Clinicians and organizations have worked diligently to destigmatize mental healthcare – and they’ve come a long way. However, much of the general population still has a surprisingly limited understanding of mental health challenges, especially given how common they are. Depression is one of the most common mental health challenges, and most commonly misunderstood.
In this article, we define depression, outline different types of depression, and discuss an exciting new treatment option in Halifax.
What is depression
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, and loss of interest in daily activities. Many people don’t know that it often manifests as physical pain, extreme fatigue, and intense irritability. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, depression affects 1 in 8 Canadians at some point in their lives. Women are about 1.5 to 2 times more likely to experience depression than men.
Types of depression
There are several different types of depression. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent low mood and often involves appetite changes, insomnia, low energy, poor concentration, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Postpartum depression occurs during pregnancy and after childbirth. It’s generally associated with hormonal changes.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of major depression triggered by changing seasons. It typically begins in late fall and lasts through winter, causing persistent sadness, low energy, and social withdrawal. Many people don’t know that SAD can happen in the spring and summer, too.
Situational depression is a stress-related condition that occurs in reaction to an identifiable life event or trauma.
A person doesn’t have to fit perfectly into one of these categories to have depression. It affects people differently, and there are other types. Treatment-resistant depression is when symptoms of major depression fail to improve after trying at least two different antidepressant medications at adequate doses and durations.
If you know that something’s off and it’s affecting your daily function, it’s important to seek help.
