1.1 Define the term ‘depression’

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Define the term ‘depression’.

Depression is a serious mental health condition that impacts how someone feels, thinks, and behaves. It causes persistent feelings of sadness or low mood, alongside a lack of interest in activities that a person usually enjoys. Depression can range from mild to severe and last weeks, months, or longer.

What is Depression?

Depression is not just about feeling down or having a rough day. Everyone experiences sadness or low moods sometimes due to life’s challenges. Depression is different because of its prolonged and intense impact. It can make it difficult for individuals to carry out everyday tasks, and it often affects work, relationships, and self-care.

Several elements define what depression is, including:

• Low mood that persists over time: In cases of depression, feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness can dominate for weeks or months.
• Loss of interest or pleasure: Individuals with depression often lose interest in hobbies, activities, or socialising, even those they usually love.
• Physical symptoms: Changes to sleep patterns, appetite, or energy levels often accompany depression. Some may feel constantly tired, while others might struggle to sleep at all.
• Negative thoughts: Depression can lead to feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or despair. In severe cases, individuals may think about death or self-harm.

Defining depression involves understanding these signs and how they disrupt daily life for someone experiencing them.

Mood Disorders and Depression

Depression falls under a broader group of mental health conditions called mood disorders. Mood disorders involve changes in mood that go beyond typical emotional responses to life events. For example, bipolar disorder is another mood disorder, but it’s different because it includes periods of both depression and mania (high energy and activity). Depression only features low moods without those high periods.

The Difference Between Sadness and Depression

It’s important to understand that sadness is a temporary feeling, while depression is a long-term condition. Sadness usually has a clear cause, such as a loss, disappointment, or argument, and it fades with time. Depression can develop with or without a specific trigger and doesn’t go away on its own. For some people, depression feels like a constant weight they can’t escape.

Types of Depression

Depression isn’t the same for everyone. It’s a complex condition with several types. Understanding the types can help support workers recognise signs more effectively.

1. Major depressive disorder (MDD)
   This is one of the most common forms of depression. It involves symptoms that last for at least two weeks, significantly affecting daily life.
2. Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
   Also called dysthymia, this is a form of long-term depression. Symptoms are generally less severe than with MDD but last for at least two years.
3. Postnatal depression (PND)
   This occurs after someone has a baby. PND goes beyond the common “baby blues” and involves deeper sadness, anxiety, or challenges bonding with the baby.
4. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
   This form of depression typically happens during the darker, colder months – usually autumn and winter. Less sunlight during this time affects mood for some people.
5. Psychotic depression
   Severe depression may be accompanied by psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) or delusions (holding false beliefs).

Causes of Depression

Depression doesn’t have a single cause. It’s usually the result of a mixture of biological, psychological, and social factors. Support workers should know about these areas to have a broader understanding of the condition.

Biological causes:

• Chemical imbalances in the brain: Some people with depression may have lower levels of mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin.
• Genetics: Depression can run in families, meaning someone might be more likely to develop it if relatives have experienced it.

Psychological causes:

• Long periods of stress, trauma, or abuse can increase the risk of depression.
• Low self-esteem or a negative self-image may make someone more vulnerable.

Social causes:

• Isolation or lack of relationships can contribute to depression.
• Life changes such as bereavement, losing a job, or financial struggles may lead to symptoms.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression has emotional, cognitive (thinking-related), and physical symptoms. Recognising these signs lets you offer better support to those who may be struggling.

Emotional symptoms include:

• Constant sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
• Tearfulness or frequent crying
• Irritability or frustration, even over minor issues

Cognitive symptoms include:

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Negative thoughts about oneself or the future
• Suicidal thoughts or feelings

Physical symptoms include:

• Low energy or fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
• Changes in appetite – either eating too much or too little
• Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or oversleeping

Impact of Depression

Depression affects all areas of life. It can impact relationships, work or schooling, and physical health. Support workers should understand the seriousness of these impacts to respond appropriately.

• Social impact: Depression often disconnects people from their family and friends. They may not return calls, fail to meet up, or withdraw entirely.
• Work-related impact: Someone with untreated depression may struggle to concentrate or complete tasks, leading to absenteeism or job loss.
• Physical health: Depression increases the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart conditions and diabetes, because it interferes with healthy behaviours such as exercising and eating well.

Diagnosing Depression

Only a qualified professional, such as a GP, counsellor, or psychiatrist, can diagnose depression. They typically use interviews, patient histories, and questionnaires to assess symptoms.

The criteria often focus on whether symptoms occur daily or most of the day for at least two weeks. Emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms are all reviewed.

Treatment and Support

Depression often requires treatment or intervention. Treatments vary depending on the severity of symptoms but typically involve:

1. Therapy: Talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) help individuals challenge negative thought patterns.
2. Medication: Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed alongside therapy. Medications boost chemicals in the brain that regulate mood.
3. Lifestyle changes: Encouraging physical activity, maintaining regular sleep, and eating a well-balanced diet can help.

How Support Workers Can Help

For an individual experiencing depression, a support worker can provide invaluable assistance by:

• Listening without judgement: Offering a safe space to express feelings can make a difference.
• Encouraging routine: Support individuals to create achievable daily goals like taking a short walk or preparing meals.
• Providing reassurance: Remind them it’s okay to seek professional help and that treatments often improve symptoms.
• Recognising emergencies: If someone mentions self-harm or suicide, alert the appropriate services immediately for help.

Seek training and adhere to organisational policies when dealing with mental health needs.

Final Thoughts

Depression is a complex mental health condition that isn’t simply “feeling sad”. Its impact on an individual’s life is significant, interfering with emotions, thoughts, and physical health. By understanding the definitions and features of depression, support workers play a key role in identifying potential signs and encouraging a person to seek help or support. Each small step can make a difference to someone living with depression.