What is Clinical Depression or Major Depressive Disorder?

Depression is a mental health condition characterised by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. While feelings of sadness are a normal response to certain life events, clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) is more severe and long-lasting. For a diagnosis of MDD, symptoms must persist for at least two weeks and interfere with daily functioning across social, work, or personal domains. 

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Depression can manifest in various forms and severity levels. In addition to MDD, there are other recognised types of depression, including:

  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, which involves milder but chronic symptoms lasting two years or more.
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), where symptoms follow a seasonal pattern, typically worsening in the darker winter months.
  • Postpartum Depression, which affects individuals after childbirth and can impact their ability to care for their baby

Depression can impact every aspect of life, but with the right combination of treatment, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, individuals can manage their symptoms effectively and improve their quality of life.

Top Myths About Depression

  • Depression is just feeling sad
  • You can ‘snap out’ of depression
  • Only weak people experience depression
  • Antidepressants will change your personality
  • Depression is only triggered by life events
  • Men don’t get depressed
  • If untreated, depression will go away on its own

Knowledge is power and understanding these myths helps reduce stigma and encourages individuals to seek the care they need.

Depression is a treatable condition, and with the right support, those affected can experience meaningful recovery and improved well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, professional help is the first step toward healing.

Don’t be Fooled by Fake Quizzes

Struggling to find motivation or joy in things you used to love? You’re not alone—and we understand how confusing it can be to sort through all the conflicting information out there. Many online quizzes oversimplify depression or fail to capture its complexity.

We believe everyone deserves access to accurate, professional guidance when exploring their mental health. That’s why our comprehensive Depression pre-assessment tool is based on the DSM-5.

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Common Symptoms of Depression

People with depression may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, including:

Struggling with Sleep

Do you have difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or find yourself sleeping excessively?

Significant Weight Changes

Have you experienced a noticeable weight loss or gain that isn’t related to any dietary changes?

Feeling Persistently Sad or Hopeless

Do you often feel a deep sense of sadness or hopelessness that doesn’t seem to go away?

Recurrent Thoughts of Death

Do thoughts of death or suicide come to mind more frequently than before?

Experiencing Fatigue or Low Energy

Do you feel constantly tired or find yourself lacking energy nearly every day?

Overwhelmed by Negative Feelings

Do you often experience feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt?

Symptoms can vary among individuals and change over time. Some may experience both mania and depression, which is a characteristic of bipolar disorder (formerly referred to as manic depression). 

Did you answer Yes to one or more of the above symptoms?

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Types of Depression

This occurs after childbirth, affecting both mothers and fathers. Post-pregnancy depression differs from the “baby blues” as it can last for months without treatment and impair the parent’s ability to care for the child.

Also known as seasonal disorder or SAD disease, this type of depression typically arises during the winter months when exposure to sunlight is limited, impacting mood and energy levels.

This form of depression lasts for at least two years, with symptoms being less severe but more chronic than those seen in major depressive disorder. 

Depression can result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin can contribute to the disorder. Stressful life events, including trauma, chronic illness, or significant loss, are also known triggers. Additionally, individuals with a family history of depression may be at higher risk. 

Effective treatment plans typically involve a combination of therapy and medication. Common antidepressants include SSRIs (e.g., sertraline or fluoxetine) and SNRIs. Psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), helps patients identify and reframe negative thought patterns. For individuals with SAD seasonal depression, light therapy may provide relief during darker months. Lifestyle adjustments, such as exercise, healthy sleep habits, and reducing alcohol, also play an important role in managing depression. 

Early intervention and support are crucial. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, seeking professional help can significantly improve outcomes.

MDD is diagnosed when an individual experiences a depressed mood or loss of interest in activities consistently for at least two weeks, along with other symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and difficulty concentrating. 

To meet the diagnostic criteria (DSM-V) for MDD, the individual must experience five or more of these symptoms during the same two-week period, with at least one of the symptoms being either a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.

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FAQs about Depression

Supporting someone with depression can be challenging, but your help can make a significant difference in their recovery. Here are some practical ways you can offer support:

1. Be patient and understanding: Depression can cause individuals to withdraw or behave differently from how they usually would. It’s important to be patient and avoid judgement. Understand that their symptoms are part of the illness and not a reflection of laziness or weakness.

2. Encourage professional help: Gently encourage your loved one to seek help from a healthcare professional, such as a GP or mental health specialist. Therapy and, in some cases, medication are effective treatments for depression. Offer to help them find a therapist or attend appointments if they feel overwhelmed.

3. Listen without offering solutions: Sometimes, the best support is simply listening. Allow your loved one to talk about their feelings without trying to “fix” them. Validate their emotions by acknowledging what they’re going through, even if you don’t fully understand it. Avoid phrases like “cheer up” or “just think positive,” as these can feel dismissive.

4. Offer practical support: Depression can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. Offering practical help, such as cooking a meal, doing household chores, or running errands, can ease some of the burdens they might be struggling with. Small gestures of support can show that you care.

5. Encourage healthy habits: Gently encourage your loved one to take care of themselves, but without being forceful. Suggest going for a walk together, eating a nutritious meal, or engaging in an activity they used to enjoy. Physical activity and social connection, though difficult to engage in during depression, can improve mood over time.

6. Respect their boundaries: While it’s important to check in and offer support, respect their need for space when they need it. Balance your offers of help with understanding that they may not always feel up to talking or socialising.

7. Educate yourself: Learn more about depression and its symptoms. Understanding the condition can help you offer better support and be more empathetic toward their experience.

8. Take care of yourself: Supporting someone with depression can be emotionally draining. Ensure you’re looking after your own mental and emotional health. It’s okay to seek support for yourself as well, whether through friends, family, or a counsellor.

Depression is a complex condition, but by being supportive, patient, and compassionate, you can play a key role in helping your loved one on their journey toward recovery.

Depression is treatable, and a variety of options are available to help manage the condition. According to the DSM-5, effective treatments for depression include:

  • Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy help individuals understand and manage negative thought patterns.
  • Medications: Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help regulate mood by balancing brain chemicals.
  • Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management techniques can complement therapy and medication.
  • Support systems: Building a support network with friends, family, or support groups can provide additional emotional relief.

For many people, a combination of therapy and medication leads to the most effective results.

Depression is diagnosed by a mental health professional through a comprehensive evaluation. The DSM-5 provides specific criteria for diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder, which include experiencing five or more symptoms, such as low mood, loss of interest in activities, or fatigue, for at least two weeks. The symptoms must represent a change from previous functioning and cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of life. A healthcare provider will also assess for other possible causes, such as medical conditions or substance use.

Depression is likely caused by a combination of factors, including:

  • Biological factors: Imbalances in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) play a significant role in depression.
  • Genetics: A family history of depression or other mental health disorders can increase the risk.
  • Environmental factors: Stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one, trauma, or ongoing financial struggles, can trigger or worsen depression.
  • Personality traits: Individuals with low self-esteem or who are prone to pessimism may be more susceptible to depression.

The DSM-5 recognises that depression can result from an interaction between these factors, rather than a single cause.

Depression is likely caused by a combination of factors, including:

  • Persistent sadness or a low mood most of the day, nearly every day.
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
  • Fatigue or lack of energy.
  • Changes in appetite or weight (either increased or decreased).
  • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much.
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Depression can vary in severity, and symptoms may differ from person to person.

Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is a serious mental health condition characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. According to the DSM-5, depression can affect how you think, feel, and behave, leading to a range of emotional and physical problems. It’s more than just feeling down or having a bad day – it’s a prolonged state that can interfere with everyday life.

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*The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is the gold standard used by Psychologists and Psychiatrists to diagnose mental health conditions. Created by the American Psychiatric Association, it’s a globally recognised guide that outlines the criteria for conditions like ADHD, Autism, and Bipolar Disorder and more. The most recent edition, the DSM-5-TR, was released in 2022.

DSM-5-TR offers detailed descriptions of various mental disorders, including their symptoms, prevalence, course, and associated features. It serves as a crucial reference for clinicians, researchers, educators, and policymakers in the field of mental health.

This manual helps clinicians accurately identify and diagnose mental health conditions, guiding treatment planning and interventions. It also facilitates communication among professionals by providing a common language and framework for understanding and discussing mental health disorders.

DSM-5-TR is periodically updated to reflect advancements in scientific understanding, changes in diagnostic criteria, and emerging trends in mental health research. It plays a vital role in shaping clinical practice, research initiatives, and public health policies related to mental health and psychiatric disorders.