Major depressive disorder is also called clinical depression or major depression. It is not the same thing is feeling, “down” or “blue,” nor is it the same type of sadness that someone experiences when faced with grieving a loss. Depression has been described in different ways by those who have experienced it, but one theme that comes up over and over is the lack of interest in and enjoyment of life that comes with this mental health disorder.

Symptoms Of Depression

According to the DSM-5(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), a major depressive episode is when the following criteria have been met:

Five or more of these symptoms have been present for two weeks and represent a change from a person’s previous functioning. At least one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.

• Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day. Children or adolescents may appear irritable instead of sad or low
• Lowered degree of interest or pleasure in almost all, or all activities most of the day, nearly each day
• Increased or decreased appetite, or significant weight loss without dieting, or weight gain
• Difficulty sleeping or wanting to sleep more than usual
• Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness almost every day
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating, having trouble making decisions
• Feeling either agitated or as though things are slowed down nearly every day
• Frequent thoughts of death, thoughts of suicide without a specific plan, a suicide attempt or a specific plan for taking one’s own life

Who Is At Risk For Developing Major Depressive Disorder?

Clinical depression can affect people of any age. Women tend to be diagnosed more often than men but many people who are depressed are not diagnosed simply because they do not seek treatment. Researchers have identified factors that increase the likelihood that a person is at higher risk for developing an episode of major depression.

• Low self-esteem and being self-critical or pessimistic
• Depression that started as a teen or young child
• Family history of blood relatives who had depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism or suicide
• History of anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or borderline personality disorder
• Serious or chronic illness, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or being in chronic pain
• Addiction to drugs or alcohol

Major Depressive Disorder And Substance Abuse

Alcoholism can produce symptoms of depression as the disease develops. The longer a person continues to drink, the worse the symptoms will become.

Someone who is already feeling depressed may start to use drugs as a way to try to self-medicate. They may not know or realize that depression can be treated.

Outpatient Mental Health Services

We here at New Beginnings Recovery Center provide personalized outpatient mental health services to clients living with a mental health issue and an addiction. We are here for you!

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