It’s true that everyone experiences periods of sadness. But when those periods of sadness last for weeks, months, or even years, it raises the question: is this simply a prolonged period of sadness, or might I be experiencing something more profound, like depression?
Let’s explore the question: “Is depression a psychiatric illness?”
We will break down what depression is, how it affects people, and why it’s important to seek help.
If you think you may be experiencing depression, Daybreak Telepsych is here for you. We provide personalized treatment plans to help you succeed. Reach out to us today!
What Is a Psychiatric Illness?
We use many different terms when talking about our mental and emotional well-being such as psychiatric condition, psychiatric illness, mood disorder or mental illness. It can sound confusing, but put simply, all of these terms are describing a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior or mood.
The Many “Faces of Depression” (It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All!)
It is normal to experience periods of low or depressed mood from time to time. But when these periods persist or occur frequently, and when they start to affect a person’s ability to function normally in their daily life, a more significant psychiatric condition should be considered. Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric conditions, but the symptoms of depression can vary significantly from one person to another.
Some examples of different symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or frequently crying
- Decreased interest in activities that you previously enjoyed
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
- Changes in appetite (increased or decreased)
- Fatigue or decreased energy
- Difficulty with memory or concentration
- Slowed movement or restless, agitated movement
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Depression can affect anyone and can look quite different from one person to another. It can be helpful to understand the possible symptoms of depression in order to recognize it in yourself or people around you.
Depression Isn’t Just “In Your Head”—Your Body Feels It Too!
One common misconception about depression is that “it’s all in your head.” There is a strong connection between our mind and body, and when we are experiencing strong emotions, they tend to show up as physical symptoms in our body as well.
Some common physical symptoms of depression include:
- Headaches
- Increased pain sensation
- Changes in appetite (either increased or decreased)
- Fatigue
- Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
- Upset stomach, nausea or problems with digestion
So if someone says, “It’s all in your head,” you can politely tell them, “Actually, my whole body is involved!”
What causes depression?
The question of what causes depression is somewhat complex as there are often several different factors involved.
- Genetics: We know that there is a genetic predisposition to depression for some individuals and the risk of experiencing depression increases is if there is a family history of depression
- Brain Chemistry: An imbalance of chemicals in the brain (such as serotonin and dopamine) may contribute to depression
- Hormones: Fluctuations in hormone levels can trigger feelings of depression
- Difficult Life Events: Difficult life events such as trauma, chronic stress, injury, loss of a loved one or heartbreak can trigger feelings of depression
- Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions may trigger or exacerbate feelings of depression and it is important to address these conditions, along with the feelings of depression
The Goal of Depression Treatment: What’s the Point?
The primary goal of treating depression is to alleviate symptoms of depression and restore a degree of functionality in daily life. Put simply- the goal is to help people feel better and feel like they can engage in activities they enjoy.
Treatment for depression may include any and all of the following:
- Therapy: Talking with a counselor, therapist or psychologist can help offer clarity, provide coping mechanisms, change negative thought patterns, and provide practical tips for making behavioral changes that will improve mood
- Medication: Antidepressants can help to address possible imbalances in brain chemicals such as serotonin or dopamine
- Changes to Daily Living: Behavioral changes such as improved sleep patterns, healthy appetite, social engagement and regular physical activity can have a dramatic impact on mood and help to improve feelings of depression.
Reasons to Seek Therapy
Although mental health therapy is becoming more widely accepted and utilized, there are many misconceptions and stigmas surrounding therapy. Some people still believe that therapy is only for people experiencing severe psychiatric illness or those who have experienced significant trauma. The reality is that therapy can be a helpful tool for anyone trying to navigate the challenges of everyday life including relationships, work, school, and family. Therapy can be a useful tool in many ways:
- Having an unbiased person to talk to
- Beginning to recognize negative thought patterns that may be contributing to feelings of depression and keeping you from feeling better
- Learning coping skills to manage feelings of stress, anxiety and depression when they arise
- Developing a plan for making behavioral changes that will lead to improved mood
How to Help a Friend (Without Being Awkward)
It can be difficult to watch a friend and family member who is struggling, but it can sometimes feel awkward to offer help in a loving and non-judgemental way. Some of the most important things that you can do to help a loved one who is struggling with depression are some of the most simple:
- Listen: Often when someone is hurting, they are not seeking a solution or explanation to their problem, but are simply needing someone to listen to what they are feeling.
- Helping them to find support: Sometimes the problems your friend or loved one are experiencing require more help than emotional support and a listening ear. Suggesting someone consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can feel scary, but coming along side them and helping them in that process can be incredibly powerful.
Final Response: Is Depression a Psychiatric Illness?
Yes, depression is considered a psychiatric illness or mood disorder. The good news is that, like all psychiatric illnesses, there are extremely effective treatments available that can help to manage the symptoms of depression. Although it can feel overwhelming to seek treatment, it is a step that is worth taking- a step towards reclaiming your joy and your life.
FAQ
Do depression medications change your personality?
A: The goal of a medication for depression is to help alleviate symptoms of depression while maintaining your personality. If a medication is making you feel like you have lost your personality or you are not yourself, be sure to communicate this to your doctor so that they can recommend a different medication or treatment that may be a better fit.
Is therapy only for severe psychiatric illness?
A: No, therapy or counseling is an effective tool for managing everyday stresses and is available to everyone. Think of therapy as a preventative treatment to develop coping skills when things are going well, so that when life becomes stressful and difficult, you already have the skills you need to manage the stress.
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