A Comprehensive Guide to Depression: Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment

What is Depression?

The word ‘depression’ means downward. When it comes to interpreting it medically or psychologically, depression refers to a mental disorder. Depression or depressive disorder causes loss of pleasure or interest in activities for a longer period of time.

It is different from what we know as regular mood swings or feeling ‘off’ because depression is a persistent and intense condition that significantly impacts daily life, whereas mood swings are typically temporary, less severe, and often linked to external triggers or stressors. Depression can negatively affect how you feel, think, act, and perceive the world.

Depression Statistics Around the World & India

It has been estimated that around 5% of the world population is depressed, which translates to about 300 million people.
The cases of depression have surged by 60% between 1990 and 2019. There has been growing concern over the rise of depression in India also, especially among teenagers, young adults, and women.
Recent studies show a rising trend of depression among young people in India, with prevalence rates ranging from 31% to 57%.
UNICEF also reports that 1 in 7 individuals aged 15 to 24 in India constantly feels depressed or lacks interest in activities.
This highlights a concerning prevalence of mental health issues in this age group, which could have serious long-term effects on their well-being and overall quality of life.

Causes of Depression & Its Risk Factors

Social media addiction can lead to alteration of the brain’s physiology as it can rewire its functioning.
It occurs in the ‘reward system’ areas like the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, and prefrontal cortex.
When we are engaged in social media or other types of pleasurable activities, these areas release dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good in the way that we have received some kind of reward.
Dopamine is a “feel-good chemical”.
This is just like taking drugs or alcohol, which can cause an intense spike in dopamine levels.
This leads to a strong sense of euphoria and a ‘desire’ to undergo that kind of activity again to stay high.
Without the ‘substance’ (social media in this case), the brain struggles to find balance or pleasure, which causes anxiety, mood swings, and other symptoms.
In this way, people can become social media addicts.
The other common signs of social media addiction include neglecting responsibilities, preoccupation with thoughts about online friends, loss of interest in other activities, and withdrawal symptoms.

Biological Causes

Genetic Factors

It has been estimated that depression is a genetic disorder that runs through generations in a family since genetics play a major role in 40% of cases.
It is interesting to know that although many people may inherit genes that transfer depression genetically, they may never suffer a depressive illness.

Lack of Neurotransmitters or Brain Chemicals

Our brain cells interact with each other through chemical messengers, known as brain chemicals or neurotransmitters, namely dopamine and serotonin.
They are the chemicals that make us feel good, motivated, and enthusiastic in our day-to-day life.

The reduced activity of one or more of these neurotransmitter systems may disturb the brain that regulates its function.

The reduced level of these brain chemicals can inhibit the communication between nerve cells and accounts for depression.

Some of the prime reasons that affect the neurotransmitter system are:

Poor diet
Exposure to toxins such as alcohol
Smoking
Prolonged stress
Lack of enzyme activity that maintains the level of dopamine and serotonin

Hormonal Factors

Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 are particularly vulnerable to depression because their bodies undergo significant physical, emotional, and hormonal changes during this period.

Depending on the age and gender, the levels of different hormones such as thyroid hormone (T3 and T4), estrogens, serotonin, etc., can affect the mood and contribute to episodes of depression.

It is important for parents and teachers to pay close attention to individuals exhibiting symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and lack of motivation.
Providing proper care to teenagers and, if necessary, seeking professional help can significantly reduce the risk of these individuals falling into depression.

Emotional Causes

Loss of loved ones at an early age or physical separation from them for a longer period of time.
Abuse or neglect from people.
Ongoing stress from work, relationships, or financial issues.
Negative self-perception or feelings of worthlessness.
Lack of social support and feelings of loneliness.

Social Causes

Fear of Missing Out or FOMO is the leading cause of depression in Gen Z people. FOMO refers to the anxiety of missing out on exciting or interesting events that provide rewarding experiences and that others might be receiving. It causes social comparison with others, frequent phone use, anxiety, poor sleep patterns, higher stress levels, behavioral changes, etc.

Role of Technology in Causing Depression

From early mornings to late nights, we are constantly surrounded by tech gadgets and applications which are making our life easier in every aspect. However, they are equally responsible for causing mental health issues in people, especially in teens and young adults.

Addiction to Social Media

Social media is one of the major causes of depression in teenagers and young adults (ages 13-25 years) because it creates false expectations, negative self-perception, an attitude of comparing with others, and diminished self-esteem. Heavy use of social media can cause anxiety, lack of focus on studies and work, loneliness, etc.

Increased Screen Time

Using phones and other digital gadgets for a longer period of time in a day (more than 14 hours) is harmful for children and adults. These issues arise because prolonged screen exposure can disrupt the body’s biological systems, particularly by causing sleep disturbances.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Cyberbullying

Gen Z often lacks awareness and caution when using social media accounts and sharing sensitive information online. Even a small loophole can invite serious risks such as cyberbullying, online fraud, and hacking, which may lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Early Warning Signs of Depression

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the common symptoms and signs of depression include:

Lack of motivation in daily life activities for a longer period of time, which often reflects through a person’s behaviour
Sadness and feeling empty
Insomnia
Irritated behaviour
Poor concentration
Hopelessness about the future
Changes in appetite and weight
Suicidal thoughts
Feeling low
Withdrawal from family and friends
Obsessive behaviour towards people and things

Long Term Impact of Depression

Depression is a complex mental health issue that can affect a person’s well-being. Depression can be considered a silent killer due to the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding this mental health issue. If left untreated, it can lead to significant long-term effects on physical and mental health.

Impact on Physical Health

Chronic fatigue, characterised by a persistent feeling of tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
Joint pain, limb pain, back pain, and gastrointestinal problems.
Disrupted sleep patterns leading to insomnia or excessive sleeping.
Weight loss or gain.
Weak immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and illnesses.

Impact on Mental Health

Memory loss
Persistent worry and fear due to unexplained reasons
Increased risk of suicide
Panic disorder
Anxiety disorder
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
PTSD

Self-Assessment for Diagnosing Signs of Depression

Based on standard mental health assessment tools like the WHO’s Depression Screening Guidelines, the PHQ-9, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), we have designed 10 evidence-based depression assessment questions to help you know whether you are experiencing symptoms of depression.

Over the past two weeks, how often have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless?

Never/Rarely/Sometimes/Ofte n/Almost every day

2. Have you lost interest or pleasure in doing things you usually enjoy?
Never/Rarely/Sometimes/Ofte n/Almost every day

3. How often do you feel tired or have little energy, even after rest?
Never/Rarely/Sometimes/Often/Almost every day

4. Have you experienced difficulty concentrating on tasks, such as reading or working?
Never/Rarely/Sometimes/Often/Almost every day

5. How often have you had trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much?
Never/Rarely/Sometimes/Often/Almost every day

6. Have you felt worthless or experienced excessive guilt for no clear reason?
Never/Rarely/Sometimes/Often/Almost every day

7. Have you noticed significant changes in your appetite or weight without trying?
No change/Slight change/Noticeable change/Significant change

8. Have you found yourself moving slower than usual or feeling restless and unable to sit still?
Never/Rarely/Sometimes/Often/Almost every day

9. Have you avoided social interactions or isolated yourself from friends and family?
Never/Rarely/Sometimes/Often/Almost every day

10. Have you experienced thoughts of self-harm or felt that life is not worth living?
Never/Rarely/Sometimes/Often/Almost every day

Scoring Guide

0-10 points: Minimal to no depression
11-20 points: Mild depression – it may be helpful to talk to a professional or seek support.
21-30 points: Moderate depression – seeking professional help is recommended for proper assessment and guidance.
31-40 points: Severe depression – please seek professional help immediately.

Key Takeaways by PMHC

If you are thinking about how to overcome depression, we have provided 10 powerful tips and techniques that, by applying them, can help you develop positive habits, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilled life.

Spend at least 45-60 minutes every day in nature. You can visit your nearest park or garden for brisk walking at a comfortable time. By doing so, blood circulation increases and digestion improves, ultimately benefiting your brain and hormonal system.
Spend time with your loved ones such as family members, friends, and acquaintances, online or offline, depending on your circumstances.
Consider writing or journaling about your feelings and experiences. Penning down your thoughts will help you become aware of your condition and also improve your mental health.
Seek out volunteering services as reaching out to others to serve them can boost your mood and improve your mental health.
Sit every day for 10-15 minutes in silence to practice gratitude for what you have. Feeling obliged and grateful for the things and people you have in your life can make you grounded and more peaceful.
Practicing techniques of mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and physical exercises 4-5 times a week can have a significant effect on the way you feel.
Incorporate healthy food items such as seasonal fruits, green vegetables, and grains in your diet.
Avoid caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and pornography, which can deteriorate your physical and mental health.
Accomplish your tasks by dividing them into small objectives. Reward yourself when you have completed those objectives, as this will keep you motivated and maintain your enthusiasm.
If necessary, consider psychotherapy, which helps you identify the underlying causes and concerns to overcome depression.

FAQs

Can depression be cured?

Yes, depression is treatable and can be fully managed or even resolved by taking a combination of therapy (like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medication (such as antidepressants), and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes significantly.

How long can depression last?

The duration of depression varies depending on its type and severity, which can range from 6 months to 2 years. However, it should be noted that early treatment can significantly reduce the duration of depressive episodes, and ignoring symptoms may lead to chronic disorders.

How does depression affect physical health?

Depression can affect physical health by causing cardiovascular disorders, chronic pain, weight loss or gain, sleep disorders, etc.

Are depression and anxiety the same?

Depression and anxiety are different mental disorders. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities, whereas the symptoms of anxiety are excessive worry, fear, and nervousness.

How to prevent depression in GenZ?

Preventing depression in GenZ can be approached by fostering healthy habits, making them aware of stress management, encouraging mindful consumption of online content, and advocating a balanced diet and regular exercise.