Alexandra’s Story: Battling Depression

During my time studying abroad, I received the devastating news that a family member had passed away. The grief hit me hard, and I felt desolate and numb to the world around me. I cried almost every day, overwhelmed by a hopelessness that refused to lift. It was a strange, unfamiliar feeling, unlike anything I had experienced before. During lectures, all I could think about was getting back to bed.

A few months later, I was diagnosed with depression. Despite the support of my friends and family, it was an incredibly challenging time. They encouraged me to go out and have fun, but I found it impossible to muster the energy or desire to do anything. I was embarrassed to tell them what I was going through and even more so to admit that I needed medication. I had heard people dismiss depression as an excuse or a fake reason for not moving on, but that was far from the truth.

Whenever I interviewed people who had experienced depression, they described it as a difficult and isolating experience, both for themselves and their loved ones. It felt like I was living in a painful place I never wanted to leave. Fortunately, with the help of psychotherapy, family, and friends, I was able to overcome depression and eventually stopped taking medication. This journey transformed my understanding of mental illness, giving me a new perspective.

— Alexandra, 25

Understanding Depression

Depression is a complex and serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether you’re a young person overwhelmed with life’s challenges, a new mother struggling with feelings of worthlessness, or a retiree grieving the loss of a loved one, depression is a deeply personal and often misunderstood experience.

As Dr. Angelos Halaris, a professor of psychiatry at Loyola University Medical Center, explains, depression is “much more than just a sad mood.” It can manifest as hopelessness, fatigue, or even physical pain. While everyone feels sad from time to time, depression is a persistent state that affects how you feel, think, and manage daily life. It involves severe symptoms that can lead to a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed and can significantly impair one’s ability to function.

Depression is an umbrella term that encompasses various conditions, including dysthymia, atypical depression, and major depressive disorder. Also known as “depressive disorder” or “clinical depression,” this condition can cause emotional and physical changes, such as weight fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and chronic pain. It can also interfere with daily activities, diminish interest in sex or other pursuits, and lead to feelings of guilt and hopelessness.

Symptoms of Depression
Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Intense sadness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Slow movements and speech
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Fast facts about depression:

• Depression occurs more often in women than in men.
• Its symptoms include a lack of joy and a decreased interest in things that once brought happiness.
• Sadness and mood swings are not necessarily features of depression.
• The causes of depression are not fully understood but typically involve a combination of genetic, biological, and psychosocial factors.

Depression is Different from Sadness and Grief

While losing a job, ending a relationship, or experiencing the death of a loved one are difficult experiences that can lead to sadness or grief, depression is distinct from these natural emotional responses.

In grief, painful feelings often come in waves and may be interspersed with positive memories, whereas depression involves a persistent low mood for at least two weeks. Self-esteem is usually intact during grief, but depression often involves feelings of worthlessness and self-rejection.

Types of Depression

Depression is not a universal diagnosis. There are different types of depression, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. These include:

• Clinical Depression: Symptoms must persist for more than 14 days and include a depressed mood, sadness, and a decline in pleasure. Additional symptoms may include significant weight change, sleep disturbances, fatigue, excessive guilt, and suicidal thoughts.
• Reactive (Psychogenic) Depression: This occurs in response to a specific stressful event, such as a painful separation, illness, job loss, or death. It goes beyond normal sadness and includes symptoms that persist over time.
• Dysthymia: Characterized by chronic depression, low self-esteem, lack of motivation, and sleep disturbances, dysthymia often goes undiagnosed for years.
• Seasonal Depression: Symptoms appear during late autumn or early winter and often disappear with spring’s arrival. This is linked to reduced sunlight exposure and hormonal changes.
• Postpartum Depression: Triggered by hormonal changes during and after pregnancy, this condition can affect a mother’s ability to care for her child and may include extreme sadness, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
• Bipolar Affective Disorder: Involves mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows, affecting sleep, energy, and behavior. Symptoms during depressive phases mirror those of major depressive disorder.
• Agitated Depression: Involves anxiety, increased motor activity, and rapid thinking instead of lethargy.
• Catatonic Depression: Marked by senseless repetition of movements and inappropriate behavior.
• Psychotic Depression: Severe depression with psychotic symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations.

Existential Crisis and Depression

In addition to life events and personal experiences, an existential crisis can also trigger depression. This crisis involves questioning the meaning and purpose of life, which can lead to deep feelings of sadness and despair. Such experiences may exacerbate or even initiate depressive symptoms, making it crucial to seek support.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, seeking help is a vital step toward healing. Through counseling, you can manage these symptoms and regain control over your life. Remember, you are not alone, and effective treatment can lead to recovery and a renewed sense of hope. As a psychologist, I am here to offer my support and guidance as you navigate these challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Together, we can work towards understanding your unique experiences and find a path to healing and well-being.