Depression Awareness Month

October is Depression Awareness Month, giving us an opportunity to raise awareness about the many aspects of depression, break down stereotypes and stigmas, and consider ways to support friends and family experiencing depression. Depression is a common mental health concern that diminishes a person’s ability to enjoy life and succeed in work, school, and personal relationships. 

In a study published in 2018 by the Journal of Clinical Medicine, researchers conducted a survey to assess the public’s knowledge of depression and the severity of the stigma surrounding it. Key findings included:

• 30 percent reported believing a “weak personality” causes depression;
• 58.9 percent reported believing that pharmaceutical interventions or medications are not an effective treatment; and
• More than 70 percent reported understanding the importance of rest and that a person may appear happier than they actually are when living with depression

The authors suggested that educational interventions or campaigns may help decrease stigma and improve understanding of treatment compared to general health knowledge.

According to the World Health Organization, depression affects an estimated 5.7 percent of the global adult population. According to the CDC, depression affects about 16 million people in the U.S. each year, with about 1 in 6 adults experiencing depression at some point in their life. Depression can affect anyone at any age, including children and teens.

What Do We Know About Depression?

We know that there are different types of depression, some of which are transitory and others which are more pervasive and chronic. Depression may be situational, and caused by an upsetting experience, health condition, death of a loved one, end of a relationship, or other discernable event that leads to feelings of despair and depression. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is recognized as a recurring depressive condition related to winter months when the length of daylight is short, especially in northern regions. It usually resolves in springtime when the days are longer.

Postpartum Depression is connected to late pregnancy and after childbirth and can last for several months. Not to be confused with the more common transitory Baby Blues that lasts only a few weeks, Postpartum Depression can interfere with bonding between the mother and child, and it should be addressed and treated to avoid prolonging the condition.  

Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and depressive disorder with psychosis are more serious, chronic, and pervasive and require treatment and/or medication to address the debilitating effects of the conditions. Depression may also occur as part of another mental health diagnosis, such as bipolar disorder.

What is the Cause of Depression?

There is no definitive one-size-fits-all answer to that question. Research suggests that genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a role in depression. Some of the contributing factors may be:

• Genetics and biology – depression can run in families, and having blood relatives who have had depression may increase your chances of developing the condition. Actual changes in neurotransmitter levels in the brain can also cause depression.
• As mentioned earlier, experiencing stressful events, such as the death of a loved one, going through a major life change, or financial problems
• Experiencing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, physical harm or abuse, or witnessing violence
• Having a medical condition, such as cancer, stroke, or chronic pain
• Some medications can cause depression. It is important to know the side effects of medication you are taking and to consult your doctor if you think your medication might be making you feel depressed
• Using alcohol or drugs can cause depression, especially if used to excess

What Can Help Treat Depression?

Seeking treatment and support for depression is crucial to improving one’s well-being and preventing depression from deepening. The risk of suicide in people experiencing depression increases as the feelings of despondence increase. Thoughts of self-harm and ending the pain of deep depression can become overwhelming if the condition is not treated and supported. 

The main interventions are different psychotherapy modalities and, in some cases, medication. Some herbal remedies are used to treat mild depression, and there is some efficacy in looking at diet and exercise to improve well-being. Brain stimulation therapies, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be effective.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is studying depression with the goal of increasing understanding of the condition and improving treatment options. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has chapters across the country and can offer help in finding resources in your community. Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) has valuable online information about preventing, treating, and curing anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and co-occurring mental health disorders.  

Depression Awareness Month

Some ways to acknowledge Depression Awareness Month are to reach out to family and friends who may be experiencing depression, offer support with daily tasks, include them in activities, check in on how they are feeling and what they need, and help them find resources such as support groups when they are receptive. Educate yourself about depression and the resources in your community and educate others when possible. The more we all know, the more we can help.