How-to articles on depression aren’t an immediate cure—tips to try instead
There are plenty of different articles out there on depression that can help you to understand what it is and what it's not. They can also help you understand different methods of treatment, ranging from homeopathic remedies to medications and therapy.
With so many different options out there, it can be difficult to know what you should be doing and how different treatments may or may not work for you. The most important thing for many, however, is to understand that these articles can be a good jumping off point—but they may not be the fix. Often, these conditions can require professional intervention and supportive strategies to fully resolve and to restore the person to a higher quality of life. If you find yourself living with the effects of depression, we want to encourage you to experiment to determine what methods work the best for your specific symptoms.
Additionally, when you look at how-to articles, it can be important to look at what kind of results are being offered for of the effort that you may be asked to put in—possibly helping to connect you to the most efficient methods of support possible.
What is depression?
Before one can truly understand how to address depression, it can be helpful to define what depression is to many.
Depression can also cause you to lose or gain weight unintentionally. It can cause changes in your appetite, experience and sleeping habits. This could mean that you feel less energized and experience increased fatigue. You may also experience feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt or even thoughts of death and suicide.*
If you feel like you might be experiencing the effects of depression, it can help to know that you aren’t alone. The World Health Organization (WHO) has calculated that approximately 280 million people are living with depression worldwide. There are many therapeutic options available that can help—and connecting with your practitioner can be a helpful first step for many to calculate their personalized treatment plans.
*If you are thinking about suicide, or considering harming yourself or others, please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255. Support is available 24/7, 365 days per year.
Diagnosing depression
Once you've looked at the symptoms and you think you or someone you know may be experiencing depression, what do you do next?
Many might find that it can be helpful to talk with a physician who can create a personalized treatment plan that can help. Additionally, they can help you to rule out any other possible conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Once you have ruled out any medical cause, you can talk with your doctor about the possibility of depression as a root cause of your symptoms. They can help you to find a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist that can help you after a formal diagnosis has been given.
Who has depression?
Generally speaking, anyone can experience depression, at any age, in any walk of life, and among any gender or identity.
Experts estimate that the condition can be more common in those who identify as women compared to those who identify as men, as up to one in three women might experience at least one major depressive episode in their life. Additional research may be needed to validate those who identify as trans, non-binary, or genderfluid.
What causes depression?
Experts currently believe that there is generally no singular thing that causes depression for many. Rather, most believe that there can be many different factors that can impact the formation and persistence of depression.
For example: The chemicals in your brain or your biochemistry can influence the development of depression, as can genetics. While not everyone in a family will necessarily have depression, if someone biologically close to you has experienced clinical depression, it can increase the likelihood that you might as well.
Your personality traits can be another factor in the development of depression. For instance: Someone who experiences feelings of low self-esteem more frequently than others may become overwhelmed by stress and may be more susceptible to depression than those living with higher self-esteem.
Finally, your environment can play a role in depression. If you are or were exposed to excessive violence, neglect, poverty, or abuse, you may be more likely to develop depression than someone who was not exposed to those things on a regular basis.
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7. If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
Online therapy, lifestyle changes, and other forms of intervention can all be effective for most in most cases—no matter what the root cause of depression formation may be in any specific case.
Getting treatment for depression
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it is generally recommended that you get treatment for your symptoms by seeking out professional help. How-to articles can be great for getting a basic understanding of what you're experiencing or information on making some smaller changes in your life. They can even help you locate a professional that you'll feel comfortable with—however, in most cases, they shouldn't be the only source of help that you seek out.
A more effective approach can be to look for a professional who can help you work through your feelings and start down the road to recovery.
How can online therapy help you?
With BetterHelp, you can find out more about the options that are available to you—and you'll also be able to talk with a licensed professional who can help.
Many appreciate the convenience and availability that’s possible with this option of support, allowing you to connect with professionals in a variety of locations with a range of applicable experiences. This can be done conveniently from one’s home or any other safe space.
The convenience of this option can be especially impactful for those who might be experiencing the effects of depression, as the very thought of seeking help can feel overwhelming. BetterHelp can connect you with an online therapist in your area of need.
Is online therapy effective?
Many have been able to see results in their lives after engaging in online therapy for depression. A recent Frontiers in Psychiatry study has indicated that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many, across a range of age groups. This finding can be especially promising for those who feel that online therapy can be more convenient and approachable than other methods of intervention at this time.
Takeaway
How does depression impact us?
Depression belongs to a class of mental disorders that affect how you feel, think, and act. It can cause feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Left untreated, severe depression can begin to negatively affect your physical health, too.
Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:
- Feeling sad or anxious
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
To meet the criteria for a depression diagnosis, you must experience one or more of these symptoms for at least two weeks and rule out medical conditions as a possible explanation for changes in functioning. Though it can feel overwhelming, treating depression is possible through a combination of interventions.
Why should I write about depression?
Journaling is a commonly used intervention to manage depression. Writing down your thoughts can help you in several ways.
- Expressing yourself in writing can help bring your thoughts and feelings to the surface. This can help you get to know yourself better and discuss your experience with your therapist or loved ones.
- Journaling can help you feel like you’re taking an active role in your treatment plan. When you write something down, it may feel more manageable. Additionally, it can help you identify ups and downs.
- Making note of your experiences with depression can help you track your symptoms and, over time, identify patterns in your behavior or feelings.
What are the main causes of depression?
Depression can affect anyone, even people who appear to live happy lives. Several risk factors can impact the development and persistence of major depression.
- Genetics: Depression can run in the family. This doesn’t mean that you will inevitably have a depressive disorder, but it increases your likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms at some point in your life.
- Personality: Personality traits can be another factor in the development of depression. For instance, someone who experiences feelings of low self-esteem more frequently than others may become overwhelmed by stress and may be more susceptible to depression than those living with higher self-esteem.
- Environment: If you are or were exposed to excessive violence, neglect, poverty or abuse, you may be more likely to develop depression than someone who was not exposed to those factors on a regular basis.
Why is it called depression?
The term “depression” dates back to the 19th century to describe a lowering of spirits.
Is depression known as a disease?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a mental illness characterized by feelings of extreme sadness and loss of interest in activities that can persist for an extended period. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical challenges that can negatively impact your daily life. To effectively treat depression, the first step is to receive a thorough diagnostic evaluation from a health professional. This may include a physical examination and interview to discuss mental health symptoms you’re currently experiencing.
Depression is classified as a mood disorder alongside conditions such as persistent depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression, and bipolar disorder.
How does depression affect the brain?
Depression can affect the brain in various ways. It can cause long-term changes to the brain, which may explain why treatment resistant depression occurs in some people who have lived with the illness for a long time.
- Brain Size: Some parts of the brain, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, may shrink in people living with depression. The hippocampus is the part of your brain that processes learning and memory and the prefrontal cortex plays a role in thinking and planning. When these parts of the brain shrink, it can affect your ability to think clearly, motivate yourself, retain information, and get enough sleep.
- Brain Inflammation: Though it’s not clear whether depression or brain inflammation comes first, there is a correlation between the two. People experiencing depression have higher levels of translocator proteins, which are chemicals linked to brain inflammation. When the brain gets inflamed, it can cause thinking challenges and prevent new brain cells from forming
In situations when a person isn’t getting better with medications or therapy, healthcare providers may suggest brain stimulation therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to get depression treated more effectively.
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