Depression: A Comprehensive Guide to Deeper Understanding

Depression is one of the most widespread mental health disorders globally. Many refer to it as the illness of our time due to its association with modern life challenges. It is an emotional state that goes beyond fleeting sadness, becoming a deep psychological condition that affects one's being and lifestyle.

Many avoid speaking about their depression due to the stigma, denial, or confusion with other conditions. That's why it's important to shed light on this increasingly common disorder.

What Is Depression?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is defined as a persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest or pleasure. Anyone can experience depression, and if these feelings last for two weeks or more and significantly affect daily life, it may be clinical depression.

It differs from temporary mood swings or emotional reactions to daily stress, as it is more profound and long-lasting.

The Difference Between Temporary Sadness and Clinical Depression

The difference lies in nature and duration. Sadness is a normal emotional response to a painful situation, typically temporary and interspersed with moments of relief or happiness. Depression, on the other hand, is a psychological illness that persists over time, impacting one’s daily life with deep sorrow and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Its symptoms are persistent and may worsen.

Another major difference is functionality: sadness doesn’t stop a person from functioning, whereas depression can impair a person’s ability to work, interact, or even leave the bed. Also, sadness isn’t diagnosable, but specialists can diagnose depression.

Common Types of Depression

Here are the main types of depression and their symptoms:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):Deep sadness, loss of interest, ongoing fatigue. Symptoms include sleep and appetite disturbances, low energy, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts. Episodes last for two weeks or more and may recur.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia):Chronic sadness lasting two years or more, less severe but still impactful. Common symptoms include low energy, irregular sleep, low self-esteem, and hopelessness.
• Postpartum Depression:Affects mothers during or after childbirth, tied to hormonal changes and a lack of support. Symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, and negative thoughts about oneself or the baby.
• Bipolar Depression:Involves swings between depressive episodes and manic episodes. Manic symptoms include high energy, impulsiveness, and little sleep, followed by depressive states of fatigue, disinterest, and suicidal ideation.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):It is linked to seasonal changes, especially in winter, due to a lack of sunlight. Symptoms include lethargy, isolation, increased appetite, and negative thoughts. Treatment often includes light therapy and psychological support.
• Psychotic Depression:Severe depression accompanied by delusions or hallucinations. Symptoms include loss of reality, delusional thoughts, and motor disturbances—requires urgent medical intervention.

How 2,500 Estenarh users described depression:

I struggled with sleep disorders and lost the will to do anything.

I no longer enjoyed the things I used to love. That’s when I knew I needed help.

Starting therapy was the first time I felt someone truly understood me.

Like being stuck in a never-ending fog. Everything feels tasteless, pointless, and endless.

I’d wake up with an unbearable weight on my chest.

I struggled with sleep disorders and lost the will to do anything.

I no longer enjoyed the things I used to love. That’s when I knew I needed help.

Starting therapy was the first time I felt someone truly understood me.

Like being stuck in a never-ending fog. Everything feels tasteless, pointless, and endless.

I’d wake up with an unbearable weight on my chest.

I struggled with sleep disorders and lost the will to do anything.

I no longer enjoyed the things I used to love. That’s when I knew I needed help.

Starting therapy was the first time I felt someone truly understood me.

Common Symptoms of Depression

Here are the most common physical and psychological symptoms of depression

• Deep sadness
• Loss of passion or interest
• Persistent sense of loneliness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Guilt and regret
• Frequent dark thoughts
• Chronic physical pain
• Sleep disorders
• Appetite and weight changes
• Constant fatigue and sluggishness
• Frequent headaches
• Weakened immunity and vitality

Related: Symptoms of depression in women

Are you experiencing these symptoms? Get a specialized consultation on the Estenarh app.

Here is a detailed table comparing the symptoms of depression, anxiety, burnout, and bipolar disorder so you can differentiate between them.

What Causes Depression?

There’s no single cause… Depression is a result of multiple factors that affect brain chemistry, particularly neurotransmitters and mood-regulation circuits.

Key causes of depression:

• Genetic predisposition:Depression is more common in people with relatives who have had it, according to the Diathesis-Stress Model. However, having this predisposition doesn’t guarantee depression; symptoms appear only if genetic vulnerability interacts with stressful environmental factors like trauma, chronic stress, or childhood adversity. Even genes linked to depression, such as SLC6A4 and COMT, require environmental triggers to cause depression.
• Lack of social support and environment:Genetic predisposition doesn’t necessarily cause depression, but a negative environment and lack of support increase its impact.
• Hormones:Changes in hormone balance, such as during pregnancy, thyroid issues, or menopause, can lead to depression.

How Is Depression Diagnosed?

Mental health professionals use a multi-step process:

• Clinical interview:Depression diagnosis begins with a clinical exam to understand symptoms and their impact, starting with a physical exam and blood tests to rule out physical causes. If no physical cause is found, a comprehensive psychological assessment is done.
• Comprehensive psychological assessment:To evaluate family history, symptom severity and duration, substance use, and suicidal thoughts.
• Use of assessment questionnaires:Such as the Depression Risk Questionnaire(PHQ-9).

When should you speak to a specialist?

If the depression symptoms persist beyond two weeks and impact daily function, relationships, or performance, seek professional help immediately.

Depression Treatment Methods

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the individual’s circumstances. Key treatment options include:

• Psychotherapy:Mainly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which aims to change negative thoughts and behaviors, and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), which focuses on improving relationships and situations linked to current depressive episodes.
• Antidepressant medications:Prescribed by a specialist psychiatrist to adjust brain chemistry, tailored to the individual’s needs.
• Lifestyle changes:Include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and improved sleep quality.
• Social support:Having a network of friends and family greatly improves mental health.
• Self-help tools:Consider daily mood tracking, journaling, or using the psychological support features available on the Estenarh app.

Related: How to overcome depression quickly

Related: Withdrawal Effects of Antidepressants

Download the Estenarh app to help track your condition and support your daily self-care.

Depression in Arab Society

Depression remains a sensitive topic in many Arab communities and is often misunderstood, leading to its underestimation and delayed treatment.

This stigma causes sufferers, especially youth and women, to fear social judgment, preventing many from admitting their condition or seeking help.

Depression symptoms can also be misunderstood, as they often overlap with other disorders, complicating diagnosis and management.

As a result, only about 5.2% of those with major depressive disorder in the Middle East and North Africa receive appropriate treatment.

This highlights the importance of local support resources, such as mental health associations, helplines like those in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and remote counseling services, including the Estenarh app.

Start Your Depression Treatment Journey Now

It’s not too late. Now is the right time to begin your depression treatment with licensed medical staff through the Estenarh app.

Estenarh’s online platform allows you to easily book online therapy sessions while ensuring the highest levels of confidentiality and privacy with top security standards.

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