Depression: Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment Explained | HuffPost Life

Don't suffer in silence.

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One in six people will experience depression in their lifetime. In fact, it is now the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Yet despite it being common, many people still struggle with opening up about their mental health to others, including medical professionals - and bottling it up can only make things worse.

“It’s better to ask for help earlier on,” says Lucy Lyus, information manager at mental health charity Mind.

“That way, if needed, you can start receiving the treatment you need to set you on the road to recovery.”

Juanmonino via Getty Images

What is it?

Depression is an illness that impacts the brain. The severity of the condition varies between different people, according to the NHS, with some people feeling persistently low in spirit and others feeling like life is no longer worth living.

“Many of us will feel down from time to time – we all have good days and bad days,” says Lucy Lyus from Mind.

“However, if you have been feeling low for a couple of weeks or more without much change in your mood, or the feelings return over and over again, it could be that you have depression.”

Symptoms

Dr Monica Cain, counselling psychologist and cognitive behaviour therapist at Nightingale Hospital, shares the key signs of depression to look out for.

These include:

:: Low mood / tearfulness

:: Feeling exhausted and having less energy

:: Finding it difficult to get out of bed in the morning

:: Loss of appetite or eating too much unhealthy food

:: Sleep disruption

:: Difficulties in concentrating (for example, reading a book).

People experiencing depression may also: turn down invitations to social events or make excuses not to attend, no longer enjoy activities that they previously enjoyed (ie. sex), drink more alcohol or increase ‘zoning out’ activities such as using the internet, isolate themselves and feel a need to avoid certain situations or people.

They may also have low self esteem, feel guilty or worthless, and have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

If you experience any of these symptoms (or more than one), it’s important to speak to your GP.

“Of course, look at your life circumstances,” says Dr Cain. “There may be good reasons for feeling like this during stressful life events. But also be aware that these feelings can develop over a longer period of time and there doesn’t have to be a trigger situation.”

Diagnosis

There are no physical tests for depression, however your GP may examine you and carry out some urine or blood tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as an underactive thyroid.

“The main way your GP will tell if you have depression is by asking you lots of questions about your general health and how the way you’re feeling is affecting you mentally and physically,” explains Lucy Lyus from Mind.

“When you see a doctor they will look for the symptoms that are set out in the ICD-10 guidance (see symptoms above). You do not have to have all of these to be diagnosed with depression, you might have just a few of them.”

Treatment

While many associate treatment with antidepressants, it doesn’t mean that medication is the only form of help available.

“Different people will find that different treatments help to manage their mental health - whether this is medication or alternatives such as talking therapies or a mixture of both,” says Lyus.

Other forms of treatment that can help combat depression include:

:: Regular exercise

:: Talking treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)

:: Combining a psychological treatment with medication

:: Befriending, peer support and volunteering schemes, and art therapy.

“While antidepressants can be very effective for some, they are not the solution for everyone and usually they shouldn’t be used as a first-line treatment for mild depression,” says Lyus.

“What works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Medication should be reviewed regularly with your GP to check it’s working and continues to work.”

For those who are worried about approaching their GP about a mental health issue, it’s worth noting that roughly one in three GP appointments have a mental health component. So it’s certainly not uncommon.

“GPs are usually the first port of call for physical and mental health complaints, so they’re used to dealing with these types of issues,” says Lyus.

Mind has launched a ‘Find The Words’ guide offering advice on how to take the first step and discuss mental health with a GP.

15 Facts About Depression

It's Not Just About Being Sad (01 of15)

There’s more to depression than just feeling sad all the time, says Dr. Prakash Masand, a psychiatrist and president of Global Medical Education. Symptoms of depression can include psychomotor (cognitive functions and physical movement) activity changes, trouble sleeping, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, decreased energy, trouble concentrating, appetite changes, while others may also have suicidal thoughts or attempts.

It Doesn't Mean You Can't Live Your Life(02 of15)

Being diagnosed with depression doesn't have to stop you from living your day-to-day life or seeking professional help. Most people would never guess celebrities like Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel and J.K. Rowling all battled depression.

It Can Be Expensive (03 of15)

In Canada, one 2012 report found depressed workers who take a leave of absence or schedule in doctor or therapy appointments during work hours, can cost an employer up to $18,000.

New Moms Can Get Hit (04 of15)

Masand says one in 10 new mothers will develop postpartum depression. "This is by no means a character flaw or weakness. Symptoms of depression or the 'baby blues' can occur in many women." Mothers who feel like they do have symptoms should seek treatment and not put it off.

Women Are More Likely To Be Depressed (05 of15)

Masand says women are twice as likely to develop depression as men, and although depression can strike at any age, the average age of onset is 32.

You're More Likely To Have A Heart Attack(06 of15)

Patients with depression are also more likely to have heart attacks and strokes compared to non-depressed individuals, Masand adds. Researchers note some symptoms of depression can reduce your overall physical and mental health, which increases your risk of heart disease or make symptoms of heart disease worse.

It's Not Just Adults (07 of15)

One out of 10 adolescents will have depressive disorder by the time they're 18, Masand says. "Compared to adults, children with depression may be more likely to present temper tantrums, somatic complaints, social withdrawal and mood liability."

It Doesn't Always "Go Away" (08 of15)

If you are seeking treatment or taking antidepressants, Masand adds it's not as simple as being symptom-free in a few weeks. "Medications take time to work, and a 10 to 12 week trial is necessary to achieve remission," he says. He also adds cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy are good options to moderate depression.

Depression And Bipolar Disorder Are Not The Same (09 of15)

Sometimes, people are misdiagnosed or use the two conditions interchangeably. Masand says healthcare professionals should also ask about the history of a patient's experience with hypomania and mania — both of which are linked to being bipolar.

Sometimes Being SAD Is More Than Just SAD (10 of15)

Many patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is winter depression, have undiagnosed bipolar disorder, Masand says. Again, this can be tracked by looking at the patient's medical history, and experience with hypomania and mood levels. Often, professionals (and patients) wait around for the weather to get better to feel better.

Exercise And Yoga Can Help(11 of15)

Masand says studies have shown exercise and yoga can be very helpful with patients with depression. "When you exercise, you release endorphins, a chemical in the brain that brings about a positive feeling over the body." The benefits of exercising in general include longer and deeper sleep, improved self-esteem and confidence, reduced stress and alleviated depression and anxiety.

How Is It Diagnosed? (12 of15)

There are no laboratory tests or brain scans that can diagnose depression, Masand says. Instead, doctors talk to patients about family history, look for depression symptoms and at the same time, rule out other conditions to narrow down depression.

Hidden Causes (13 of15)

Masand says many medications like steroids or isotretinoin have been linked to causing depression. If you recently started taking a new medication and are feeling the symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects.

The Link Between Antidepressants And Suicidal Thoughts (14 of15)

Antidepressants don’t usually increase suicidal thoughts and suicidal tendencies, Masand says, but some studies have shown a correlation with an increased risk in some patients. In particular, children, teens and those under 24 tend to have a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts. In this case, anyone under 24 should be monitored extra carefully for any suicidal behaviour.

Resiliency Can Be A Good Thing (15 of15)

People with the resiliency trait are less likely to develop depression. "The reason for this isn’t totally understood, but resilient people typically have a stronger belief in themselves, don’t let adversity bring them down and are more confident," Masand says. He adds these types of behaviours are also taught in therapy.

Useful websites and helplines:
Mind, open Monday to Friday,9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
Samaritans offers a listeningservice which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
Get Connected is a freeadvice service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@getconnected.org.uk

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