Depression is more than just sadness. It is a complicated mental health issue that affects how you think, feel and act everyday. It is easy to see why someone is looking for information, with over 40,000 searches monthly for the terms depression, depression symptoms and depression test.

In this blog we will discuss the most common signs, types of depression and ways to help you identify if you or anyone in your life may be suffering from depression

What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a continual feeling of sadness, hopelessness and a lack of interest in daily activities. Depression can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender or cultural background.

Depression affects how you feel, how you feel about yourself, how you think and do, all daily activities including sleeping, eating or working. People may withdraw from friends and family, become unmotivated and have a lack of interest in things they used to love. It is so much more than simply having a “bad mood”. If it is left untreated, the complex issues of depression can result in serious health issues.

Common Forms of Depression:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – periods of intense sadness that lasts sometimes for weeks or sometimes months, and that interferes with daily life.
• Clinical Depression – is a more formal term used interchangeably with MDD. Often includes physical symptoms, such as insomnia and appetite changes.
• Bipolar Depression – Characterized by fluctuating moods from depressive lows to manic highs. Has the potential to be debilitating without treatment.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Triggered by season changes, typically in winter, due to being exposed to less sunlight.
• Postpartum/Postnatal Depression – Occurs following childbirth. Can create barriers to bonding with your baby and feelings of inadequacy.
• High-Functioning Depression – When you appear as if you are coping on the outside, but internally, you are struggling. Is often going unnoticed because the person typically is performing HIGH.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

Depression symptoms may look different to different people, but many people talk about some or all of these:

• Persistent sad or low mood
• Fatigue or low energy, even after proper sleep
• Changes to sleep – insomnia or sleeping too much
• Changes in appetite; or weight changes, without trying
• Difficulty with concentrating and making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or excessive guilt
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

To fit the diagnostic category of depression, one must experience these symptoms for at least a duration of 2 weeks. Physical symptoms, like headaches, digestive ailments or chronic pain may accompany the mental and emotional symptoms.

Signs of Depression in Men vs. Women

In Women:

• Emotional sensitivity and mood swings
• Overeating or weight gain
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness, especially regarding family situation
• Fatigue or sleep problems (insomnia/hypersomnia)
• More likely to internalize emotions, resulting in anxiety or self-blame

In Men:

• Irritability or anger, rather than sadness
• Substance abuse (e.g., alcohol or drugs) as coping
• Risk-taking or reckless behavior
• Burnout, low productivity or disengaged from work
• Not allowing for emotional expression due to stigma or societal pressures

Keep in mind that these are general signs and not hard and fast rules. Men will typically exhibit symptoms that, according to societal norms, are more “female” characteristics and women will show symptoms that as per those same norms are more “male.” Depression does not always look the same for everyone and it is most important to recognize when someone is having a mental health struggle and be able to help and support them (non-judgmentally).

Am I depressed? How do I know?

You may have already asked yourself, “Am I depressed?” or googled, “am I depressed quiz” or “assessment test for depression.” It is often a helpful starting point, especially when you are trying to distinguish between regular stress and clinical depression.

Be aware of changes in your mood that have lasted longer than usual, fatigue, sleep problems, or disinterest in things you once enjoyed doing. If you have experienced symptoms like these more days than not for the past two weeks or longer and it interferes with your life, it is time to seek professional help.

Take a depression test

Although using a quiz can provide some insight, only a professional can diagnose depression. A proper assessment process usually includes an interview, specific questionnaires, and sometimes medical tests to rule out all the possibilities, such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies.

What are the causes of depression?

Depression may come from a variety of causes, and it is usually that some combination of the following causes bring about depression.

• Biological: Genetics, issues in brain chemistry, hormone levels
• Psychological: Trauma, childhood abuse, chronic stress, major life transitions
• Environmental: Abuse/neglect, poverty, isolation, exposure to violence
• Hormonal: Post partum hormonal changes, thyroid, menopause

Some individuals may have a family history of depression, and others may develop depression during or following a serious life event or medical illness. The causes are important to help develop a sound treatment plan.

Bipolar depression and manic depression

Bipolar Disorder Depression Symptoms

• Intense depressive episodes marked by extreme sadness and hopelessness
• Alternating periods of mania (high energy, rapid speech, impulsivity)
• Grandiosity, racing thoughts, or reduced need for sleep during manic episodes
• High risk of self-harm or impulsive decisions during mood swings

Manic depression is an outdated term used to describe what is otherwise known as Bipolar Disorder (your treatment will consist of a mood stabilizer, therapeutic services, and self-care, and lifestyle planning.)

Postnatal and postpartum forms of depression

Postnatal and postpartum forms of depression refer to depression that may or may not occur after the birth of a baby.

Common Symptoms

• Disconnection of baby, or the struggle to become attached to the baby.
• Crying spells and feeling completely overwhelmed or worthless.
• Sleep cycles that are disturbed but not directly connected to the baby (includes indirect connections).
• Loss of interest in motherhood, or even a fear they may harm their baby.
• In rare/more severe cases, have psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions) (postpartum psychosis).

A support system, adequate medication, and therapy can lead to extensive recovery.

Seasonal Deepresssion (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder is associated with the change in seasons and lack of sunlight (especially, fall and winter).

SAD symptoms include the following:

• Low on energy and excessively tired.
• Oversleeping or daytime drowsiness.
• Carbohydrate craving with potential weight gain.
• Socially withdrawn or can be irritable.
• Difficulty concentrating and feeling of despair.

Treatment is typically light therapy, medication, vitamin D supplementation, and lifestyle changes.

How to Help Someone with Depression

Helping a loved one who is depressed can be a lifeline. Here are a few things you can do:

• Listen, and do not judge. Let them vent and talk.
• Encourage them to seek professional help. Therapy or medical attention.
• Check-in (not too frequently), if they are isolated, it just keeps getting worse.
• Help them with daily responsibilities. Little things may feel overwhelming.
• Be patient with your loved one. Recovery will take time and your loved one will have ups and downs.

Please do not minimize their experience or offer the cliché “try to think positive” or “others have it worse.” Your compassion and presence are more powerful than your advice.

Can medication be helpful?

Yes. I also said that many find relief through antidepressant medications! Unfortunately (or fortunately), medication usually takes a few weeks to become effective.

Common Types

• SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline) – the first choice for treatment of depression
• SNRIs – useful for both depression and anxiety
• Tricyclic antidepressants – these are routinely used if SSRIs are ineffective
• Mood stabilizers or antipsychotics – these are used in cases of bipolar disorder or severe depression

Medication should always be taken with the supervision of a doctor. Never suddenly stop taking antidepressants without checking with a healthcare provider first.

What is high function depression?

This type is not formally classified in the DSM; it may also commonly be referred to as Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

People with high functioning depression carry on outside the same as everyone else. The jobs, relationships, responsibilities, but persistently feel low inside. They may convince themselves that their symptoms are not severe enough for a diagnosis or help.

The sooner it is recognized, the sooner the possible worsening of symptoms can be mitigated over the passage of time.

Quotes about depression

Sometimes a few words can bring comfort or some semblance of understanding. Here are a few:

1. “Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also harder to bear.” – C.S. Lewis
2. “You’re not alone. And you’re not weak for asking for help.”
3. “Sometimes just getting out of bed is a win. Celebrate that.”

When to Get Help?

If you are experiencing an inability to function due to your depression or are experiencing thoughts of suicide it’s time to get help.

Where Can You Go for Help:

• Speak to your GP, or see a therapist
• Call a suicide prevention or mental health helpline in your country
• Visit your local emergency department (if it’s urgent)
• In the UK, either use NHS mental health services or Samaritans (116 123)

Don’t let delay add to your suffering. The sooner you take action, the sooner you have a chance at making things better.

Conclusion

Depression is real, complicated, and treatable. Whether you are wondering about your symptoms, looking for a diagnosis, or wanting to help someone you care about—get help. Recovery is possible!

You don’t have to do this alone. Talk to someone, ask for help, take the first step towards your recovery!

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