Symptoms & Causes of Depression

|Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world impacting over 300 million people worldwide (that's about the population of the United States of America!), and while 3-5% of adults in the US suffer from depression at any given time, many people may not know the signs and symptoms of clinical depression. It's also important to note that depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

​In this third article in a series focusing on depression, we will explore both the symptoms and causes of depression. Other posts from this series include: 
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• Therapists Corner: Professional Tips for Working Through Depression
• Depression versus Sadness: Understanding the Difference
• Self-Care Strategies & Professional Supports for Treating Depression​

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Symptoms

Each diagnosis of depression will have a different set of symptoms, and a person will experience a diagnosis of depression that is unique to them. However, most individuals experience symptoms in four main areas: physical, emotional, behavioural, and with their thoughts. ​Some of the common symptoms in each area include:

Physical

• aches & pains with the absence of physical exercise
• headaches
• loss or change of appetite/diet
• significant weight loss/gain
• sleeping issues
• increase in physical ailments & feeling tired
• digestion problems

Emotional

• irritable, frustrated, angered easily
• overwhelmed, indecisive
• feelings of guilt or disappointment
• lacking in confidence
• despair, overwhelming sadness
• hopelessness
• extreme sadness & unhappiness

Behavioural

• reckless
• isolation, withdrawal from friends/family
• unmotivated, unfocused
• loss of interest in usual & enjoyable activities
• reliance on substances
• self-harm/suicide attempts

Thoughts

• "I'm a failure"
• "I'm worthless"
• negative thoughts outweigh positive thoughts
• catastrophizing (thinking the worst will happen)
• suicidal thoughts/ideation

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that could be associated with depression, reach out for more help from a doctor or mental health professional for proper diagnosis and support.

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Causes

The cause of a diagnosis of clinical depression may overlap in three areas: biological, psychological and environmental. Although it can be helpful to read information (like this blog post) or take online tests to find out if the symptoms and concerns you're experiencing may relate to a diagnosis of depression, it's important to have an assessment administered by a doctor or mental health professional and receive an official diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, grab a pen and paper and write down any of the symptoms listed earlier that you or your loved one has been experiencing for more than two weeks and for most days. Also write down any possible causes from the following list, and bring your concerns with you to your next doctors appointment.

Biological

• family history, genetic link to depression
• imbalance of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine
• side-effect of medication
• women have increased risk of developing depression (biology, hormones)

Psychological

• ​experiences of trauma
• personality traits (perfectionists, low self-esteem, worriers, self-critical)

Environmental

• ​grief and loss (death, job loss, retirement)
• social isolation
• relationship conflict
• health issues/chronic illness
• high levels of stress over prolonged periods
• experiences of abuse
• drug & alcohol use

If you're eager for more information about the science behind depression and the study into neurogenesis, check out the video below:

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Types

There are many different types of depression and for an in-depth list and description of each, check out beyondblue's website for more information. You might also be interested in reading about a type of depression that is dependent on the environment and weather called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) - read more.

​Also check out the free printable I have created that can be helpful to bring to a doctor if you think you may have a form of depression.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE: 3 COMMON TYPES OF DEPRESSION

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Navigate to the next article in this series:

• Self-Care Strategies & Professional Supports for Treating Depression​

References: beyondblue.org.au, adaa.org, nimh.nih.gov

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