What is Depression? Expert Insights

Depression is more than just feeling sad; it's a persistent and pervasive mental health condition that can significantly impact one's daily life. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2021 21.0 million adults and 5.0 million adolescents in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode. About 39.0% of these adults and 59.4% of these adolescents did not receive any treatment.1

Dr. Graham Taylor is a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience, and he is the chief learning officer at Triad and founder of the Taylor Study Method, a part of Triad's EPPP preparation programs. We're excited to share valuable information and tips he discussed about depression, its signs, symptoms, and treatment options in this comprehensive blog post.

Recognizing Symptoms of Depression

Dr. Graham Taylor explains that depression can be subtle, developing over time and often going unrecognized. It can be easy to normalize the feelings, thinking that they are just part of who we are.

Symptoms can include:

• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities formerly enjoyed
• Tearfulness and frequent bouts of crying
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Changes in sleep patterns (either too much or too little)
• Anxiety and irritability
• Significant weight changes or changes in appetite
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness²

Differentiating Grief and Depression

It's common to confuse grief with depression as they share similar symptoms. However, they have distinct differences. Grief typically centers around the experience of a loss and symptoms tend to lessen over time. People experiencing grief often feel better when supported by others. In contrast, depression is persistent and pervasive, does not improve with time, and can worsen if left untreated.

What Causes Depression?

Depression doesn't have a singular cause and can affect anyone at any stage of their life. Many factors can impact this mental health condition. Dr. Taylor highlights several possible underlying causes:

• Genetic factors
• Medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or heart disease.
• Significant losses, traumas, or adverse experiences in childhood.
• Environmental factors, including ongoing stress or unhealthy relationships.³

Treating Depression

The most encouraging news is that depression is treatable. There are several effective treatments available that can help individuals manage and overcome their symptoms:

1. Therapy: Often referred to as "talk therapy," this can help patients understand and manage their depression without shame or judgment. Therapy can address losses, traumas, thinking errors, and faulty beliefs that impair one’s view of themselves and the world.

2. Medication: Antidepressant medications including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs, and Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, or SNRIs can help relieve depression symptoms. These medications are not habit-forming and can be particularly effective when combined with therapy.

Taking the First Step

If you think you may be experiencing depression, the first step is to talk about it. You don't have to have all the answers. Simply reaching out to a trusted doctor or a supportive person and expressing that you are not feeling well can start the conversation.

Remember, depression doesn't define you. It's a condition that affects you, one that you can treat and overcome with the help of professionals. Depression is highly treatable, and with the right support, you can work through it and lead a fulfilling life.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Taylor emphasizes that the key takeaway is that depression is a common but treatable illness. By naming and identifying it, individuals can receive effective treatment and work towards recovery. There are skilled professionals ready to help you work through these challenging times.

For more insights, you can hear from Dr. Graham Taylor on his podcast, "Behavioral Health Today," which covers trending topics in mental health. For mental health providers, check out Triad, a professional network for mental health professionals offering community, and career resources.

Sources:

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP22-07-01-005, NSDUH Series H-57). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-annual-national-report
2. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, March). Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression