What is Major Depressive Disorder?

Do you think two people suffering from depression experience the same things and behave the same way? Well, no. Mental conditions like depression are not as descriptive as physical discomforts and injuries. Depression differs in its severity; for instance, Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, is a severe form of depression. Also known as clinical depression, it can significantly affect a person’s personal and professional life. It occurs in episodes, and there’s no quick-fix solution for its cure. Read on to understand it better. 

If you feel low or depressed, lose interest in everyday activities and relationships, have low energy, etc., most days for at least two weeks, then it is a case of major depressive disorder.

Symptoms

Symptoms of major depression, which occur almost every day, include:

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or emptiness

• Feeling irritable, frustrated, or displaying angry outbursts even for trivial issues

• Loss of interest in normal activities

• Having difficulty with sleep, either lack of it or sleeping too much

• Fatigue and low energy level

• Changes in appetite and weight

• Feeling agitated, restless, or anxious

• Trouble concentrating, thinking, remembering things, or in decision making

• Recurring suicidal thoughts

How you develop MDD is not known, but several factors can raise your risk of developing this disorder. The cause can be a combination of genes, hormonal imbalance, stress, abuse during childhood, alcohol or drug use, medications like steroids, certain medical conditions like cancer or hypothyroidism, etc.

Treatment

Medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications can help improve symptoms of MDD. Don’t stop your medications without consulting your doctor, as stopping medicines abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Psychotherapy or talk therapy involves talking your heart out with your doctor regularly regarding your condition and related issues. Similarly, lifestyle changes such as consuming a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, proper sleep, and avoiding alcohol consumption and processed foods can help ease the symptoms.