What is depression and how can you recognize it?

Do you often feel depressed and have no interest or energy in activities that you normally enjoy? Then depression can occur. You may feel insecure, worried and indecisive. It seems as if all your joy in life has suddenly disappeared. Everyone has a depressed mood from time to time, so you can't compare it to a depressive disorder. The depressed mood lasts much longer with a depressive disorder. You can hardly enjoy simple, everyday things anymore. But where does depression come from? What exactly are the symptoms and what can you do about them? In this article we will try to give you answers to as many questions as possible.

What are common symptoms of depressive disorder?

A depressive disorder can have many different causes. Maybe you ended a relationship, lost someone you loved very much, or got fired. But moving or having a child can also lead to depressive moods. Feelings of depression can arise from a major life event or loss. And if depression runs in your family, you're more likely to suffer from it too.

People who suffer from depression usually feel like they have no value. They see everything in a negative light and have dark feelings about the future. Everything that you used to enjoy so much no longer really interests you. You sleep very poorly and often feel listless. You don't feel like doing anything anymore. It takes a lot of effort to get out of bed in the morning because you are so disappointed about the day ahead. You feel like you have to drag yourself through the day. The same goes for your appetite. Some people with depression are less hungry, others eat much more than before. Your interest in sex also decreases.

People with depressive disorder feel worthless and have a strong tendency to worry a lot. They have difficulty concentrating and sometimes their situation feels so hopeless that they no longer want to live.

What are the symptoms?

According to the psychiatric classification system, the DSM-5, there are a number of symptoms that may indicate that you are suffering from a depressive disorder. If you experience at least five of the symptoms listed below over a two-week period, you are more likely to have a depressive disorder. The main symptoms are depressed mood and loss of joy and interest. One of these two symptoms should clearly be present.

You experience low mood throughout the day (and have it every day);
Your enjoyment or interest in all activities is significantly reduced. You experience this all day long and have it almost every day;
you lose weight or gain weight unintentionally, or you have an increase or decrease in appetite;
They suffer from sleep problems;
You don't sleep enough or too much. They suffer from it almost every day;
You feel psychomotor inhibited or restless and this affects you almost every day;
You feel tired or have no energy at all, you suffer from it every day;
You feel guilty, even though it's not necessary, and worthless;
You can hardly concentrate, your thinking skills are reduced and you are indecisive;
They feel desperate.

What is the difference between gloom and depression?

Not everyone who feels down is suffering from depression. Everyone feels sad from time to time and this often goes away on its own after a day or a few days. It is different if the cloudy feelings are the basis of a depressive disorder. When you're dealing with a depressive disorder, the dark feelings only get worse and you enjoy life less and less.

Even though it looks very similar and people tend to wait for it to pass, it may be wise to seek help in a timely manner. Recognizing and acknowledging the symptoms early can prevent a depressive disorder from lasting for an unnecessarily long time. It's important to pay close attention to the signs that could be a harbinger of a depressive disorder.

Can you do something about it yourself?

When you suffer from depressive symptoms, lethargy and negative thoughts play a big role. You do less and less and look at everything like a mountain. This causes you to become more and more depressed. However, there are several ways to break through this gloom. First of all, it is important that you take action. Go out, exercise, and meet up with friends even when you don't feel like it. Doing these things will give you experiences that you enjoy and can greatly improve your mood.

If you feel like you can't cope on your own, seek help. You can make an appointment with your GP, who may refer you to a psychologist. Good treatment not only focuses on correcting and reducing your negative thoughts, but it also ensures that you fill your day in a good way. It is very important to be active.

Antidepressants are sometimes used, but cognitive behavioral therapy is more effective in the long term. However, if you have very severe depression, then taking an antidepressant is recommended.

Have you been feeling depressed for a long time, have trouble sleeping and can no longer enjoy life? Then contact your doctor. Discuss your complaints and find a solution together on how you can deal with them better. The family doctor can draw up a treatment plan and can be very helpful to you with or without the help of a practice supervisor or psychologist.