Understanding Depression: What You Need To Know
Depression affects millions of people worldwide and is characterized by feelings of sad mood, hopelessness, irritability, fatigue and loss of interest in once pleasurable activities.
Jean Drumm
5/8/20243 min read
Understanding Depression: What You Need to Know
Depression is a common but serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s more than just feeling sad—it can make everyday activities feel overwhelming and take away the joy from things you once loved. Depression can look different for everyone, but if feelings of sadness or hopelessness last for more than a few weeks, it may be a sign of clinical depression.
Signs of Depression
Depression can show up in many ways. Some common symptoms include:
Feeling sad or down most of the time
Constant worry or anxiety
Low energy and exhaustion
Feeling hopeless or guilty
Losing interest in hobbies or activities
Being easily irritated or frustrated
Changes in appetite (eating too much or too little)
Sleep problems (trouble sleeping or sleeping too much)
Difficulty focusing or remembering things
Unexplained aches and pains, headaches, or stomach issues
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Depression tends to affect women more often than men, possibly due to hormonal and biological differences. Women may also express their symptoms differently from men.
Why Do So Many People Avoid Getting Help?
Despite being highly treatable, many people with depression never seek help. Some feel ashamed or worry about what others might think, while others mistake their symptoms for another health problem. Some may even believe they will never feel better, leading to thoughts of self-harm. But the truth is, depression is not a personal failure—it’s a medical condition that can be treated.
What Causes Depression?
Depression is often triggered by a combination of factors, including:
Genetics – A family history of depression can increase the risk
Life Events – Trauma, stress, and major life changes can contribute
Brain Chemistry – Imbalances in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) play a role
How Antidepressants Work
Many antidepressant medications work by balancing certain brain chemicals, particularly serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals help regulate mood and emotions. Some antidepressants also affect dopamine, another brain chemical linked to motivation and pleasure.
Most modern antidepressants, called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), help keep more serotonin available in the brain, improving mood over time. Older antidepressants, such as tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), are less common today due to side effects and dietary restrictions.
However, not all cases of depression respond to these medications, suggesting that other biological systems are involved.
A schematic representation of a typical synapse in a “non-depressed” and “depressed” state. Synapses are tiny gaps between nerve cells. Chemical signaling molecules called neurotransmitters travel across these synapses to relay electrical impulses from a pre-synaptic neuron to a post-synaptic neuron. The monoamine hypothesis suggests that depression is the result of a chemical imbalance of the monoamines serotonin, nor-epinephrin and dopamine.
The Link Between Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand. One key factor connecting them is stress. When you experience long-term stress, your body produces high levels of a hormone called cortisol, which can negatively affect your mood, energy levels, and overall health.
The Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis is a system in the body that controls stress responses. When over-activated by chronic stress, this system can contribute to both depression and anxiety. Certain brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine help regulate this system, which is why treatments for depression often focus on restoring balance.
Final Thoughts
Depression is a real and serious condition, but it’s also treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, reaching out for help is the first step toward feeling better. Whether through therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these, there are many ways to manage depression and regain a sense of well-being. No one has to go through it alone.