Depression: Meaning, symptoms, and treatment

Depression is a serious mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. It is so widespread that it is often referred to as the „common cold of mental disorders.“ Unlike a cold, however, depression can be life-threatening. Contrary to popular belief, it is not merely a feeling of sadness but a complex medical condition that can stem from various factors, including genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental influences. According to Dr. David Burns, a psychiatrist and cognitive-behavioral therapist:

„Sadness is a normal emotion, created by realistic perceptions that describe a negative event involving loss or disappointment in an undistorted way. Depression is a disease that always results from or involves thoughts that are distorted in some way.“

Depression can affect people of any age and society, with significant consequences for mental and physical health. In this article, we will explore what depression is, its common symptoms, and some possible treatments.

What is depression?

Depression, also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mental illness characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in life. It affects how people think, feel, and function daily. It is important to emphasize once again that depression is not just a „bad mood“ or „the blues“ but a serious condition that requires treatment.

Symptoms of depression

Depression can manifest through various symptoms that affect both the emotional and physical well-being of the individual. Some of the main symptoms include:

• Persistent Feelings of Sadness and Hopelessness:
  Individuals often experience deep sadness and hopelessness that do not diminish over time.
• Loss of Interest:
  People with depression often lose interest in activities and hobbies that previously pleased them.
• Sleepiness or Insomnia:
  Sleep disturbances, such as excessive sleepiness or insomnia, are common symptoms of depression. The body’s internal clock, which uses environmental signals to regulate appetite, sleep, and mood (known as circadian rhythm), can be severely disrupted in those with depression, leading to a complete reversal of day and night.
• Low Energy Levels:
  Affected individuals often feel constantly tired and lack the energy to perform even basic tasks.
• Changes in Appetite:
  Depression can lead to a loss of appetite or, conversely, significant weight gain.
• Difficulty Concentrating and Making Decisions:
  Individuals may struggle with concentration, and their decision-making ability may be nearly paralyzed.
• Feelings of Guilt and Worthlessness:
  Depression can lead to feelings of guilt and worthlessness, even when there is no specific reason for these emotions.
• Personality Changes:
  People with depression may experience changes in their personality, such as a loss of self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Suicidal Thoughts:
  Suicidal thoughts are a serious and dangerous symptom of depression. They can manifest in various forms, including thoughts of suicide, a suicide plan, open expression of a desire to die, or suicidal ideation.

For a diagnosis of depression, at least five of the above symptoms must be present nearly every day for at least two weeks.

It is important to note that those suffering from depression may not necessarily appear depressed (known as „smiling depression“), which is clear evidence that it is not a sign of weakness. The strength and mental resilience required for a person with depression to function as though they were normal are truly immense.

Treatment

Here, we will focus on the integrative approach to treating depression. It is a therapeutic method that combines techniques and approaches from different forms of therapy to address the individual needs of the patient. This approach is based on the idea that depression is a complex illness that can be most effectively treated through a combination of various methods and strategies.

Key Components of the Integrative Approach to Treating Depression:

Psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy plays a central role in the integrative approach. Various types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, and others, can be combined depending on the patient’s needs.

Pharmacotherapy:

In cases of moderate to severe depression, a doctor may prescribe antidepressants. The integrative approach may include combining psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for maximum effect.

Holistic methods:

These methods include practices such as yoga, meditation, biofeedback, and dietary changes, which focus on a healthy lifestyle and stress management.

Social support

The integrative approach considers the patient’s family and social network as central to the treatment process. Support from loved ones and the opportunity to participate in group therapy can be crucial for treatment.

Alternative therapies:

Some patients may benefit from alternative therapies such as art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and others.

Collaborative work among specialists

The integrative approach often involves collaboration between various specialists, such as psychotherapists, psychiatrists, doctors, and others, to provide comprehensive and coordinated treatment.

All of these elements allow the therapist to tailor the treatment to the specific needs and responses of the patient, striving for the best possible results in the fight against depression. Since depression is an individual and complex illness, it is important to use an integrative approach that considers the unique factors and characteristics of each patient. Let us end on an optimistic note with the words of Dr. David Burns: „Sometimes it almost doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do it with the mindset of self-help… many depressed people go through a phase where they stubbornly refuse to do anything to help themselves. Once this critical motivational problem is resolved, depression usually begins to diminish.“