What is Depression?
Most people think of depression as sadness, but the diagnosis is actually more complex. Sadness is a normal emotional response to difficult or negative life events, such as the loss of a loved one or disappointment. While sadness is natural and expected, it typically resolves on its own within a relatively short period of time. In contrast, depression is a more persistent and severe emotional state that can significantly interfere with a person's ability to function in their daily life.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), defines depression as a disorder characterized by five or more of the following symptoms most days for two weeks or more:
Persistent feeling of sadness
Loss of interest in activities
Fatigue
Changes in appetite (increase or decrease) or changes in weight (5% loss or gain)
Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia)
Restlessness or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide (not fear of dying)
Be aware that all of the criteria below must be met in addition to five or more of the aforementioned symptoms:
Symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Symptoms cannot be attributable to a substance use disorder, a medical condition, or another psychological condition.
Symptoms cannot be atrributable to schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, delusional disorder, or other specified and unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and/or other psychotic disorders.
There cannot be a history of a manic episode or a hypomanic episode.
It's important to note that depression is a spectrum disorder, which means there are different levels of severity. For example, major depressive disorder is the most severe form of depression, and it's defined as having the majority of the symptoms above for at least 2 weeks, while persistent depressive disorder, or dysthymia, is defined as having sadness and two of the symptoms mentioned above for at least 2 years and is typically less severe.
It's also important to note that depression can have different presentations, such as melancholic, atypical, catatonic, psychotic, peripartum, seasonal, and anxious distress which are defined by specific symptoms that are presented.
Depression is a serious medical condition that requires professional help and treatment. It's not just feeling sad or down, it's a persistent feeling that affects multiple aspects of daily life and can be accompanied by physical symptoms. Depression looks different for different people. It can look like a genuine smile, a hearty laugh, an angry outburst, or a lonely gaze. It’s important to have meaningful conversations with each other and take care of ourselves to improve mental wellness.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health condition please seek professional help. Action cures fear.
✌🏾Be Well
