Traumatic or stressful events, such as physical or sexual abuse, death or loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or financial problems. Blood relatives with a history of depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism, or suicide depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and manage daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.
Psychotherapy, or “psychotherapy,” is sometimes used alone for the treatment of mild depression; for moderate to severe depression, psychotherapy is often used in conjunction with antidepressant medications. If you are considering taking an antidepressant and are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about any increased health risks to you or your unborn or nursing child. In some cases, a blood test may be done to make sure that depression is not due to a medical condition, such as a thyroid problem or vitamin deficiency (reversing the medical cause would relieve symptoms similar to those of depression). Examples of other types of depressive disorders that have recently been added to the DSM-5 diagnostic classification include mood dysregulation disorder (diagnosed in children and adolescents) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Effective community approaches to preventing depression include programs in schools to improve a positive coping pattern in children and adolescents. Other forms of depression include psychotic depression, postmenopausal depression, and seasonal affective disorder. A major depressive episode may precede the onset of persistent depressive disorder, but may also arise during (and overlap) a previous diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder. Feeling depressed once in a while is a normal part of life, but if these feelings last a few weeks or months, you may have depression.
It's important to distinguish between grief and depression and can help people get the help, support, or treatment they need. Raise any concerns about antidepressants with your doctor, including your intention to stop taking the medication. However, if you experienced depression when you were a younger person, you're more likely to have depression as an older adult. In countries of all income levels, people suffering from depression often do not receive a correct diagnosis, and others who do not have the disorder are misdiagnosed and prescribed antidepressants too often.
If a person's depression prevents them from working, they may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Interventions for parents of children with behavioral problems can reduce parental depressive symptoms and improve outcomes for their children. The signs and symptoms of depression may differ depending on the person and their cultural background. Others may experience depression after a major life event, such as a medical diagnosis or the death of a loved one.
