Depression is a complex and debilitating mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. More than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch, depression is a serious medical illness that impacts one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and can negatively impact a person’s overall quality of life. Major depression is a common but serious mood disorder that causes severe symptoms affecting a person’s daily activities, similar to other mood disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR) like bipolar disorder ). If you believe you may have a form of depression or have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder, you may be feeling worried and even a bit scared and unsure of your next steps.

Key Takeaways

  1. Understanding Depression: Depression is a complex mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and other emotional and physical problems, significantly affecting overall quality of life.
  2. Causes and Contributing Factors: While the exact cause of depression is not known, it is influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Events like trauma, loss, and chronic stress can trigger its onset.
  3. Symptoms and Diagnosis: Common symptoms include persistent sadness, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating. It’s crucial for those experiencing these symptoms to seek professional evaluation and diagnosis.
  4. Treatment Options: Effective treatments vary but can include medications, psychotherapy, and cutting-edge therapies like deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (deep TMS) and ketamine-assisted therapy. These treatment options offer hope even to those with treatment-resistant depression.

The first thing you should know is that depression is a real issue – it’s not just something “in your head” or something you can get over without proper help and treatment. The good news is that several different depression treatment options can help you regain control of your symptoms and live a normal life. 

But what exactly is depression, what causes it, and is there a way to achieve remission? Keep reading to get the answers to these questions and see how new cutting-edge alternative treatments are helping countless depression patients across the country.

Understanding Depression: More Than Just Sadness

Depression is described as a mood disorder in which patients often experience a variety of negative symptoms, including severe symptoms such as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. These severe symptoms significantly affect how a person feels, thinks, and carries out daily tasks, leading to various emotional and physical problems. Depression can occur as a single episode or recur throughout a person’s life, and it is considered a chronic disorder.

Causes of Depression: A Complex Interplay

Depression, like many mental health disorders, does not have a single, straightforward cause. Instead, it is suspected to result from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Specialists are still trying to learn more about how these factors in order to gain insights into why some individuals develop depression while others do not. 

Additionally, risk factors such as age, gender, and certain conditions are associated with a higher likelihood of developing depression, indicating that depression can affect anyone, including children and adults. However, some groups may be more at risk.

Genetic and Biological Influences on Depression

Research suggests that genetics may play a significant role in predisposing individuals to depression. Studies have found that individuals with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) who has experienced depression may be two to three times more likely to develop the condition themselves. 

Biological factors are also thought to play a role in developing depression. More specifically, certain imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that facilitate communication between brain cells, have been implicated in depression. Specifically, deficiencies in serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are thought to contribute to mood disturbances and depressive symptoms.

Environmental and Psychological Triggers

Environmental factors in the form of adverse life events, such as trauma, abuse, loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, or chronic stress, as well as ongoing exposure to environmental stressors, such as discrimination, social isolation, or a lack of social support, can likely increase the risk of developing depression.

In addition, certain psychological factors such as individual personality traits, coping styles, and underlying psychological vulnerabilities may also make an individual more prone to developing depression as a response to stressors. For example, individuals with low self-esteem, perfectionistic tendencies, or a history of negative thinking patterns may be more susceptible to an increased risk of developing depression.

Depression is a highly individualized experience, and what triggers or exacerbates symptoms in one person may not affect another in the same way. Additionally, the interplay of these factors can vary widely among individuals, making it challenging for medical professionals and researchers to pinpoint a single cause of depression.

How Common Is Depression Around the World?

Depression is a common mental health condition and issue that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds worldwide. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 280 million people globally. This represents approximately 3.8% of the global population. Depression is not limited to any specific geographic region or socioeconomic status; it is a widespread concern that impacts individuals in both developed and developing countries.

Furthermore, the number and frequency of depression cases seem to be increasing worldwide, with factors such as urbanization, economic instability, and social inequality possibly contributing to its rise. 

As common and impactful as depression may be, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in many parts of the world, possibly because of stigma, lack of access to many mental health care services, and misconceptions about depression that often prevent individuals from seeking help or receiving appropriate treatment. The truth is there is no shame in seeking help for your depression. Many others are struggling with the same debilitating symptoms, and there are many different treatment options available to help you.

What Are the Symptoms of Depression?

The signs and symptoms of depression can vary in severity and duration and can affect an individual both mentally and physically. Common depression symptoms include:

  • Persistent sadness: feeling sad, empty, or tearful most of the day, nearly every day.
  • Loss of interest or pleasure: losing interest in activities, hobbies, or relationships that were once enjoyable.
  • Changes in appetite or weight: significant weight loss or weight gain or changes in appetite.
  • Sleep disturbances: insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping).
  • Fatigue or loss of energy: feeling tired, sluggish, or physically drained even after rest.
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: experiencing persistent feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame.
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions: trouble focusing, remembering details, or making decisions.
  • Agitation or restlessness: feeling restless, irritable, or on edge.
  • Physical symptoms: persistent headaches, digestive problems, or other unexplained physical ailments.
  • Thoughts of death or suicide: recurrent thoughts of death, dying, suicide, or suicide attempts.

If you struggle with any or all of these symptoms and have not yet been diagnosed with depression, it may be a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about what you are experiencing. Depressive disorders present themselves differently in every individual, so even if some of these symptoms do not sound familiar to you, it is still important to get properly evaluated by a doctor.

A mental health professional can rule out other separate or co-occurring conditions with overlapping symptoms, like ADHD, bipolar disorder, or autism, and help you identify the proper treatment options.

Are There Different Types of Depression?

Depression is an informal term to refer to a wide variety of depressive disorders that can manifest in various forms, each with its own set of symptoms and characteristics. Some common types of depression include:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): This is the most common form of clinical depression, characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest or pleasure in once-enjoyable activities.
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Formerly known as dysthymia, PDD involves chronic low-grade depression lasting for two years or more.
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): SAD is a type of depression that occurs seasonally, typically during the winter months when there is less sunlight.
  • Postpartum Depression (PPD): PPD is a mood disorder that affects people after childbirth and is characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion.
  • Psychotic Depression: This type of depression occurs alongside psychosis, which may involve hallucinations, delusions, or other breaks from reality.
  • Bipolar Disorder: While not categorized as a depressive disorder, bipolar disorder involves alternating periods of depression and mania (elevated mood), with depressive episodes lasting for weeks or months.

Can Depression Co-Occur With Other Mental Health Issues?

A group of medical professionals recently conducted a study among the German population to determine the prevalence of the occurrence of depression alongside other somatic (physical) and mental conditions. The study found that almost all mental disorders were at least twice as prevalent in persons with depression when compared to their control group results. 

The study also found significant links between the occurrence of depression and diseases such as multiple sclerosis and several neurological diseases, including sleep disorders, migraine, and epilepsy, with patients in these groups showing depression comorbidity prevalence rates 1.5 to 2 times higher than the control group.

In other words, it is a known fact that depression often co-occurs with other mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders. 

This phenomenon, known as comorbidity, can complicate diagnosis and treatment, as symptoms of one disorder may overlap with or exacerbate symptoms of another.

What Are the Traditional Treatment Options for Depression?

Depression treated effectively often includes a combination of medications and psychotherapy, with 70% to 90% of people with depression responding well to treatment; traditional treatment options for depression typically involve this combination. 

Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), aims to help individuals understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors by recognizing and correcting unhealthy thinking patterns to change thoughts and behaviors in a more positive manner. Many depressed patients participate in CBT, which is thought to be particularly effective for depression, as it focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and developing coping skills.

Antidepressants work by altering neurotransmitter levels in the brain, specifically serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are among the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. 

While some individuals can experience symptom relief with traditional treatments such as therapy and medications, research has shown that more than one-third of patients with major depressive disorder become treatment-resistant and continue struggling with depressive symptoms in spite of receiving medication and therapy. 

In these cases, patients may benefit from combining their traditional treatment approach with other treatments and strategies that may help them alleviate symptoms and, in many cases, achieve remission.

How Can Depression Be Managed?

Managing depression usually requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the psychological and physiological aspects of the condition. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a variety of strategies that may help individuals cope with depression.

  • Consulting a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist, is extremely important so you can rule out other conditions and obtain personalized treatment and support. 
  • A psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) to alleviate symptoms of depression.
  • Medication combined with psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a widely used approach to treat the symptoms of depression. Therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) can help patients with depressive disorders to explore their thought patterns and feelings in a supportive environment.
  • Social support can also be incredibly helpful – building a strong support network of family and friends or finding support groups for depressive disorders can all provide emotional support and encouragement, which may be critical during difficult days.
  • Practicing mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
  • Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, getting an adequate amount of sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can help improve mood and overall well-being.

However, it is true that many people still struggle with depression, even after following all of these tips. If you or someone you love has already tried medication, therapy, and other strategies to manage the symptoms of depression and still struggle to find relief, you are not alone. 

At APN, many patients with treatment-resistant depressive disorders have found the relief they are looking for through the use of an integrated treatment approach focused on treating depression.

A Promising Solution for Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder

APN’s integrated treatment approach treats the root causes of depression in each person, seeking to promote immediate relief as well as long-term remission of depression symptoms. Our mental health professionals design custom treatment plans for each individual, incorporating cutting-edge techniques such as deep TMS and ketamine-assisted therapy alongside traditional medication and therapy. This multifaceted approach can help patients experience a significant reduction in the intensity and duration of their symptoms.

Deep TMS is a non-invasive, pharmaceutical-free procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS has shown promising results, with approximately 50-60% of patients experiencing a significant reduction in their symptoms and many achieving full remission. We are located throughout the United states, if you are looking for TMS in Fort Worth to TMS in Boulder and many other locations then check us out

Likewise, ketamine-assisted therapy has also been shown to be successful in helping depression patients reach immediate relief and become symptom-free for up to 6 months after completing treatments.

Conclusion

Depression, while a severe and disabling condition, is treatable, and many individuals find relief through a combination of therapies tailored to their specific needs. 

At Plus by APN, we are committed to providing comprehensive care that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of depression, using both traditional and innovative treatments. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, we encourage you to reach out. 

Together, we can work towards managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Our team is here to support you every step of the way in your journey towards recovery.

Contact APN to discover how our integrated treatment approaches can help you find the relief you need. Call 424.644.6486 or fill out our contact form to learn more.

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  • “How Genes and Life Events Affect Mood and Depression.” Harvard Health, 10 Jan. 2022, www.health.harvard.edu/depression/how-genes-and-life-events-affect-mood-and-depression.
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  • Souery, Daniel, et al. Treatment-Resistant Depression, www.psychiatrist.com/read-pdf/21622/. Accessed 16 Feb. 2024.
  • Steffen, A., Nübel, J., Jacobi, F. et al. Mental and somatic comorbidity of depression: a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis of 202 diagnosis groups using German nationwide ambulatory claims data. BMC Psychiatry 20, 142 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02546-8