What is Depression?

What is Depression?

We all can feel low or sad from time to time; this is a normal part of life.  However, if these feelings stay for more than two- weeks, represent a change from the person you usually are and cause significant distress in your life they could be a sign of depression. 

Depression is common and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background. It negatively affects how you think, feel and behave and not something you can “snap out of”, even with your best efforts. 

Depression goes beyond feeling sad or having a bad day; it’s a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest, or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed. These feelings are intense and last for periods of time, interfering with your life, social activities, relationships, work or start of study/schooling.

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Signs of Depression

Everyone experiences depression uniquely. Below are some common signs of depression:

  • Persistent Low Mood

Feeling down, sad, empty, or tearful for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. In adolescents, this may appear as irritability.   

  • Loss of Interest

A significant decrease in interest or pleasure in activities you once found enjoyable, such as spending time with family/friends, hobbies or sports.   

  • Fatigue or Loss of Energy

Being constantly tired or drained of energy nearly every day, even after resting.   

  • Feelings of Worthlessness or Excessive Guilt

Feeling useless, inadequate, or excessively guilty about things. Dwelling on past failures or self-blame.   

  • Changes in Appetite or Weight

A decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day or weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month).

  • Sleep Difficulties

Hypersomnia (sleeping too much) nearly every day and still feeling tired or insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep).

  • Changes in Thinking, Speaking, or Movement

Restlessness or noticeable slowing down of physical and mental activity (observable by others), difficulty concentrating.   

  • Difficulty Thinking, Concentrating, or Making Decisions

Trouble focusing, remembering things, or even making simple decisions.   

  • Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal ideation (with or without a specific plan) or a suicide attempt or thoughts about death.   

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What are the main types of depression?

There are six main types of depression

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day during a 2-week period – a significant change from a individuals previous functioning.

  • Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)

A more chronic or long-lasting type of depression, lasting for at least 2 years (however, less severe than MDD)

  • Prenatal and postnatal depression

Peripartum or postpartum depression can manifest when someone experiences depressive symptoms during pregnancy or in the four weeks following delivery of their child. This is different to “baby blues” that most mothers experience after childbirth.

  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Persistent low mood that occurs during specific seasons of the year— for example, winter.

  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

When a individual experience several distressing symptoms in the final week to their period.

  • Bipolar disorder

Individuals experience extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression). During the highs, individuals feel extremely happy and energetic, however, during the lows, they feel sad and depleted.

Type of depression
What Causes Depression?

What Causes Depression?

Depression doesn’t have a single cause. Everyone experiences low mood or depressive symptoms uniquely. Some of the factors that may contribute to depression include:   

Genetics: Having a family history of depression may increase your risk.   

Stressful Life Events:  Significant loss, trauma, relationship problems, financial difficulties and major life changes may activate depression in some individuals.   

Isolation and Lack of Support: Feeling lonely or isolated may increase the risk of depression.   

Physical Health Challenges: Chronic pain or illnesses may increase the risk of depression.   

Personality Traits: Chronic low self-esteem, being overly self-critical, and a tendency to worry, may make you more vulnerable to depression.   

Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, may activate depression.   

Substance Use: Alcohol and illicit drug use may worsen or activate depressive symptoms.    

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How to treat depression?

How to treat depression?

Depression is treatable, and with the right support, it is possible to feel better. There isn’t a definitive list of things that a person can do to treat depression as everyone’s experience with depression is unique, and there are contributing factors that vary greatly from person to person.  It can be helpful to see a therapist who can provide you with skills and tools to manage your unique depressive experience.  At Bonacci Practice we can help you develop skills to deal with your depression.    

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If you would like to book an appointment with one of our  therapists, get in touch with us on 0494 316 395 or fill in the form to the right.

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