Understanding depression and self-harm: An explainer
Written by Audrey Chen
Depression is one of the most common mood disorders, affecting more than 264 million people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, and can also include feelings of loss, emptiness, and hopelessness. Depression negatively affects how a person feels, and, in more serious cases, can result in physical symptoms. There are two main types of depression: major depressive order, the more severe form, and persistent depressive disorder, the more mild but chronic form, with diagnosis depending on symptoms over the past two weeks for the former and over the past two years for the latter.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Because each person’s experience with depression is different, there are a variety of symptoms and no set checklist that can be followed. The most common symptom is prolonged periods of feeling sad, down, or blue, while people can also feel irritable and restless. There are also changes to one’s behavior, such as lack of energy, slower responses in conversations, difficulty concentrating, drinking, and participating in high-risk activities. People often also suffer from insomnia and lack of appetite, or, conversely, sleeping and eating too much. Finally, in severe cases, people may self-harm, think about death, or even take their own life.
What are the causes of depression?
The causes of depression can be split into a few main categories: life events and personality, genetics, medical background, and environment. Stressful events, such as the loss of a loved one, financial struggles, or divorce, can manifest into depression if left unresolved. People who are more pessimistic and have lower self-esteem are also more susceptible. Additionally, genetics and medical history also have a role. There’s an increased likelihood of developing depression if depression or other mental disorders are found in one’s family history; certain medical conditions like chronic illnesses or vitamin deficiency also increase the likelihood of developing the illness. Finally, environmental factors like exposure to traumatic events, violence, and abuse must also be taken under consideration.
What are some possible treatments for depression?
The two most common treatments for depression are therapy and medication. Speaking with a therapist can help people learn how to cope with their negative thoughts and feelings, as well as how to change their mindset to view things in a more positive manner. Therapy sessions are not limited to just with the individual, but can also involve any significant others, family members, or friends. Medications are commonly used alongside therapy as brain chemistry can play a role in a person’s depression. Antidepressants are used to balance the chemicals in one’s brain by changing levels of hormones like serotonin, improving mood, sleep, and appetite. People can also exercise more as physical activities release endorphins, another type of hormone that also improves mood.
How can I help someone with depression?
Before and while helping someone with depression, it is important for you to make sure that you take care of your own health. It may be difficult seeing someone close to you depressed, and you may feel helpless, hopeless, guilty, and frustrated. Your own mental health should always come first, and it may become overwhelming if you neglect yourself.
First, learn to recognize the signs of depression. Losing interest in life, especially in things you know they like and enjoy, sleeping or eating less or more than they normally do, having a pessimistic attitude, and being frequently sad, tired, or drained are all things to look out for.
You may be tempted to jump into trying to come up with solutions and methods to help cheer someone up or encourage them to seek professional help. However, listening can sometimes be more beneficial than giving advice. Being able to talk about the things going on in their life and how they’re feeling can greatly help someone. It’s alright to be persistent; people suffering from depression are often withdrawn and choose not to tell people how they are truly feeling out of fear that they will be a burden. Express your concern for them and your willingness to help. You can start the conversation by stating your observations and concerns—for example, try saying “I noticed you’ve been acting more down recently. Is everything alright?”
While talking to them, keep in mind that you should always be compassionate and supportive. Don’t say things that appear to invalidate and brush off their feelings, such as “It’s all in your head” or “Everyone goes through tough times and will feel depressed.” Rather, highlight that even though you may not truly be able to understand how they are feeling, you still care and want to help them, that they are important to you, and, most importantly, that they are not alone.
When someone’s case of depression is severe, they may see suicide as the only way out of their suffering. Some warning signs are when someone starts harming themselves, talking about death and dying, and acting in a more self-destructive manner. When a person is suddenly calm or even happy after a long period of depression, this could be a warning sign as well as it may suggest they’ve already made up their mind and feel more at peace with their decision. If you believe someone is suicidal, speak up immediately — talk to them, and reach out for professional help if necessary. It may be uncomfortable for you to bring the topic up, but do not wait and stall. Talking about it, or even just doing small acts of kindness and showing them that someone cares about them, could save their life.
