Contents:
Any stressful or traumatic event can contribute to depression. Common triggers include divorce, financial instability, chronic illness, social isolation, bullying, and domestic violence. Depression is not to be confused for the typical mourning process. Grief after loss is normal, and it usually fades over time. Each subtype has its own criteria for severity, duration, mood changes, and behavior. The subtypes include:.
Depression subtypes can be described in more detail by adding specifiers. A depressive subtype might be characterized by:. Depression can occur on its own or with other mental health concerns. Of all the pediatric mental health concerns, DMDD has the highest rates of comorbidity with other mental health diagnoses. It often overlaps with oppositional and defiant behavior.
Major depression can co-occur with substance abuse issues, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and panic attacks. Those with persistent depression have a higher risk for anxiety and substance abuse.
In the case of depression related to another medical condition, health issues are inherently part of the diagnosis. However, people with this type of depression are not necessarily prone to other mental health issues. Individuals with health conditions can experience depression unrelated to their medical diagnosis. Someone might have been living with depression before they developed a health concern.
Some mental health concerns, such as anxiety, are commonly linked to depression. Depression can also be a primary characteristic of bipolar, schizophrenia, and posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD. Survivors of childhood abuse face a high likelihood of experiencing depression. Depression is associated with various types of substance abuse , especially alcohol.
People may self-medicate to manage depressive symptoms such as insomnia. Other individuals, especially teens, may use substances as part of sensation-seeking behavior. Even if the drugs offer short-term relief, substance abuse can cause serious harm over time. Depression is diagnosed more often in women than in men. Some researchers guess this is because men are less likely to seek treatment.
Researchers also believe men are diagnosed less because their symptoms look different.
Men with depression are more likely to show anger than sadness. They tend to have more sleep difficulties and fatigue symptoms than women.
Men often cope through escapist behaviors like binge drinking or sexual affairs. Women with depression are more likely to attempt suicide. They are also more likely to experience certain forms of depression like premenstrual dysphoria PMDD. PMDD is when someone experiences severe depression symptoms before their period. The symptoms improve once the period begins.
They may even disappear for the rest of the menstrual cycle. Transgender men may experience PMDD, although research suggests testosterone therapy reduces depressive symptoms. Some children may inherit abnormalities in brain chemistry from their parents.
They may develop depression as a response to stress. Supporting a person with depression can be difficult.
The person may not accept comfort, claiming they do not deserve love. Symptoms of lethargy or irritability can put further strain on a relationship. A therapist can help loved ones learn how to best support the individual with depression. Individual therapy can be a safe space for loved ones to privately sort through their own feelings.
Romantic partners may consider couples counseling. Parents and children can try family therapy.
Depression is a very treatable condition. If you want to start therapy immediately, you can find a therapist near you who specializes in depression. If you or a loved one are having thoughts of suicide , you can always call and go to your local emergency room. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is See More. What is anxiety?
An integrated approach. Lifestyle changes. More resources. Types of therapy Therapy may help you develop an awareness of what you feel, why you feel that way, what your triggers are, and how you might change your reaction to them. Eye Movement Desensitization Resolution EMDR Frequently recommended for people who have experienced trauma or suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD Involves an 8-stage approach that includes recalling upsetting memories while engaging in side to side eye movement or other sensory input.
Somatic therapies, including Hakomi and Somatic Transformation Body-centered practices that focus on the relationship between the body and mind Based upon the belief that thoughts and emotions have a physical impact on the body, and vice versa.
The therapist helps you figure out what's causing your depression and how Remember, you don't have to deal with depression on your own. WebMD helps you prepare for your first visit to a doctor or therapist. Depression: Finding a Doctor or Therapist . and Treat Them; Dealing With Antidepressant Side Effects; MS and Depression: How Are They Linked?.
A compelling adjunctive therapy for people with mood disorders, emphasizing techniques to improve medication adherence, manage stressful life events, and reduce disruptions in social rhythms Teaches patients skills that let them protect themselves against the development of future episodes. Taking care of yourself: Self-compassion researcher Kristin Neff offers tips for making friends with yourself.
Expert Contributor: Increase positivity Increase Positivity.