Understanding Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Depression is not what you may think it is. Have you spent time depressed, or are you currently in depression? I’ve helped hundreds of people now and guided at 80 people out of mental health challenges based on reviews. Awareness can and is first step to changing something. You can change a belief you don’t know is affecting you. Learning to grow out of your depression is a meaningful journey. It is something that is a great accomplishment, and when complete you can have great joy for your whole life after, your darkness turns to light!
This blog around depression, is going to talk about depression symptoms, what causes depression, and the treatment for depression.
Symptoms of Depression
So, what are the symptoms of depression. Well you can have a mild level of depression or severe. And common symptoms of depression are;
Persistent Sadness: A feeling of emptiness or hopelessness that doesn’t go away.
Loss of Interest: No longer finding pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable.
Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired, even after adequate rest.
Changes in Sleep Patterns: Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
Appetite Changes: Significant weight loss or gain not related to dieting.
Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
Agitation or Slow Movements: Easily disturbed, or retardation (slow movement)
Feelings of Guilt and Worthlessness: Even to things you don’t usually feel worthless too.
Thoughts and Possible Urges of Unaliving Oneself: Losing my dad to this hurt deeply, and I suggest seek help immediately.
According to the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statical Manuel - Version 5) You must have at least 5 of 9 symptoms present within the last 2 weeks to be considered and diagnosed depressed.
I created a popular YouTube short with over 5 thousand people seeing this video. And unfortunately I got a lot of comments, saying they aced the test, they got 9 out of 9. It’s funny and sad, I don’t believe they meant a lot of it. Some definitely did. And if you are feeling low, how many of the 9 symptoms of depression do you have based on the DSM-V? And have they been present for at least 2 weeks?
If so, go get help. Book a call with me
I do not help with crisis, meaning suicidal ideation is needing urgent help. Call your local crisis support line.
Causes of Depression
What a fascinating question. What are the causes of depression?
In my personal and professional opinion, I say there is not one reason. I would say there might be a dominate reason that we can associate a lot of the challenges with. But depression can and does chip away at life as a whole.
Where does depression possible start?
Genetics: A family history of depression can increase the likelihood of developing the disorder.
Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine play a significant role.
Life Events: Trauma, loss, and prolonged stress can trigger depression.
Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses, pain, and certain medications can contribute to depression.
All of these CAN contribute. It’s a sad fact that we do not know the main cause of depression.
We don’t have a great idea why it evolved too.
Treatment Options for Depression
Fortunately, depression is treatable, and many people find relief through a combination of therapies:
Medication: Antidepressants can help balance brain chemicals. Common types include SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclics.
Therapy: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other forms of counselling can provide tools to manage symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep hygiene can support mental health. Changing friends if needed too.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.
Personal Development: Spending quality time growing yourself out of depression is a worthwhile mission.
Conclusion
Depression is tricky, we don’t know why it evolved. And it’s a liar. It tricks you into believing other various thoughts, like “the world is better off without you”. Nope! Don’t believe it.
If you are suffering with depression, seek help, another sentence depression will whisper is, “you don’t need help” and/or “it won’t work anyways”. Help is a great thing to do!
Help is everywhere and advised. Take the opportunity.
Contact me to learn more about your depression, and give you many more insights to how it’s affecting you. Book a discovery call with me it’s only €25.
Speak soon,
GaryTheExpert
Best selling author in depression category,
1,000+ hours in one to one,
80+ 5 star reviews.