Life with depression often feels like living in a fog, characterized by persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in everything, low energy, and difficulty with daily tasks, leading to social withdrawal, sleep/appetite changes, poor concentration, and feelings of worthlessness, though symptoms vary greatly, from high-functioning to severe, impacting work, relationships, and basic self-care. It's a constant internal struggle where simple actions become monumental, draining joy, purpose, and motivation.
You can have a full-time job and a fulfilling life despite your depression. Specific lifestyle habits, effective therapy and medical care can help you to recover and continue working efficiently. Nothing is impossible for those who have found the strength to accept and challenge their depression.
During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include: Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness. Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters. Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports.
It can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. It is an illness that can affect anyone—regardless of age, race, income, culture, or education.
Emotional and cognitive (thinking) symptoms include a depressed mood, lack of interest or motivation in things you typically enjoy, problems making decisions, irritability, excessive worrying, memory problems and excessive guilt.
It can occur for a variety of reasons and it has many different triggers. For some people, an upsetting or stressful life event, such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy and job or money worries, can be the cause. Different causes can often combine to trigger depression.
Stressful life events: Difficult experiences, such as the death of a loved one, trauma, divorce, isolation and lack of support, can trigger depression. Medical conditions: Chronic pain and chronic conditions like diabetes can lead to depression. Medication: Some medications can cause depression as a side effect.
Symptoms - Depression in adults
People with depression report intense feelings of hopelessness, joylessness, profound sadness, and a sense of isolation—even when surrounded by people who love and care about them. Beyond the emotional experience, depression can literally color a person's world and impact the way they see and experience life.
Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 70% and 90% percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment.
New evidence shows that people who maintain a range of healthy habits, from good sleep to physical activity to strong social connections, are significantly less likely to experience depression.
Depression prevalence varies by age, and the total percentage of adults with depression is the highest among those aged 18–29 years old (Villarroel and Terlizzi, 2020).
A: Yes, depression can impact your vision. People with depression often report blurred vision, increased light sensitivity, and visual fatigue. These symptoms are due to the neurological links between mood and sight, as well as the effects of stress hormones on eye function.
The United States typically reports higher rates of depression compared to many other nations. Contributing factors may include individualistic cultural values, socioeconomic stressors, and better access to mental health screening.
Understanding the 3 C's—Cognitive symptoms, Concentration difficulties, and Crying spells—helps both individuals experiencing depression and their loved ones identify when professional support may be needed.
While each person may experience symptoms differently, these are the most common symptoms of depression:
Immediate hospitalization is essential for those who express suicidal ideation or have attempted self-harm. Severe Functional Impairment: Moreover, patients unable to care for themselves, including neglecting personal hygiene, nutrition, or medications, often require hospital-based treatment.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT focuses on four main areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills can help individuals cope with difficult emotions and situations, which can be beneficial in managing depression.
How to cope with depression
Can depression lead to chronic disease? People who have depression are at higher risk of developing certain chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, pain, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
Research suggests that people are the most unhappy at the age of 47.2 -- exactly how old I am today – before hitting a decades-long upswing.