More Than Just the Blues: What is Depression?

We all feel sad or down from time to time. When is feeling sad a problem? And when should you get help? We sat down with Michael Hann, MD, MBA, chief of medical staff, to learn more about  depression. 

“Depression is a complex mental health condition. It affects how people feel, think, and function from day to day. It goes beyond normal sadness and interferes with your daily life,” shares Dr. Hann. 

“Sadness is a natural emotional response. It tends to be temporary and due to a specific cause, like loss or disappointment. On the other hand, depression is persistent and pervasive. It lasts at least two weeks and impacts multiple aspects of daily living, including your  mood, energy, and cognition,” says Dr. Hann. 

Common symptoms of depression include: 

• Mood changes, like consistent sadness, hopelessness, or  irritability 
• Anhedonia, which is a lack of interest in activities or things that were once enjoyable 
• Cognitive changes, like difficulty with concentration and memory  
• Physical symptoms–your sleep, appetite, and energy levels might increase or  decrease 
• Unexplained aches and pains 

Help for depression 

If depression is impacting your daily life, it’s important to ask for help. “Depression is a treatable condition with the right treatment plan in place,” Dr. Hann emphasizes. “Most people that experience depression can have significant improvement and symptom relief.” 

There are lots of treatment options for depression. “There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. That’s why it’s important to consult with a mental health provider to figure out what’s right for you,” says Dr. Hann. 

Common treatments for depression include: 

Therapy: “Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are evidence-based approaches for depression,” explains Dr.  Hann. A therapist can help you work on reframing negative thoughts and developing coping skills. 

Medication: Antidepressant medications help to rebalance neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. A doctor or  nurse practitioner can help figure out what antidepressant will  work best for you and your body. 

Neuromodulation: In neuromodulation, energy is used to stimulate regions of the brain linked to symptoms of depression. It is often prescribed for people who haven’t found relief from medication or therapy. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are both safe and highly effective forms of neuromodulation. 

At Sheppard Pratt, help and hope for depression are here. Says Dr. Hann, “Early intervention is key, and no one should be afraid to ask for help.”