Did you know? There is more than one singular diagnosis of depression, and major depressive disorder (MDD) is generally considered to be one of the more severe forms. Getting help for MDD can increase the chances of recovering and living a productive life. Knowing the symptoms of MDD can be an excellent place to start. 

Read on to learn more about this depressive disorder and possible supportive solutions that can help.

Common symptoms of major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is considered by many to be a mental health condition that can manifest at least five of the major symptoms of depression for at least two weeks. MDD is considered by experts to be both a classification of depressive disorders and a specific condition. 

 Major Depressive Disorder is formally described in the DSM-5, which is generally regarded as the manual describing the symptoms of recognized mental health conditions. 

The DSM also contains several other depression-related disorders with various causes, symptoms and treatments. All of these other mental health conditions can have common symptoms and a few differences. 

First, we’ll consider the common major depressive disorder symptoms, then compare them to other mental health conditions for further validation and understanding for those who live with the conditions.

Low mood or low energy

One of the best-known and most recognizable symptoms of depression to many can be the inability to do things as one usually might. This symptom can be split into low mood and low energy depending on someone’s individual experience with it.

Low mood, in this context, can include feelings of sadness or hopelessness and a general lack of interest in one’s passions and experiences. As a result, people who live with depression may not see the point in meeting obligations like going to work. They may also lose interest in things they used to enjoy, like socializing and hobbies.

Conversely, some people experiencing depression may want to do things (or understand the importance of doing things)—but they may not have the physical energy to do them. The reasons can be individual, ranging from a lack of physical energy that can be associated with depression, and depression-related physical aches and pains that can make it difficult for many to accomplish tasks.

Physical symptoms

As mentioned above, some people with major depressive disorders might experience physical symptoms, including low energy, apathy and pain. Additional physical symptoms can include headaches, stomach pains and muscle soreness. Physical symptoms can also include weight loss or weight gain that might not be explained by other factors.

Sometimes we can associate depression with people staying in bed all day, but this is not necessarily the case. While some people with depression might sleep more than usual, others might have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep—which may contribute to feelings of low energy. A disrupted sleep cycle can be particularly common in children and adolescents who live with depression, but it can happen to anyone.

Thoughts of suicide and death

Thoughts of suicide are generally regarded as another well-known symptom of depression, though they may not always be present.

Treatments for major depressive disorder can include medication, talk therapy, changes in diet and lifestyle or a combination of these approaches. After talking to their doctor, people can choose a treatment plan depending on personal preferences, insurance coverage, scheduling considerations and other factors. People using a combination of therapies might often see the best outcomes in the shortest time.

Persistent depressive disorder

A persistent depressive disorder can be similar to major depressive disorder. Still, it can involve fewer symptoms with longer gaps in between, with no gap generally lasting for two months or more. Additionally, clinicians often require that the condition be experienced for at least two years prior to diagnosis. 

Sometimes, persistent depressive disorder can follow major depressive disorder as the individual improves through treatment.

A persistent depressive disorder can be treated using the same treatments or combinations of treatments as MDD.

Medical conditions and depression

Some people can experience depression due to a medical condition, such as a hormonal disorder. For example, abnormal levels of thyroid hormone have been scientifically suggested to be associated with an increased risk of depression. 

In these cases, the treatment of depression might depend on addressing the underlying medical condition. The condition, or medication taken for it, may prevent the safe use of drugs for depression. 

However, treatment options like talk therapy, lifestyle changes like regular exercise and a healthy diet can bridge the gap toward a successful outcome.

Other mental health conditions and depression

Just as mental disorders can be caused or aggravated by physical conditions, major depressive episodes can be caused by more complex mental illnesses that include other symptoms. The most common and familiar examples might be seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and bipolar disorder for many.

What is seasonal affective disorder? 

Seasonal affective disorder can occur when a lack of sunlight prevents the body from making enough of a vital messenger molecule. This lack of sunlight can then lead to depressive disorders or increased depressive episodes during the winter months. In some people, it can also lead to manic episodes in the spring when sunlight is prevalent again, and their bodies must adjust. 

Seasonal affective disorder can be treated through exposure to artificial light that replicates sunlight. 

What is bipolar disorder?

Once called manic depression by many, bipolar disorder is generally regarded as a mental condition that can lead to alternating cycles of depressive episodes and high-energy manic episodes. It can also include anxiety disorder-related symptoms, a general lack of focus and impulsive behavior.

Bipolar disorders can generally be treated with specific medications. 

Finding help for depression

Many people can find relief from symptoms of depression by engaging in simple daily practices. We’ve listed several scientifically supported strategies below.  

Keep a journal

Keeping a journal can help you to establish a timeline for your symptoms, possibly offering you a complete list of your symptoms and possible environmental links. These notes can help you narrow down or eliminate other potential mental or physical disorders as you work toward a potential diagnosis.

Maintain social connections

Maintaining social relationships can be vital for those who live with depressive disorders for several reasons. For one thing, it can make depressive disorders less likely to occur. It also can help if others can alert you when you may be approaching a depressive episode, acting as a support system in your self-reflection.

Maintain a relationship with your care provider

Maintaining a relationship with your care provider can be crucial as one learns to live with the condition. Having a medical professional who knows you is generally necessary to get an accurate diagnosis and find the best treatment. Additionally, having a doctor available for support can be essential if you are taking medication that may cause, alleviate or aggravate depressive disorders.

Talk therapy for depression: how can it help? 

The best treatment for depressive disorder can depend on the person. What works best for one person may not always be suitable for another. However, many people experiencing symptoms of depression might benefit from talk therapy with the right counselor. A diagnosis is not generally required for online talk therapy.

Online therapy puts you in touch with a licensed and experienced therapist who can help you navigate the best treatment options from the comfort of your own home—removing many possible barriers to treatment for those who experience depression. 

Is online therapy effective? 

Multiple studies confirm that online therapy benefits participants and is a cost-effective method for the treatment of depression. 

The linked article published by the British Journal of Psychiatry noted that online therapy offers a comparable experience to in-person therapy at a more affordable rate for many—explicitly exploring the implications of online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)