.
Genetics: More chances of developing depression can occur if it is found in the history of the family.
Socioeconomic Status: It does not fail to contribute to depression; in fact, it strongly influences depression because of the absence of finances in day-to-day life and the general social standard.
Certain Medications: Increased risk of developing depression is greatly associated with hormonal birth control, corticosteroids, and beta-blockers.
Vitamin D Deficiency: It has been reported that lower vitamin D levels are associated with symptoms of depression.
Gender Identity: Due to stigma and discrimination in society, transgender individuals fall under this category and are at increased risk.
Substance Misuse: Most often, alcohol, drug, or prescription drug use disorders occur with depression.
Medical Illnesses: Interest in chronic diseases such as heart conditions and cancer greatly increases the indexes of depression.

How to Treat Depression?

To treat depression involves various approaches according to the person’s needs, the severity of the condition, and personal preferences. Here are some effective treatment methods for depression listed below:

Medication

Medicine is given mostly to patients with moderate symptoms of depression up until severe to rehabilitate the chemical balance in the brain.

Types of medications include Antidepressants. These are the most commonly prescribed for depression, including:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Like fluoxetine and sertraline. It is well, serotonin levels raised, increasing mood.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): They affect both nor-epinephrine and serotonin and help patients lose weight and become more animated in action and thought.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): This is the last line of treatment when SSRIs prove ineffective after trying them out. However, the TCAs have many adverse effects.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Reserved for only the sickest because they have very strict diets and other side effects.

You always consult with the healthcare provider before starting medications. Continuous follow-up is needed to see the side effects the person is having and to review progress.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the main treatment for depression, particularly for mild to moderate cases. Examples of common approaches include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

Focus on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to depression.
Teaches coping mechanisms for managing stress and prevention of relapse.
Frequently, it is offered on a structured, time-limited basis.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT):

It addresses relationships as sources of problems leading to depression.
Improving communication skills and resolving conflicts.

Psychodynamic Therapy:

Investigate unresolved conflicts in past and unconscious formats that impact the current self-esteem behavior and emotion.

Group Therapy:

Therapeutical Group, wherein people can share experiences and learn from one another in a way that will better motivate learning.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive therapy is the most efficient treatment for severely depressed patients, especially for those who are unresponsive to medications or psychotherapy. Anesthesia is used for a brief period, and a small, controlled electric current is passed through the brain, creating a brief seizure that helps to change the chemicals in the brain and relieve them of their depressive symptoms.

ECT is mostly used for treatment-resistant depression, severe suicidal ideation, or psychotic depression. Modern ECT is quite safe and well-accepted without any long-term side effects, apart from some incidences of temporary loss of memory.

Light Therapy

Light therapy is a form of non-invasive treatment most commonly used for seasonal affective disorder, a depression generally associated with the lack of proper sunlight during winter. The patient is placed near a light box that mimics natural sunlight for 20–30 minutes every day.

This regulates the internal clock of the human body to mood changes and brightens the spirit. It also boosts energy and reduces tiredness. Best used in the early mornings, this regulation aligns the internal body’s energy with the natural circadian rhythms.

Self-Help and Coping

Professional treatment is indispensable in the management of depression, but self-help strategies form the other aspect of complete recovery from the disease and the latter states.

Exercise: Regular activity enhances endorphin release and natural mood boosters. And some activities like yoga, swimming, or even daily walks.
Mindfulness and Meditation: It helps the individual remain in the present moment, thus averting overthinking, and, at the same time, helps in relaxing and managing stress in an effective way.
Journaling: Writing emotions and feelings may clarify the presentimental state.
Building a Support Network: Having friends, relatives, or support groups would lead to emotional comfort with them and lessen loneliness feelings.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Eating a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, and fruits can support brain health.

When to See a Doctor?

You need to see a doctor for depression if:

Symptoms persist for more than two weeks.
You experience suicidal thoughts or self-harm tendencies.
Depression begins to affect your daily life, relationships, or work.

How to Prevent Depression?

Though it may not be possible to avoid the occurrence of depression always, here are some tips to prevent depression and reduce the risk of it:

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get sufficient sleep.
Stay Connected: Cultivate relationships with many strong ties and keep open communication.
Manage Stress: Utilize stress relief techniques such as yoga or meditation practice.
Limit Alcohol and Drug Use: Stay away from poor substances that compound the deterioration of mental health.
Seek Help Early: Treat any possible case of early stress or anxiety before it becomes wholly developed.

Conclusion

Depression is a manageable, difficult problem, but prevention and treatment can certainly be learned. Learning about the causes, symptoms, and risk factors of depression enables one to take preventive and treatment measures in advance. Some use the route of medication, others opt for therapy, while some improvements can be made by way of lifestyle changes.

Also, remember that help is available and recovery is in sight. If you are among those people or know someone who has been taken down such a path, you can reach out to Dr. Geetanjali Physioworks, where you will get professional help and can get relief from your depression.