What is Depression? Symptoms, Causes, and Support Guide
Author : Shevangi Gandhi , Mental Health Counselor
What is Depression?
We all experience feeling low or sadness at some point in our lives and say “I feel depressed”. There could be various reasons to why we feel low, for instance, argument with a close friend, experiencing a break up, losing a family member, a beloved pet and many more. If the person continues to feel low and it develops into lethargy, poor sleep, decreased appetite, inability to concentrate and a withdrawal from regular activities or hobbies, the person may be experiencing Depression (Goh, 2023).
Depression is a mental health disorder that affects a person’s mood and feelings of self-worth. Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe. The most severe type of depression is called major depression. A combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors are believed to play a role in depression (Frank, 2024).
Symptoms of Depression
According to statistics, in the United States, depression is among the most prevalent mental health conditions. In 2020, 18.4% of adults over the age of 18 said they had been diagnosed with depression at some point.
While we tend to link depression with feelings of sadness and withdrawal, there are also other, less-recognized signs of depression. These include physical pain, poor hygiene, and a variety of behavioral changes (Frank, 2024).
The symptoms of depression can be complex and people may experience it differently. If you’re depressed, you may feel sad, hopeless and lose interest in things you used to enjoy. There are many other symptoms of depression and you’re unlikely to have all those mentioned (National Health Service, 2023b).
Psychological symptoms
- Continuous low mood or sadness
- Feeling hopeless and helpless
- Having low self-esteem
- Feeling tearful
- Feeling guilt-ridden
- Feeling irritable and intolerant of others
- Having no motivation or interest in things
- Finding it difficult to make decisions
- Not getting any enjoyment out of life
- Feeling anxious or worried
- Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
Physical symptoms
- Moving or speaking more slowly than usual
- Changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
- Constipation
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Lack of energy
- Low sex drive (loss of libido)
- Disturbed sleep – for example, finding it difficult to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning
Social symptoms
- Avoiding contact with friends and taking part in fewer social activities
- Neglecting your hobbies and interests
- Having difficulties in your home, work or family life
Other types of Depression
According to National Health Service (2023b), Depression are of different types, and in some conditions, depression may come up as a symptom.
These include:
- Postnatal depression – Which can occur in new mothers, fathers, or partners after giving birth, is treated similarly to other forms of depression using talk therapy such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and antidepressant medications.
- Bipolar disorder – Sometimes referred to as “manic depression,” is characterised by periods of both depression and excessively high mood (mania); the symptoms of depression are similar to those of depression, but the manic episodes can involve dangerous behaviours such as gambling, going on spending sprees, and engaging in unsafe sex.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Commonly known as “Winter depression” is a type of depression that typically occurs in the winter.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) – a severe type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) where symptoms include feeling depressed and anxious in the weeks leading up to your menstruation
Causes of Depression
According to National Health Service (2023a), depression doesn’t have a single cause. It has numerous triggers and can happen for a number of reasons. Depression can frequently be triggered by a variety of factors. For instance, you can feel depressed after getting sick and then go through a traumatic situation, such as losing a loved one, which triggers depression.
Stressful events – The majority of people need some time to process unpleasant situations, such losing a loved one or experiencing a breakup. You run a higher risk of developing depression during these difficult times if you try to handle your issues alone and avoid interacting with friends and family.
Personality – Certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or excessive self-criticism, may make you more susceptible to depression. This could be due to your early life experiences, the genes you acquired from your parents, or both.
Family history – You are more likely to have depression if a parent, sister, or brother has experienced it in the past. Genes inherited from your parents are likely to play a role in severe depression in particular. However, having a family history of depression does not guarantee that you will experience it because depression is typically brought on by a variety of triggers, such as life events (National Health Service, 2023a).
Pregnancy and giving birth – After giving birth, some women are especially susceptible to depression. Postnatal depression may result from the physical and hormonal changes as well as the additional responsibilities of a new life. Depression can occasionally begin before to childbirth. Pregnancy-related depression is referred to as prenatal depression.
Menopause – Is when your periods stop due to decreased hormone levels. Depression can occasionally be triggered by menopause, especially during the initial years. Mood swings and sadness are other signs of menopause. Menopause-related mental health issues are different from depression.
Loneliness – Being cut off from friends and family can make you feel lonely, thereby raising your risk of depression.
How is Depression treated?
According to Institute of Mental Health, it is very much possible to treat depression. The identification and treatment of clinical depression can significantly enhance an individual’s quality of life.
- Psychotherapy – Can be described as “psychological treatment through the establishment of a relationship between the therapist and patient to relieve symptoms and correct unhealthy patterns of behavior.” Managing the therapist-client relationship is crucial and calls for experience and training. Instead of taking medication alone to cure depression, the individual experiencing depressive symptoms take therapy with a trained therapist. Through formal psychotherapy, a skilled and experienced therapist can provide that person a safe environment in which to work through his issues (Institute of Mental Health, 2025). Hear From Our Experts
- Exercise – Not only enhances your health but also makes you feel good about yourself. Exercise helps in the release of endorphins, also known as “feel good” hormones, which help improve your mood.
- Relaxation Therapy – This includes deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation.
What can you do to help yourself?
- Don’t keep things to yourself. Make an effort to speak with a loved one. Talking things out and having a good cry are beneficial
- Avoid setting ambitious or unattainable goals for yourself. Try your best.
- Do something, such as engaging in light activities or going outside for some fresh air and exercise. It helps in diverting your attention.
- Even if you don’t feel like eating, maintain a healthy diet.
- Don’t let alcohol wash your sorrows. Alcohol lowers mood. Although it might provide instant comfort, that comfort is temporary. You’ll become more depressed in the end. Drinking is detrimental to your health as well.
- Remember that many people have experienced depression and recovered, so don’t give up. You will eventually overcome it, just as they did. (Institute of Mental Health, 2025).Share Your Story
What can you do when you’re living with someone going through Depression?
- Encourage them to visit a doctor so that a diagnosis and treatment can be made.
- Give them emotional support. Encourage him to talk by spending time with him. Be there for them.
- Urge them to keep taking their treatment. Assure them that their condition will improve.
- It’s crucial to let their therapist know if the depressed individual has expressed suicidal thoughts or a desire to end their life.
