Depression is widely considered a mental illness by the medical community. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association, classifies depression or major depressive disorder as a mood disorder.
What is Depression?
Depression is a common and serious medical condition that negatively affects how an individual feels, thinks, and acts. The symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe and can include:
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and remembering
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Overeating or loss of appetite
- Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that don’t go away
- Digestive issues
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
These symptoms can become chronic and last for weeks, months, or years if left untreated. Depression affects a person’s ability to function day-to-day and can significantly impact work, school, and relationships.
Types of Depression
There are several types of depressive disorders that mental health professionals may diagnose:
- Major depressive disorder – Also known as clinical depression, this involves severe symptoms that meet the DSM criteria for major depressive episodes.
- Persistent depressive disorder – This involves depression that lasts for at least two years with episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms.
- Bipolar disorder – This involves alternating episodes of depression and mania.
- Seasonal affective disorder – This is depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly occurring during the winter months.
- Psychotic depression – This occurs when an individual has severe depression along with some form of psychosis.
- Perinatal depression – This refers to major depression that occurs during or after pregnancy.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder – This is depression associated with premenstrual syndrome.
What Causes Depression?
There is no single cause of depression. It likely arises from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, including:
- Brain chemistry – Differences in certain neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine may contribute to depression.
- Hormones – Changes in hormone levels, like thyroid hormones or estrogen, have been associated with some types of depression.
- Inherited traits – Individuals with a family history of depression have a higher risk.
- Early childhood trauma – Traumatic experiences like abuse, neglect, or loss can increase vulnerability.
- Stress – High levels of stress and adversity may trigger depressive episodes.
- Health issues – Chronic illness, inflammation, chronic pain, and other medical conditions are linked to higher depression risk.
- Thought patterns – A negative thinking style and low self-esteem contribute to depression.
- Substance abuse – Abuse of alcohol, drugs, or medications can lead to depressive symptoms.
In many cases, it is likely a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to the development of depression.
Is Depression a Mental Illness?
Yes, depression is classified as a mental illness. The DSM-5 lists major depressive disorder and other depressive disorders under the category of mood disorders. A mental illness refers to a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Other examples of mental illnesses include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Like other mental illnesses, depression significantly impacts thoughts, emotions, and functioning. Both mental illnesses and physical illnesses are medical conditions that have specific symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Diagnosing Depression
For a diagnosis of major depression, the DSM-5 requires at least five of the following symptoms during a two-week period:
- Depressed mood
- Loss of interest/pleasure in activities
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Diminished ability to think or concentrate
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
At least one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of interest. These symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment. A mental health professional makes a diagnosis by conducting an evaluation including an interview and physical exam. They may request lab tests to help rule out other potential causes.
Depression Statistics
Some key statistics on the prevalence of depression:
- Major depression affects over 16 million American adults every year (7-8% of population)
- It is estimated 16-20% of people experience at least one depressive episode in their lifetime
- Women are diagnosed with depression at nearly twice the rate of men
- Depression can occur in children and adolescents, with about 3% diagnosed with major depression
- Only about half of Americans diagnosed with depression receive treatment
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in individuals aged 15-34 years old
- Mood disorders, including depression, are the 3rd most common cause of hospitalizations for mental health issues
These statistics demonstrate that clinical depression is a very common issue affecting millions of individuals across demographics. However, it remains undertreated despite various available intervention options.
Treatments for Depression
Depression is highly treatable through comprehensive treatment plans that may include:
- Medication – Antidepressant medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, and others can help manage symptoms.
- Psychotherapy – Counseling approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy help manage negative thought patterns.
- Brain stimulation – Electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation may help treatment-resistant depression.
- Light therapy – Daily exposure to artificial light is used for seasonal affective disorder.
- Exercise – Regular physical activity has a positive impact on depression symptoms.
- Complementary approaches – Meditation, acupuncture, supplements, and relaxation techniques may provide additional support.
Treatment is tailored to each individual’s symptoms, health status, and other factors. Most people benefit from antidepressant medication combined with some form of psychotherapy or counseling for optimal management of major depressive disorder.
Dealing with Stigma
Unfortunately, there is a persisting stigma related to depression and mental health disorders. Some examples of stigma faced by individuals with depression include:
- Perception that depression is a personal weakness rather than a medical condition
- Belief that individuals could just “snap out of it” if they wanted
- Assumption symptoms are exaggerated or used as an excuse
- Discrimination in employment due to mental health history
- Minimizing or dismissing an individual’s concerns and symptoms
- Viewing people with depression as unstable, violent, or dangerous
This stigma arises from lack of understanding and outdated cultural attitudes around mental illness. Combating the stigma requires education, open conversations, empathy, and recognizing depression’s medical reality.
Seeking Help for Depression
If experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to seek professional help. Some tips:
- Talk to a primary care provider for an evaluation or referral to a mental health specialist
- Reach out to nearby psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors
- Ask loved ones for support in finding appropriate care
- Check availability of therapists and resources through employee assistance programs
- Consider telehealth options for accessible care
- Explore support groups and resources from mental health organizations
Speaking with a qualified mental health professional is key for diagnosis and deciding optimal treatment approaches. If finances are a concern, lower-cost community mental health clinics may be available in your area. Support from loved ones also makes a big difference in seeking help.
Coping Strategies for Depression
Along with professional treatment, certain lifestyle changes and coping strategies can help manage depression symptoms. Some positive coping tips include:
- Setting small, achievable goals each day
- Establishing a sleep routine with regular bedtime
- Starting a gratitude journal or list
- Going for walks or trying yoga/meditation
- Spending time on hobbies or other enjoyable activities
- Limiting time on devices before bed
- Reaching out to loved ones and asking for support
- Avoiding isolation and maintaining social connections
- Joining a depression or mental health support group
It can be very difficult to implement major lifestyle changes when depressed. Focus on integrating one or two small positive habits at a time. Be patient, celebrate small wins, and don’t give up even if progress feels slow.
Preventing Depression Relapse
For individuals who have been treated for depression, continuing the following habits can help maintain recovery and prevent relapse:
- Taking antidepressants or other medications as directed
- Attending therapy/counseling sessions regularly
- Monitoring mood and being aware of potential warning signs
- Developing a crisis plan for setbacks or worsening symptoms
- Exercising regularly and maintaining healthy habits
- Avoiding isolation and staying connected to a support system
- Making time for enjoyable activities and self-care
- Joining a depression support group or class
- Seeking help quickly if symptoms start recurring
While relapse is common, long-term management is possible. Working closely with a mental health team and making lifestyle adjustments tailored to your needs makes sustaining recovery more feasible.
Conclusion
In summary, major depression and related mood disorders are widely recognized as mental illnesses by psychiatrists, psychologists, and other medical professionals. The diagnostic criteria, debilitating symptoms, biochemical disruption, and responder treatment all indicate depression is a legitimate medical condition affecting brain function and entire body systems.
While depression remains misunderstood by some, raising awareness about its status as a diagnosable and treatable illness is important to promoting recognition and compassion. Evidence clearly demonstrates that depression is a highly prevalent mental health disorder with proven strategies available for management and recovery.