What is depression? Symptoms, causes, types, and treatment

We all go through some hard times in life. However, when our everyday struggles become overwhelming and persistent, they may be a sign of a more serious mood disorder.

Many individuals who grapple with depression describe it as a dark cloud hanging over them, obscuring the brightness of life with an unforgiving heaviness. Others experience depression as being trapped in quicksand, where every movement to escape its grasp only pulls them down further.

Understanding depression — from its origins to how it plays out in daily life — is essential for navigating its challenges and finding effective paths to support and heal.

Read on as we uncover the common symptoms, causes, types, and treatments of depression.

What is depression?

Depression is a very common yet serious mood disorder that can affect anyone regardless of gender, background or age, including children and adolescents, as well as 21 million adults across the U.S.

That being said, it often manifests differently across various demographics.

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, men often express symptoms of irritability and anger, whereas women tend to experience greater sadness and feelings of worthlessness.

Culture also plays a big role in how depression presents itself.

All individuals who experience depression qualify for what is known as clinical depression when their symptoms persist for two or more weeks and create a significant impairment or change from an individual’s previous level of functioning – whether that be socially, occupationally, educationally, or other areas we may be impacted.

Types of depression

Depression is an ‘umbrella term’ that is often used to describe several different types of depression. These include:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD): also known as clinical depression, major depression is a long-lasting and more severe depression characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyable daily activities.

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): this form of depression arises in the winter when there is less sunlight, causing symptoms of fatigue, moodiness, and low motivation.

• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): this long-form type of depression lasts for two years and is less intense than MDD while still causing significant impairment in daily life and overall well-being.

• Perinatal depression and postpartum depression (PPD): these forms of depression arise in some women during their pregnancy or after pregnancy ends, causing them to feel sad, overwhelmed, tired, anxious, and struggling with sleep and care for themselves and their child.

• Bipolar disorder: also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder causes extreme mood shifts from emotional highs (manic episodes) to emotional lows (depressive episodes).

• Depression with symptoms of psychosis: depression that involves severe symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations and delusions, which profoundly impact a person’s perception of reality and necessitate specialized treatment.

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): is when women or people assigned female at birth experience depressive symptoms centered around their menstrual cycles. These symptoms usually occur several days before the menstrual cycle begins, and the first day or two of one’s period.

There is also a form of depression that is temporary.

Situational depression is triggered by more specific events or circumstances in an individual’s life such as a breakup, the loss of a loved one, financial challenges, or other major life changes such as retirement.

Though it may not be as long-lasting and severe as clinical depression, situational depression can still impact daily functioning and require treatment to regain emotional stability and resilience.

Signs and symptoms of depression

Though it is a human experience to feel sad, unmotivated, or discouraged at times, depression is a more severe and persistent condition that can significantly impact one’s quality of life.

Having depression does not necessarily mean having no good days or not being able to function.

Depression can manifest in several ways. Some of the most common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sadness, tearfulness, or emptiness

• Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable

• Changes in appetite

• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss

• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)

• Fatigue or low-energy

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Recurrent dark thoughts, such as about dying or wishing you could disappear

There are also several physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms involved in depression. Many of which include:

• Unexplained stomach aches, headaches and/or chronic pains

• Changes in psychomotor activity (i.e. restlessness, slowed movements or speech)

• Low mood, angry outbursts, or irritability

• Withdrawal from social engagements or interactions

• Substance use as a coping mechanism

It is also important to consider how depression affects those around us. While many of these symptoms may be obvious in ourselves, it is not always visible in those we love and care for.

» Learn more about how to help someone with depression.

What causes depression?

Depression is a complex mental health condition that has required decades of research to learn about.

While our exploration continues, experts have identified numerous major factors that are known to play a role in the development of depression.

1. Biological factors

Every one of us has a unique biology that can influence our experience with certain mental health conditions, particularly depression.

Genetics and family history

Our genetic makeup and family history can increase the likelihood of developing certain mental health conditions.

This 2018 study highlights that having a ‘first-degree relative’ such as a mother or father with depression, causes you to have a two- to three-fold higher risk of developing this condition yourself.

Brain chemistry and neurotransmitter imbalance

Our brains are a factory for neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine may be disrupted by certain factors, contributing to persistent low moods and other depressive symptoms.

Hormonal changes

Did you know that compared to men, women have two times more risk for depression and anxiety? One contributing factor to this has to do with hormones.

Hormones that are excreted during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can significantly impact mood regulation and lead to the onset of worsening depressive symptoms. Sudden fluctuations in estrogen levels can influence neurotransmitter levels, leading to a drop in serotonin and dopamine, which can contribute to the development of depression.

2. Psychological factors

When it comes to our psychology, there is a significant interplay of cognitive patterns, personality traits, and past experiences that contribute to the development and persistence of depression.

Personality traits

There are times when our personality traits influence our susceptibility to mental health conditions, such as depression. For example, neuroticism, which is the tendency to feel negative emotions such as sadness, worry, or fear, is seen as a crucial risk trait for symptoms of depression.

Individuals who score high in neuroticism tend to be more anxious, experience more mood swings, and have low self-esteem. Together, having low self-worth, high self-doubt, and a pessimistic outlook can all intensify feelings of helplessness and worsen symptoms of depression.

Childhood trauma and abuse

Growing up in an abusive, toxic, or unsafe household can significantly impact an individual’s risk of developing depression later in life. These experiences can disrupt normal childhood development and affect how the brain responds to stress.

Research has found that certain poor family dynamics such as high levels of conflict, low levels of cohesiveness, and problematic parent-child communication, may be responsible for adolescent depression.

Stressful life events

Another relevant factor that contributes to depression is the amount of stress one endures throughout their life. Stressful life events, such as losing a loved one, financial insecurities, or relationship issues can all activate a stress response in the brain that impacts health and well-being in numerous ways.

Research looking at the incidence of depression in vulnerable groups like women and less educated individuals suggests that these groups may be more affected by stressful life events, which could make their symptoms worse over time.

3. Environmental factors

What our environment looks like, such as our level of wealth, the social connections we make, and our physical health can all impact our risk of depression.

Socioeconomic status 

Money does not always equal happiness. However, income, education, and occupation can help improve our access to resources and opportunities, thus enhancing our quality of life and well-being.

Having a low socioeconomic status influences depression risk increases stress due to financial instability, limited access to healthcare, and exposure to adverse living conditions.

Lack of social support

Having a strong social circle can be tremendously beneficial in lowering the risk of depression. Support from friends and family can mitigate the risk of depression, even in people in lower-income groups.

However, not having someone to turn to can leave us feeling isolated, lonely, and less willing to cope with life’s challenges. This can heighten feelings of sadness and contribute to low self-worth – all common symptoms associated with depression.

Chronic illness or disability 

Having ongoing physical symptoms, such as pain or limitations in mobility are all significant stressors that can contribute to depression. It can also disrupt daily routines, independence, and quality of life, which may affect self-esteem and overall well-being.

How to treat depression

Whether you’ve been feeling sad lately, are struggling with persistent low moods, or facing overwhelming emotions, therapy and medication management can provide valuable support and tools for navigating and overcoming depression.

Types of therapy for depression

Among the many types of therapy available, these five have made the list as being the most effective for addressing depressive symptoms.

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular, evidence-based talk therapy that is highly effective in treating depression, anxiety disorders, issues of substance use, and various other mental disorders.

CBT teaches practical coping skills and challenges negative thoughts that contribute to depression. Empowering individuals to change these patterns helps them develop a healthier outlook and improves their mood and ability to function.

2. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy

As a holistic branch of CBT, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) emerged by blending cognitive techniques with mindfulness practices. It emphasizes being aware of the present moment and accepting it without judgment.

MBCT not only teaches individuals to observe their thoughts with kindness, but also comes with tools to manage stress, prevent relapse, and cultivate greater resilience.

3. Interpersonal therapy

Focusing on the relational aspects of depression, interpersonal therapy (IPT) is used to enhance relationships and improve communication skills as a way to alleviate depressive symptoms.

IPT is useful in attending to interpersonal conflicts, grief, and role adjustments to allow for individuals to create stronger social connections and support systems.

4. Psychodynamic therapy

Another beneficial therapeutic treatment of depression is known as psychodynamic therapy. This is used to explore the unconscious conflicts and past experiences that have shaped our current emotional challenges..

Psychodynamic therapy is helpful for individuals to gain insight into potential unresolved challenges or patterns of behavior that have led to depression.

5. Medication management

Although medication management is not a ‘therapeutic approach’, it has been regarded as an effective depression treatment for many individuals. Antidepressants, when combined with therapy, are shown to provide relief.

Since there is no such ‘one size fits all’ approach to medication, finding the right antidepressant requires both patience and collaboration with healthcare providers.

Get help for depression

Therapy offers a wide range of tremendous benefits. Not only can it lead to enhanced mood and better functioning, but it can provide individuals with stronger coping mechanisms to navigate stressful events and emotional fluctuations with more resilience.

Benefits of depression therapy include:

• Increased emotional stability

• Enhanced self-esteem and confidence

• Better relationship quality and interpersonal skills

• Improved motivation to perform daily activities

• Enhanced quality of life and overall happiness

• Increased self-awareness and personal growth

For those seeking mental health support, Grow Therapy is an exceptional place to get you on the right path by connecting you to a licensed mental health professional either online or in-person, accepting numerous major insurances.