What is Depression?

by Pratika Rai

Depression is more than just a moment of sadness or feeling low—it’s a heavy, ongoing cloud that seems to hover over everything in your life. This feeling can persist for weeks or even months, and it impacts not just your mood but also how you think, act, and interact with others.

At its core, depression is a significant change in how you feel and behave over time. It’s not just about having a bad day or feeling down after a tough experience; depression is a long-term shift in behavior that lasts for about 15 days or more. If a person experiences a noticeable change in their habits—like eating a lot more or much less, sleeping too much or struggling with insomnia, becoming overly happy or very stressed by small things—it could be a sign of depression.

For example, imagine someone who usually enjoys spending time with family but suddenly avoids social gatherings, or someone who becomes very emotional over small setbacks. These sudden shifts in behavior, particularly when they last more than two weeks, could indicate depression.

Symptoms to Watch For

Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone, but some common signs include:

Changes in Appetite: A person may suddenly eat much more or lose interest in food altogether. This could lead to weight changes.

Sleep Disturbances: Sleeping too much or experiencing insomnia (difficulty sleeping) are common signs.

Loss of Interest: Activities that used to bring joy, like spending time with family or pursuing hobbies, may no longer be enjoyable.

Feeling Overwhelmed: Even small challenges might feel unbearable, and the person may become easily frustrated, sad, or anxious.

Changes in Mood: A person may shift between periods of excessive happiness and deep sadness without clear reasons.

Physical Symptoms: Depression can also show up physically, like frequent headaches, back pain, or stomach problems without any clear cause.

Types of Depression

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

When depression is really severe, it can make everyday life feel almost impossible. You don’t feel like doing anything, and the sadness is so strong that it makes it hard to get out of bed, talk to others, or even eat.

Example:
Suman, who lives in Kathmandu, used to love going on trips with his friends. But now, even thinking about seeing his friends makes him tired. He feels disconnected from everything, and even the things he once enjoyed don’t make him happy anymore.

Treatment:

Talking to a Professional: A therapist can help you understand your feelings and teach you ways to think more positively.

Medication: Doctors may give you medicine that can help balance your mood and make you feel more stable.

Taking Care of Yourself: Eating well, getting some exercise, and sleeping enough can help you feel better over time.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

This type of depression doesn’t feel as intense as major depression, but it lasts a long time. You feel low or disconnected from life almost every day, for months or even years.

Example:
Poonam, who lives in a village near Pokhara, has been feeling sad and uninterested in life for a long time. She does everything she’s supposed to do, like working and spending time with family, but nothing makes her feel truly happy.

Treatment:

Therapy: Talking to a therapist regularly can help you feel more understood and teach you ways to cope with sadness.

Support Groups: Being around people who understand can help you feel less alone.

Medication: If needed, medicine can help lift your mood and bring more stability.

Bipolar Disorder

People with bipolar disorder go through extreme changes in mood. One moment, you might feel very happy and full of energy, but the next moment, you might feel deeply sad and drained.

Example:
Rohit from Chitwan gets really excited when he’s planning big events, and he feels like he can do anything. But after the excitement dies down, he feels completely exhausted and sad.

Treatment:

Medication: Doctors can give mood-stabilizing medicine to help control the highs and lows.

Therapy: Talking to a counselor can help you understand how to manage mood changes.

Lifestyle: Keeping a regular routine, getting enough sleep, and staying active can help reduce mood swings.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Some people feel very sad during certain seasons, especially when there’s less sunlight, like during the monsoon in Nepal. This type of depression can make you feel tired, sad, and unmotivated when the weather is gloomy.

Example:
Laxmi, who lives in Dhulikhel, loves the sunshine, but during the monsoon, she feels drained. The rain and clouds make her want to stay in bed all day.

Treatment:

Light Therapy: Sitting in front of a light box or spending time outdoors when the sun comes out can help lift your mood.

Exercise: Even simple walking or stretching can boost your mood.

Therapy: Talking to a counselor can help you understand how the weather affects your feelings.

Postpartum Depression

After having a baby, some mothers feel sad, exhausted, and disconnected, even though they love their child. This is different from the usual tiredness of being a new mom.

Example:
Maya, from a village outside Biratnagar, just had a baby. She loves her child, but she feels sad, overwhelmed, and exhausted. She finds it hard to enjoy spending time with her baby, and she feels like she’s failing as a mother.

Treatment:

Family Support: Having your family help can give you time to rest and recover.

Therapy: Talking to a professional can help you work through your feelings.

Medication: If needed, doctors can provide medicine to help improve your mood.

Atypical Depression

With this type of depression, sometimes you might feel better during special moments, but the sadness always comes back. The good feelings don’t last long.

Example:
Ram from Chitwan feels better when he’s at a wedding or a family gathering. But after the event is over, the sadness comes back, and he feels empty again.

Treatment:

Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you change negative thinking patterns.

Medication: Antidepressants can help keep the good feelings longer.

Routine: Keeping a regular schedule can help manage feelings of sadness.

Psychotic Depression

In severe cases, depression can cause someone to lose touch with reality. People might hear voices or believe things that aren’t true.

Example:
Deepa from Pokhara starts hearing voices telling her she’s worthless and that everyone around her dislikes her. She feels confused and disconnected from the world.

Treatment:

Medication: Doctors may give both antidepressants and antipsychotic medications to help with the depression and the psychotic symptoms.

Hospitalization: In serious cases, staying in the hospital can help keep the person safe and provide intensive care.

Therapy: Once the person feels stable, therapy can help them rebuild their sense of reality.

Situational Depression

This happens when something stressful or painful happens in life, like losing a job or going through a major life change. The sadness comes from the situation, but it can last a long time.

Example:
Rita from Kathmandu lost her job, and now she feels sad and worried all the time. She’s not sure how she’ll take care of her family, and she feels stuck.

Treatment:

Support from Family and Friends: Talking to loved ones can help you feel less alone.

Therapy: A counselor can help you deal with the sadness and find ways to move forward.

Self-care: Doing small things, like staying active or focusing on your goals, can help you manage the stress.

How to Prevent and Treat Depression:

Talk to Someone: If you’re feeling down, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to a friend, family member, or a professional.

Stay Active: Physical activity, even just walking, can help boost your mood.

Sleep Well: Getting enough sleep is important for both your body and mind.

Eat Well: A healthy diet can help your mood stay balanced.

Find Support: Whether it’s from family, friends, or a support group, it helps to talk to others.

Get Professional Help: If the sadness doesn’t go away, a counselor or doctor can help you understand what’s going on and offer treatment.

Conclusion

Depression is a serious but treatable condition that affects people in all walks of life. It’s important to recognize the signs and seek help when needed, whether that’s talking to a professional or confiding in a trusted friend or family member. By breaking the silence around mental health and supporting one another, we can make it easier for people to get the help they need.

Remember, it’s okay to not be okay, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Together, we can make mental health a priority and help those who are struggling feel understood and supported.

What is Depression?