Depression: Temporary or Chronic?

Ahh! The most underrated term in the mental health world is “depression”. It has been considered as just any other word without looking into depths. In layman’s language, Depression is a feeling wherein a person loses interest in doing even the daily chores which was enjoyable earlier. There is a constant sadness which overpowers the individual. It is ill-treated, especially in Indian society and considered ‘normal’ and ‘unimportant’. According to World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300 million people around the world suffer from depression each year, and that is a huge number. This perspective needs to urgently change as it is no joke and extremely serious.

What are the types of depression?

Categorizing depression into specifically temporary or chronic is not right. It can be for a short period of time and it can also last long. For a better understanding, let’s discuss the types of depression with more detail.

• Major Depressive Disorder: This is the most dangerous form of depression. It is not at all necessary to have a solid cause for depression to occur. It doesn’t have a definite period- for some it may last for only a few months ad for others, it may carry on for life. It seriously impacts relationships and other normal activities.
• Situational Depression: In this form of depression, a major situation plays a vital role. There can be ample situations like financial difficulties, losing a loved one, relationship abuse etc. Being sad for some period of time is normal, and mostly people recover immediately from it too. But this people can’t bounce back like others and slowly slip into depression.
• Perinatal Depression: It occurs during pregnancy or after 4-5 weeks of child birth. It is a common form of depression now-a-days. Giving birth comes with a lot of difficulties not just physical ones but also mental concerns. Mood swings and minimal or no support can act as triggers for women.
• Persistent Depression: This type of depression lasts for two years or more than that. It is also called ‘dysthymia’ or long term depression. It is not at all easy to feel depressed all the time, but this kind of people have accepted it somehow and consider it as part of life due to its large span.

Symptoms of depression

The symptoms may vary according to different types of depression. There is no specific symptom which is common and can be seen in all cases. They may vary from person to person and will also depend on the severity.

• Lack of interest in daily tasks
• Feeling of sadness and a constant sense of overwhelming
• Hopelessness
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty in focusing to a particular thing
• Irritation and temper issues
• Loss of appetite

Causes of Depression 

       In majority of the cases, the most common cause seen is experience of a certain traumatic event. But it isn’t the only cause. Other causes can include early childhood problems, substance abuse, on medication for a prolonged period of time, increasing age, family history etc.

Treatment

It is of utmost importance to consult a mental health practitioner when a person witnesses certain symptoms within himself/herself. Certain medications, also known as SSRIs are prescribed by professionals which can help ease certain symptoms of depression. Various therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy, Family Therapy etc. may help the person. Other practices such as yoga and meditation, any art form, reading and seeing motivational stuff can help ease the symptoms to a certain extent.

Conclusion

It is high time that one moves from “It is normal! You are no exception” to “I advise you to visit a therapist as he will be able to help you in a better way”. It is of utmost importance to not be doctors and consult a practitioner as this is really serious. The taboo surrounding it, especially in countries like India should be plucked from the roots. Let’s pledge to genuinely help people struggling with depression and not consider them “weak” because they, my friend, are actually the strongest.