Depression

“Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated.
The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is.
Depression is usually treated with medication…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Depression Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Black Dog
  • Clinical Depression
  • Depression
  • Depression the Serious Clinical Illness
  • Depressive Disorder/Episode/Illness
  • Dysthymia
  • Dysthymic Disorder
  • Major Depression
  • Major Depressive Disorder/Episode/Illness
  • Minor Depression
  • Nervous Breakdown
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
  • Unipolar Depression

Definition

What is depression?

DotS the definition of depression may vary. In A-Z Topics: Categories – D. Depression the (United Kingdom) Mental Health Foundation’s (MHF) definition is:

“We all have times when we feel down, but depression is about more than feeling sad or fed up for a few days. Depression causes a low mood that lasts a long time and affects your daily life”.2

In Depression: Overview the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) definition is:

“Depression (also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.

To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks”.3

Sadness or Depression

Is sadness the same as depression?

In Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know the NIMH note:

“Being sad is a normal reaction to difficult times in life. But usually, the sadness goes away with a little time. Depression is different—it is a mood disorder that may cause severe symptoms that can affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating, or working. Depression is more common among women than men, likely due to certain biological, hormonal, and social factors that are unique to women”.4

Nervous Breakdown

Is a nervous breakdown the same as depression?

In Nervous Breakdown: What Does It Mean? What Does It Mean To Have A Nervous Breakdown? the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“The term “nervous breakdown” is used by some people to describe a stressful situation when life’s demands become physically and emotionally overwhelming. It affects a person’s ability to meet their own needs and do daily tasks and activities. The term was often used in the past, but mental health professionals no longer use it. Instead, you may hear the term “mental health crisis””.5

Bipolar Disorder

Is bipolar disorder the same as depression?

DotS bipolar disorder may be described as a type of depression, however bipolar disorder is not the same as depression the serious illness or clinical depression. In Bipolar Disorder: Overview the NIMH’s definition is:

“Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These shifts can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks”.6

Mild, Moderate or Severe

How can depression be categorised?

In Depression: Symptoms and Patterns the World Health Organization (WHO) explain:

“A depressive episode can be categorised as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number and severity of symptoms, as well as the impact on the individual’s functioning”.7

Symptoms

What may be symptoms of depression?

In Depression: What Are the Symptoms of Depression? the NIMH explain:

Depression“If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
  • Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling “slowed down”
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
  • Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
  • Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment
  • Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts”.8

Cause

What may cause depression?

The WHO explain:

“Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. People who have gone through adverse life events (unemployment, bereavement, traumatic events) are more likely to develop depression. Depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction and worsen the affected person’s life situation and the depression itself.

Depression is closely related to and affected by physical health. Many of the factors that influence depression (such as physical inactivity or harmful use of alcohol) are also known risk factors for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and respiratory diseases. In turn, people with these diseases may also find themselves experiencing depression due to the difficulties associated with managing their condition”.9

Common or Not

How common is depression?

Globally, according to statistics quoted by the WHO:

  • “Depression is a common mental disorder.
  • Globally, an estimated 5% of adults suffer from depression”.10

In the United States according to statistics quoted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) in What Is Depression? Did You Know?:

“264 million people worldwide live with depression.

  • In 2017, around 17.3 million adults age 18 or older in the U.S. had experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year (6.7% of adults in the U.S.)”.11

In England in Depression, the MHF note:

“In England, 3 in every 100 people will experience depression in any given week. Even more – 8 in every 100 – will experience mixed depression and anxiety”.12

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) a type of depression?

In What Are Anxiety and Depression: What Is Depression? Types of Depression the ADAA elaborate on:

“Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is another manifestation of depression which is a severe and sometimes disabling extension of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although regular PMS and PMDD both have physical and emotional symptoms, the mood changes in PMDD are much more severe and can disrupt social, occupational, and other important areas of functioning”.13

Anxiety

Is there an association between anxiety and depression?

In What Are Anxiety and Depression: What Is Depression? Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Not the Same the ADAA explain:

“Depression and anxiety disorders are different, but people with depression often experience symptoms similar to those of an anxiety disorder, such as nervousness, irritability, and problems sleeping and concentrating. But each disorder has its own causes and its own emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Many people who develop depression have a history of an anxiety disorder earlier in life. There is no evidence one disorder causes the other, but there is clear evidence that many people suffer from both disorders”.14

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and depression?

On page one in Menopause and Depression: Recognizing Depressive Symptoms and Depression the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) explain:

“It is important to note that not all midlife women experience mood problems, but some women are more vulnerable than others to developing either depressive symptoms or an episode of clinical depression during the menopause transition, especially those women who have had depression previously”.15

Treatment

How can depression be treated?

In Depression: How Is Depression Treated? the NIMH elaborate on:

“Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is. Depression is usually treated with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two”.16

In Depression: How Is Depression Treated? the NIMH also include:

“Quick Tip: No two people are affected the same way by depression, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment. Finding the treatment that works best for you may take trial and error”.17

Online Resources, Programs, Apps and e-therapies

Are online depression online resources, programs, Apps and e-therapies available?

Depending on Your Country, depression online resources, programs, Apps and e-therapies may be available.

Your health care provider or local community health center may know of your Country’s recommended depression online resources, programs, Apps and e-therapies, similar to the (Australian) Department of Health’s Head To Health Search for Digital Mental Health Resources and the (Australian) MQ Health, Macquarie University’s mindspot.org.au: About Mindspot:


“MindSpot is proudly operated by MQ Health, Macquarie University. All MindSpot services are free and we are funded by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care”.18

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have depression?

If you think you have depression, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this urgently.

In Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 1. Depression Is A Real Medical Condition: Most People With Depression Need Treatment To Feel Better the NIMH explain:

“If you think you may have depression, start by making an appointment to see your health care provider. This could be your primary doctor or a health provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist). Certain medications, and some medical conditions, such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression. A health care provider can rule out these possibilities by doing a physical exam, interview, and lab tests. Your health care provider will examine you and talk to you about treatment options and next steps”.19

In Find A Mental Health Professional: What Are Mental Health Professional Services? Finding the Right Professional for You the (Australian) Beyondblue note:

“It’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with. While some people find a practitioner and treatment that works for them first time, for others it can take a few tries. The main thing is to persevere – try not to let one bad experience put you off getting support”.20

In Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health remind us:

“Remember:

  • Depression is common
  • It is not a sign of weakness
  • It is nothing to be ashamed about
  • It can be treated”.21

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Depression

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Depression?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. Adaa.org [Anxiety and Depression Association of America]
  2. Alcohol and Stress
  3. Antidepressants
  4. Anxietyuk.org.uk
  5. As Winter Approaches, Seasonal Depression May Set In for Millions
  6. Beyondblue.org.au [Beyond Blue, Australia]
  7. Bipolar Disorder
  8. Blackdoginstitute.org.au [Black Dog Institute, Australia]
  9. Can Massage Relieve Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress?
  10. Clinical Depression
  11. Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants and How They Work
  12. Consumer Health: It’s Bad To Mix Antidepressants and Alcohol
  13. Consumer Health: Understanding Atypical Depression
  14. Consumer Health: Who Is At Risk for Seasonal Affective Disorder?
  15. Depression
  16. Depression
  17. Depression
  18. Depression
  19. Depression
  20. Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) [+ Video]
  21. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
    Depression In Women
  22. Depression In Women: Understanding the Gender Gap
  23. Depression
  24. Depression [+ Video: What Is Depression?]
  25. Depression – Multiply Languages
  26. Depression, Anxiety & Illness
  27. Depressioncenter.org
  28. Diet and Mental Health
  29. Does Caffeine Make Depression Worse?
  30. Exercise for Depression
  31. Facebook Live Event: The Menopause Transition and Depression
  32. Factors Affecting Women
  33. Find Help: Finding Help Is the Key To Taking Charge and Moving Forward
  34. Finding A Mental Health Professional
  35. Getting Help [United Kingdom]
  36. Good-Mood Food: Joining the Dots Between What We Eat & Mental Wellbeing
  37. Grief & Loss
  38. Headstogether.org.uk [Heads Together, United Kingdom]
  39. Headtohealth.gov.au [Head To Health, Australia]
  40. Help From Health Professionals
  41. Help for Mental Illnesses [United States]
  42. Home Remedies: Can Fish Oil Supplements Treat Depression?
  43. How Can You Find Joy (or At Least Peace) During Difficult Times?
  44. How To Look After Your Mental Health
  45. How To Look After Your Mental Health Using Exercise
  46. How To Sleep Better
  47. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E17: Are Anxiety & Depression Destroying Your Life?
  48. If You or Someone You Know Is In Crisis and Needs Immediate Help
  49. Is There A link Between Pain and Depression?
  50. Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression: When and Where Is It Safe?
  51. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  52. Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex (LGBTI), and Bodily, Gender and Sexuality Diverse People
  53. Let’s Talk About Menopause | Aware Webinar
  54. Live and Thrive: Living and Thriving With Anxiety or Depression Means Conquering Your Symptoms
  55. Maintaining Your Mental Health During Challenging Times [+ Video]
  56. Managing Weight Gain From Psychiatric Medications
  57. Mayo Clinic Minute: Prescribing Nature for Mental, Physical Health [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  58. Mayo Clinic Q and A: How To Support A Loved One With Depression
  59. Menopause Mindfulness: Embracing the Change of My Midlife
  60. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Mindfulness & Wellbeing During the Menopause Transition
  61. Menopause and Depression
  62. Menopause and Depression: Is There A Link?
  63. Menopause and Mental Health
  64. Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
  65. Mental Health
  66. Mentalhealth.org.uk
  67. Mentalhealthatwork.org.uk [Mental Health At Work, United Kingdom]
  68. Mhanational.org [Mental Health America]
  69. Mind.org.uk
  70. Mindfulness
  71. Mindspot.org.au
  72. Moodgym.com.au
  73. Multicultural People
  74. Mycompass.org.au
  75. Nami.org [NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness]
  76. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
  77. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth
  78. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort and Depression: In Depth
  79. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Valerian
  80. National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
  81. Nervous Breakdown: What Does It Mean?
  82. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
  83. Reducing Stress: Potential Stress Triggers
  84. SAMHSA.org: Find Help & Treatment [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration]
  85. SAMe
  86. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  87. Self-Care Tips To Manage Mental Health and Wellness
  88. Take Action Before the Blues Take Over
  89. Taking Care of Your Mental Health
  90. Talk With Your Doctor About Depression
  91. Treatment-Resistant Depression: What We Know and How To Manage It
  92. Treatments for Depression
  93. Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor?
  94. Understand the Facts: Understanding the Facts of Anxiety Disorders and Depression Is the First Step
  95. Video Series-2022: Wellness: What Is It?
  96. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
  97. What Are the Real Risks of Antidepressants?
  98. What Is Depression?
  99. What Is PMDD?
  100. Why Depression In Women Is So Misunderstood

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Depression: Treatment and Therapies. Last Reviewed: April 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145399 Accessed: 28 April 2023
  2. A-Z Topics: Categories – D. Depression. Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics Accessed: 28 April 2023
  3. Depression: Overview. Last Reviewed: September 2022. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
  4. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know. Revised: 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women-tr-16-4779/index.shtml Accessed: 28 April 2023
  5. Nervous Breakdown: What Does It Mean? What Does It Mean To Have A Nervous Breakdown? 26 April 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/nervous-breakdown/faq-20057830 Accessed: 28 April 2023
  6. Bipolar Disorder: Overview. Last Reviewed: February 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml#part_145402 Accessed: 28 April 2023
  7. Depression: Symptoms and Patterns. 31 March 2023 World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
  8. Depression: Signs and Symptoms. Last Reviewed: April 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
  9. Depression: Contributing Factors and Prevention. 31 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
  10. Depression: Key Facts. 31 March 2023.  World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
  11. What Are Anxiety and Depression: What Is Depression? This Page Was Updated: 18 January 2023. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
  12. Depression. Last Updated 18 February 2022. Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
  13. What Are Anxiety and Depression: What Is Depression? Types of Depression. This Page Was Updated: 18 January 2023. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
  14. What Are Anxiety and Depression: What Is Depression? Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Not the Same. This Page Was Updated: 18 January 2023. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
  15. Menopause and Depression: Depressive and Menopause Symptoms. 2018: 1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/menonote-menopause-and-depression.pdf Accessed: 28 April 2023
  16. Depression: How Is Depression Treated? Last Reviewed: April 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
  17. Depression: How Is Depression Treated? Last Reviewed: April 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
  18. MindSpot: Who We Are. MQ Health, Macquarie University https://mindspot.org.au/ Accessed: 28 April 2023
  19. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 1. Depression Is A Real Medical Condition: Most People With Depression Need Treatment To Feel Better. Revised: 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women/index.shtml#pub1 Accessed: 28 April 2023
  20. Find A Mental Health Professional: What Are Mental Health Professional Services? Finding the Right Professional for You https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/find-a-mental-health-professional Accessed: 28 April 2023
  21. Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help – Remember. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 March 2014. Jean Hailes https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/depression Accessed: 28 April 2023
Topic Last Updated: 28 April 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 28 April 2023

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