Understanding the severity and States of Depression

Depression: Causes, Symptoms, Types & Treatment

Depression refers to a mood disorder that leads to a persistent feeling of sorrow and loss of interest. A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report shows that around 56 million people in India, which is 4.5% of the population, are suffering from depression. It may affect emotions, cognition, and daily functioning such that even mundane tasks may appear daunting. 

Knowing the stages, types, and symptoms of depression is essential for early detection and proper management.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes loss of interest in most of the normal activities and full of sadness, emptiness. Also known as major depression disorder or clinical depression, it impacts how you feel, thinking process and behaviour as well. This serious mental health condition affects millions of people worldwide and leads to a variety of emotional and physical problems. People may have trouble in doing day to day normal activities and for some, it can involve recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please seek immediate help from a healthcare professional or a crisis service.

This condition affects millions of people worldwide and leads to a variety of emotional and physical problems. People may have significant trouble doing day-to-day activities. Depression is treatable and often requires long-term management. 

Understanding the Types of Depression 

Knowing the types of depression may help in identifying the right treatment method. Here are the types of depression that occur in an individual: 

1.Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression - MDD)

Involves a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest, along with other cognitive and physical symptoms, for at least two weeks, representing a change from previous functioning.

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

A chronic, low-grade depressive mood lasting for at least two years in adults (one year in children). Symptoms are less severe than MDD but are long-lasting and impact daily functioning. 

3. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

In children, DMDD involves severe and recurrent temper outbursts (verbal or behavioral) that are grossly out of proportion to the situation, along with a persistently irritable or angry mood between outbursts. Symptoms must be present in at least two settings (e.g., home, school) and begin before age 10. 

4. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

This depressive disorder is identified as too severe for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), with mood swings, depression, and anxiety occurring before menstruation and symptoms ease within a few days after the onset of menses and are minimal or absent in the week post-menses. 

5. Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition

Depression that is a direct physiological consequence of another medical illness (e.g., hypothyroidism, stroke, cancer). Treating the underlying condition often improves depressive symptoms.

6. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

A seasonal pattern of depression where episodes occur during specific seasons (typically fall/winter) and remit during others (spring/summer). 

7. Prenatal and Postpartum Depression

It occurs during pregnancy (prenatal) or in the weeks and months following childbirth (postpartum) and affects mood or the ability to function on a daily basis.

8. Atypical Depression

It is a specifier for Major Depressive Disorder. Individuals experience mood reactivity (mood brightens in response to positive events) in addition to two or more of the following symptoms: significant weight gain or increased appetite, hypersomnia, leaden paralysis (heavy feeling in arms or legs), and a long-standing pattern of interpersonal rejection sensitivity. 

What are the Symptoms of Depression? 

• Mentioned below are the common symptoms of depression:
• Persistent bad mood
• Notable fluctuations in weight or appetite
• Hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) or insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Diminished interest or enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities
• Difficulty making decisions or concentrating
• Alterations in physical activity (either reduced movement or restlessness)
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Thoughts, plans, or attempts related to suicide
• Feeling of sadness, tearfulness, hopelessness or emptiness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most of the activities, such as sex, sports or hobbies.
• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
• Frequent or angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration over small matters
• Trouble thinking, making decision, concentrating, remembering things
• Unexplained physical health issues such as headache or back pain.

Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide. (If you are experiencing this, please seek immediate help from a healthcare professional or a crisis service.)

Understanding the Severity of Depression - An Overview

Depression is not characterized by uniform stages that every person experiences. Instead, it is diagnosed based on the number, severity, and duration of symptoms, which can be viewed on a spectrum.

Mild Depression

An individual may experience a few of the core symptoms of depression (e.g., low mood, loss of interest, changes in sleep/appetite). These symptoms are noticeable and disruptive but may allow the person to continue with daily activities, often with extra effort.

Moderate Depression

The number and intensity of symptoms increase. Functioning at work, school, or in social situations becomes significantly more difficult. Symptoms may include more pronounced feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and increased social withdrawal.

Severe Depression

The person experiences nearly all the diagnostic symptoms, and they are intensely debilitating. Feelings of worthlessness and guilt are extreme. Critically, this level of severity often includes thoughts of death or suicide, self-harm, and a complete inability to function in daily life. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

It is crucial to understand that

• Not everyone progresses through these levels of severity.
• An episode can be severe from its onset.
• With appropriate treatment, people can and do recover. Seeking help early can prevent symptoms from worsening.

How to Cope with Depression?

These are some of the most important strategies for effective depression and stress management:

• 
  Exercise regularly, which releases endorphins to improve mood and lower stress levels.
• Restricting social media avoids comparison with others and negative self-talk.
• Building good interpersonal relationships offers support and minimizes feelings of loneliness.
• Practising mindfulness and refraining from overcommitting alleviates stress and maintains mental equilibrium.
• Having quality sleep is helpful in maintaining emotional stability and mental function.
• Maintaining a healthy weight and diet provides the necessary nutrients that support mental health. 
• Professional assistance through medication and counselling, along with follow-ups, can help reduce depression.

Knowing that one has depression is the first step towards healing. Guard your mental and physical health today by opting for the Star Medi Classic Insurance Policy. 

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