Depression: As Stigma Decreases, More People Seek Help
Major depressive disorder often goes by a simpler name: “depression.” Depression is more than a bad mood or feeling blue. It’s a persistent feeling of sadness that interferes with daily life and productivity. People with depression often lose interest in things that once brought them joy; they may lose their ability to concentrate or to sleep well. Nearly 5% of adults around the world suffer from depression, and it’s twice as common in women than men.
Barriers to treatment have prevented many people from getting the help they need to manage depression. Two primary barriers have been the stigma around mental illness and a shortage of mental health professionals. Fortunately, both have seen improvements in recent years. Stigma has decreased as more people share their experiences and their success seeking treatment. A 2021 study by Indiana University showed a decrease in stigma toward people with depression and greater understanding of the causes of the disorder, which reversed two decades of trends. And even though there are still too few mental healthcare providers to meet the need, an increase in telehealth services and digital health apps have increased access to treatments like talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. More people understand: Depression is a common disorder with many proven treatments that offer hope.
What causes major depression?
The causes of depression are complex and include biological, psychological, social, and chemical factors. Some studies have found a genetic component, with nearly 50% of people with depression having a close relative who suffers from it as well. But even that finding provokes more questions: Are relatives more likely to suffer from depression due to genetics, or due to the similar psychological and physical factors within family units? That’s still unclear.
What scientists do know is that depression is related to what happens to us. People who experience stressful and traumatic life events, from the death of a loved one to a loss of a job, are more likely to suffer from depression. Depression also has a chemical component, and an imbalance of chemicals in the brain—including serotonin and dopamine—can contribute to the disorder. Depression is also related to physical health and lifestyle habits. People who have sedentary lifestyles, eat diets low in nutrients, and who smoke or drink are more likely to suffer from depression.
The answer, then, has several variables. A person’s risk for depression is influenced by who they are, what happens to them, and how they live. Yet just as there are many causes behind depression, there are also many forms of proven, effective treatments that can help manage it.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of major depression include:
• Decreased desire to work and produce
• Feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, or sadness
• Increased irritability and anger
• Loss of interest in activities that once provided pleasure
• Low self-worth
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in sleep patterns, which could either be sleeping too much or too little
• Low energy
• Thoughts of dying
Treatments for major depression
Just as the causes of depression are highly individualistic, so are the treatments: If one treatment doesn’t work, another one (or a combination of several) may be more effective. A few of those treatments include:
Talk therapy: By working with a therapist, a person can receive support and learn coping strategies to their stressors. Depending upon their goals and needs, some people only see a therapist on a short-term basis, while others pursue therapy on a long-term basis.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps people notice and change their thought patterns, creating a more mindful, intentional approach that can change behavior and reactions. People can learn CBT with the help of a mental health professional or even through digital health apps or books.
Medications: Anti-depressant medications—including SSRIs, SNRIs, and NDRIs—regulate chemicals in the brain that are related to mood and behavior. People who begin medications for major depression will likely work with a mental healthcare provider who will check in periodically to determine whether the medication and dose is the best fit for that patient.
Self-care: Lifestyle habits can help people manage depression. Staying active, either through exercise or by simply continuing to do the activities you used to enjoy, can promote wellbeing. Creating a schedule for healthy meals and regular sleeping habits can aid as well. Staying social—connecting with others and sharing one’s feelings—is also important.
When—and how—to seek emergency help
If someone feels that they may harm themself or attempt suicide, they should seek help immediately. Many hotlines and healthcare providers are ready to help:
• In the U.S. and Canada, call or text 988 to reach a suicide hotline. To find a hotline for other countries, use the Suicidal Crisis Support listing from the International Association for Suicide Prevention
• Call a doctor or mental health professional
• Contact a friend or trusted community member
Today, society as a whole is more understanding and accepting of one’s need for help to counter and treat depression. With improved therapies, those living with this disorder no longer need to suffer in silence. Our continually improving understanding of mental health and, specifically, depression, provides hope for the millions of individuals worldwide who struggle with major depressive disorder.
