Depression doesn’t discriminate.
One of the most common mental health disorders, depression affects more than 200 million people worldwide, more commonly affecting women than men. Symptoms can range from temporary mood changes to ongoing difficulties in all aspects of life. It’s at this point, when depression is interfering with home, social, and professional life, that a person may be experiencing depressive episodes.
What is a depressive episode?
Depression is a common mental health condition. In fact, many people, no matter their race, sex, age, or circumstances, will experience depression at least once in their lives, so it’s important to know when feelings of depression turn into an episode that may be cause for concern.
A depressive episode is when a person experiences persistent symptoms of depression that last two weeks and up to six months or more. Throughout the episode, they may experience typical and more severe depression signs, such as depressed moods, fatigue, and/or feelings of hopelessness.
What causes a depressive episode?
There is often no singular or easily identified cause of depression. Causes may be linked back to a medication reaction or to more complex psychiatric issues. Below are potential factors that can increase the likelihood of a depressive episode:
- Personal or family history of depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Mood disorders, such as bipolar depression
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Grief
- Trauma and PTSD
- ADHD
- Reaction to medication
- Chronic health issues
- Substance abuse
Types of Depressive Episodes
A depressive episode may be categorized as major or minor, depending on the symptoms and impairment experienced during that timeframe. The episode might be singular, meaning a one and only experience; or recurrent, meaning two or more episodes. Once identified during treatment, a depressive episode may also be referred to or classified as:
- Mild Depression
- Major Depression/Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Clinical or Chronic Depression
- Dysthymic Disorder
- Persistent Depressive Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Postpartum Depression
Signs of a Depressive Episode
Symptoms of depressive episodes are more severe than the usual signs of depression. Episodes are more than just mood fluctuations or feeling down, and can last for days or weeks. While symptoms can vary according to a person’s age and sex, they may include:
- Feeling worthless or hopeless
- Fatigue, sluggishness, or lack of energy
- Insomnia or restlessness
- Changes in weight (loss or gain)
- Changes in appetite
- Poor concentration
- Memory issues
- Feeling extreme guilt
- Agitation or irritability
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Unexplained pain, headaches, or stomachaches
- Thoughts of death or suicide
When to Ask for Help
Prompt treatment is imperative for diagnosing and relieving symptoms of a depressive episode, as well as reducing the risk of further or more severe episodes in the future. Your mental health professional will begin by reviewing your symptoms and ruling out other potential medical causes, before putting together a treatment plan best suited to your specific needs.
At Mindful Health Solutions, we want you to know that you are not alone. We understand getting help can be a scary process, and are here to help you navigate insurance questions, find quality health care providers, and recommend innovative therapies such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), SPRAVATO (Esketamine), and Ketamine IV Therapy (KIT). Together, we will get you back on the path to optimal health.
