What is Clinical Depression and Who Does It Affect?
If you didn’t already know it, the past couple of years has made it clear that tough times happen. No one is immune from loss, sadness, grief, or stress. When such crises occur, you may accurately declare that you “feel depressed.” As painful as such a scenario can be, it is not the same as dealing with Clinical Depression.
Clinical Depression is a disease — a diagnosable mental health disorder. It comes in several variations but they all fall under the umbrella of “clinical” or “major” depression. Such conditions require professional intervention and fortunately, many effective treatments currently exist.
Clinical Depression: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Types
Of course, Clinical Depression is most often characterized by sadness that can transform into despair and hopelessness. Other common signs include but are not limited to:
Losing interest in activities that once gave you pleasure (including sex)
Restlessness and anxiety
Disproportionate anger toward small issues
Sleep disturbances
Digestive problems
Appetite changes (eating much more or much less)
General fatigue
Inability to concentrate or make decisions
Unexplained muscle aches and/or headaches
Feeling worthless
Thoughts of death, dying, or suicide
Suicide attempts
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the presence of at least five of the above symptoms for at least two weeks is enough to diagnose Clinical Depression.
Who Does Clinical Depression Affect?
Clinical Depression does not discriminate. People of any age, race, gender, religion, or ethnicity can be impacted. That said, some statistical trends exist, e.g. Anywhere from 2 to 5 percent of men will endure at least one major depressive episode. For women, that number ranges as high as 10 percent. Again, these numbers can be skewed because men will more often not seek help.
To follow are the percentages of adults — by age — who have experienced symptoms of Clinical Depression:
30 to 44 years old: 16.8 percent
65 and over: 18.4 percent
45 to 64: 18.4 percent
18 to 29: 21 percent
What’s most important to remember is that Clinical Depression can impact anyone. It’s not about how happy or successful you are.
Causes and Risk Factors
Experiencing a traumatic event, e.g. physical, emotional, and sexual abuse
Low self-esteem
Being pessimistic in general
Substance abuse
Being female (although this could be because are more likely to seek help)
Certain medications
A lot of conflict and strife in your life
Being considered a “minority” in terms of race, sexual preference, disability, etc.
Dealing with another mental or physical illness
Family history of Clinical Depression or other mental illnesses
What to Do If You Fear You Have Clinical Depression
For starters, monitor your symptoms. Check the list above and remember, having any five of them for at least two weeks warrants a visit to a health professional. In the meantime, some self-help steps can be quite useful:
Add some structure to your life (routines, goal-setting, etc.)
Stay physically active
Maintain healthy eating habits (avoid alcohol and other such substances)
Stick to regular sleep patterns
Challenge yourself to try new activities
Talk back to your negative inner voice
Literally, schedule fun time each day
Self-help is a critical component in addressing Clinical Depression but it will not be enough. You’ll need input and support from a mental health practitioner.
Let’s Connect For a Free and Confidential Consultation
Clinical Depression must never be taken lightly. If you feel concerned about your mood, it’s best to rule out any disorders. A qualified therapist is ideally positioned to offer such input. That’s why I am inviting you to reach out and make contact. Let’s talk soon about what you’re feeling and work together to safeguard your mental and physical well-being. Meeting regularly with a therapist for depression therapy is a proven path toward emotional balance.
