Dealing with depression can be daunting, but no one has to do it alone. One of the most important steps in dealing with a depressive episode is asking for help.
Seek help from:
- Family and friends. People experiencing depression should consider telling family and friends how they are feeling, and asking for support where they need it.
- A doctor. It is essential to speak to a doctor who can make a diagnosis and recommend treatments. Research suggests that tailoring early treatment to the individual offers the best possible outcomes.
- A therapist. Talking to a counselor or psychotherapist can be beneficial. Talk therapy can help address low moods and negative thoughts. A therapist can also teach coping skills to help people deal with future depressive episodes.
- Support groups. Look for a local support group for people with depression. It can be beneficial to talk to others who are experiencing the same thing.
Support lines and crisis hotlines are another way that people with depression can reach out to others. Save important numbers to a cell phone, so they are easily accessible in times of need.
Helpful numbers in U.S. include:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1800-273-8255 (1800-273-TALK)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Local Samaritans branch
- 911
Support groups and helplines similar to these are also available in other countries.
Major depressive disorder is the most common form of depression. Other types of depression have similar symptoms and can also cause depressive episodes. These include:
- Persistent depressive disorder lasts for a minimum of 2 years. During this period, symptoms may vary in severity but are always present. Approximately 1.5 percent of adults in the U.S. may experience persistent depressive disorder in any one year.
- Psychotic depression causes symptoms of psychosis as well as severe depression. A person may experience delusions and hallucinations. Approximately
4 in every 1,000 people may develop psychotic depression. - Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder similar to major depressive disorder. Someone with bipolar disorder may also experience periods of extreme highs, called mania or hypomania. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 2.8 percent of adults in the U.S. might develop bipolar disorder each year.
- Postpartum depression causes major depression symptoms during pregnancy or after delivery. This condition affects nearly 15 percent of new mothers and typically requires treatment.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) causes symptoms of depression during the winter months. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, between 4 and 6 percent of people are estimated to have SAD, while another 10 to 20 percent have a milder form of the disorder.
Possible triggers
Depression is a complex condition with many possible causes. Even though a person may be more susceptible to depression than someone else, they usually only experience a depressive episode when a stressful event triggers the condition.
Possible triggers include:
- changes in daily routines
- disrupted sleep
- poor eating habits
- stress at work, home, or school
- feeling isolated, alone, or unloved
- living with abuse or mistreatment
- medical problems, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, or erectile dysfunction
- some medications, including certain antibiotics and blood pressure drugs
- a significant life event, such as a bereavement or divorce
- a traumatic incident, such as a car accident or sexual assault
However, it is important to note that not every depressive episode will have an obvious or identifiable trigger.
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