Table of Contents

Understanding Depression : Mental Health Awareness :

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, low mood and general loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think and behave, and can lead to a variety of emotional problems. It can cause significant impairment in daily life, and in extreme cases can lead to suicide. The WHO estimates that approximately 280 million people in the world are fighting with it.

Types Of Depression :

There are many types and the condition can present various nuances. However, the six most common types are:

1. Clinical depression :

It is the more severe form, which is also known as major depression or major depressive disorder. Symptoms are usually severe enough to be noticeable, causing problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships with other people.

2. Persistent depressive disorder :

Although generally milder than clinical, persistent depressive disorder tends to be a long-lasting form of depression. It is more common in women, as well as in people who have relatives with the same condition.

3. Bipolar I disorder :

Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a condition that causes extreme mood swings. These include episodes of emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and also extreme lows (depression).

4. Bipolar II disorder :

Bipolar II is a less severe type of bipolar disorder characterized by depressive and hypomanic episodes. It is similar to bipolar I disorder, with moods cycling between high and low over time, although the “up” cycles tend not to be as severe.

5. Postpartum depression :

It occurs after childbirth, typically from hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood, and fatigue. Symptoms might include insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability and difficulty bonding with the baby.

Effective Treatments For Depression :

Thankfully, there are known and effective treatments and about 80% of people treated for depression report alleviation of their symptoms. Treatment usually involves a combination of medication and talk therapy.

Medication :

Depending on the diagnosis and type, medication can be extremely effective. Commonly used medications include:
SSRIs :

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) ease the symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety. They are a class of drugs that are used as antidepressants to treat conditions such as major depressive disorder, as well as anxiety disorders, and other psychological conditions.

Antidepressants :

Antidepressants are generally the go-to for treatment for clinical depression. However, they can also be used to treat a number of other conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain.

Anxiolytics :

Anxiolytics, sometimes called anti-anxiety medications or minor tranquillizers, are a class of medications generally used to prevent or treat anxiety symptoms.

Antipsychotic :

Together with mood stabilizers, antipsychotics are the standard treatment for bipolar disorder. They are also primarily used to manage psychosis in schizophrenia.

Talk Therapy :

People suffering from depression usually respond well to counselling and talk therapy. The right counsellor can help you work through the underlying causes of depression. They will also help you to develop coping strategies to deal with the symptoms.

Recovery852 offers counselling for those suffering from depression and mental health conditions. We focus on person-centered therapies and tailor-made treatment programs. If you or a loved one needs someone to talk to, reach out to us today.