How Could I Possibly Have Depression?

Many of us are familiar with the concept of depression, but when it starts to affect our lives or the lives of those close to us, it can be challenging to reckon with. If you suspect you may be experiencing depression, it can be important to first understand why. But doing so is often easier said than done; many things can play into depression, and several of the symptoms it leads to can worsen its severity. In this article, we'll discuss what depression is, where it often comes from, and what you can do to begin to manage it.

What is depression?

People who have major depressive disorder, often referred to simply as "depression," often feel a persistent sense of sadness and a loss of interest in things that previously brought joy. They may have difficulty performing day-to-day functions and lose interest in things like hobbies and personal passions. Changes to professional life, relationships, substance use, and other things can result from depression.

Aside from those already mentioned, common symptoms of depression include:

• Low energy, fatigue

• Feelings of apathy or disinterest in others

• Changes in sleep: sleeping too little or too much

• Changes in appetite: eating too little or too much

Clinical depression goes beyond the realm of regular sadness. People with clinical depression often feel emotionally numb and empty. Every speed bump they encounter in life can feel like a monumental crisis that they won't be able to handle. This is distinct from temporary feelings of sadness or acute depression, which typically lasts only a short while.  

Having emotional reactions to life events is perfectly normal, and although it may seem that the feelings last forever, they normally don't. However, if you find that you still feel sad or anxious about the same thing for several months or you no longer function normally and lose interest in things you once loved, it may be time to consult a professional.

Why do I have depression?

A combination of genetic, biological, and environmental influences is thought to contribute to the development of depression. For example, variations in certain genes can affect an individual’s neurobiology, impacting the function of neurotransmitters like serotonin—a commonly cited factor in the development of depression.  Environmental factors that can contribute to depression include medical conditions (e.g., chronic pain), major life changes (e.g., moving cities), and stressful events (e.g., losing a job). 

How do I know if I’m depressed? Is there a depression test I can take?

Only a licensed mental health professional can give you an official diagnosis. While online quizzes and advice can be helpful, you should use them only as stepping stones to begin discussing your mental health with a professional. They should never be used to replace professional diagnosis or treatment.

If you have symptoms of depression, it may be beneficial to reach out for help; even if you don't qualify for a diagnosis, it's possible that another mental health condition or another concern might be behind your symptoms. Mental illnesses like anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and more may create symptoms that closely mimic depression. Professional support and solutions can make a huge difference when it comes to treating your symptoms.

Do I have an anxiety disorder?

It's important to remember that, like depression, an anxiety disorder is a clinical mental condition. Feeling overwhelmed by work or stressed about a sudden temporary financial strain doesn't necessarily mean you have an anxiety disorder. Those issues can lead to anxiety, and if the symptoms linger after the stressful situation resolves, it may be time to discuss it with a licensed mental health professional.

As mentioned, some anxiety disorder symptoms are similar to those of depression. Therefore, you should always receive a proper diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional, no matter what your symptoms are. 

What to do if you are depressed

Getting the appropriate help is perhaps the most important thing to focus on if you believe you may be depressed. The sooner you seek that help and begin treatment, the sooner you can begin feeling like yourself again. Treating depression typically involves utilizing a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Commonly prescribed medications for depression include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Therapy can help an individual better recognize the signs of depression, develop helpful coping strategies, and address symptoms of a potential comorbid disorder.

Be sure to reach out to your friends and family, too. It can be challenging to talk to our loved ones about our experiences, but having a strong support system is often a vital part of combatting depression in the long term. Simply opening up about how you feel may be the first step toward feeling less alone.

In addition to support from others, working with a licensed professional, like a therapist, can be highly beneficial. Online therapy may be particularly convenient when managing depression, thanks to its availability. There's no need to go to an office or even leave bed – online therapy makes it possible to get the care you deserve in a way that feels approachable to you. 

Online therapy has been shown to be effective, too, even for treating symptoms of clinical depression. One study noted that online therapy can support significant, meaningful improvement in symptoms of depression. Participants demonstrated noticeable changes in the severity of their symptoms, suggesting that online treatment can be just as beneficial as traditional options.

Takeaway