Understanding Depression: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

June 15, 2025

What is Depression? A Brief Overview

Depression is sometimes confused with feelings of sadness or the idea of going through a “rough patch”. However, clinical depression is a mental health condition that impacts the way someone is able to think, feel, and function in their day-to-day life. This can present as feeling hopeless, having a loss of interest in the things that you once enjoyed, struggling to get out of the house, or out of bed.

The DSM-5 defines a major depressive disorder as a combination of symptoms related to concerns with appetite, sleep, loss of energy, feeling worthless, inability to concentrate, and struggling with negative thoughts, including thoughts of death and suicidal ideations. The moods and feelings that are paired with depression include feeling sad, empty, hopeless, and having a lack of pleasure in activities.

When experiencing feelings of depression, everyday tasks can feel extremely overwhelming. It might feel as though the depression is taking over. If it ever feels as if you cannot cope any longer, it is important to remember that there is always help, and that “suicide doesn’t end the chances of life getting worse, it eliminates the possibility of it ever getting any better” -unknown.

Why do People Experience Depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that, as defined/discussed above, goes beyond feeling sad or upset for a short time period. There are multiple variables and factors that influence why someone may struggle with depression. There are biological factors, specifically imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, that influence an individual’s mood and emotional regulation. Biological factors can also include things like genetic predispositions to depression, or hormonal changes that may take place in someone’s life, which is especially true/impactful for women.  

As well as biological factors, there are also multiple psychological and environmental factors that may impact someone struggling with depression. Having repetitive, negative thought patterns can influence someone’s perspective on situations and contribute to the development of depression. Someone is also at increased risk of developing depression if they do not have the coping skills to navigate life’s challenges. Experiencing childhood trauma, dealing with stressful life events, and experiencing chronic stress are all situations that can lead to depression.

As we can see, there are many reasons why someone may experience depression. Whether it is biological factors, a series of stressful events, or general life circumstances causing someone to feel depressed, it is important to remember that it is never the individual’s “fault” for experiencing depression. There are protective factors that can be put into place to help you manage the symptoms of depression, and it is important to take the necessary steps to get the support that you need.  

How to Recognise the Signs and Symptoms of Depression

It is important to note the difference between a temporary dip in your mood and symptoms of depression, such as feelings of hopelessness. When we think of mental illnesses, it is important to consider the holistic implications and impact that depression has. If you think that you are struggling with depression, do a holistic check-in with yourself. This is an opportunity to recognise your emotional symptoms, such as a persistent sense of sadness, feeling irritable and frustrated, losing interest in pleasurable activities, or feeling a sense of worthlessness. Physical symptoms might present as feeling fatigued, having a change in appetite, and experiencing body aches and pain. Cognitively, symptoms of depression can present as issues making decisions, struggling to remember things, withdrawing from people you care about, neglecting personal hygiene, and thoughts of death or suicide.

It is important to note that not all of these symptoms are always present for each person, but if you feel like you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be a good time to get connected with a doctor and discuss your mental health. 

Treatment Options for Depression: What Really Helps?

There are multiple approaches to treating depression that help individuals overcome the symptoms and impacts of depression on their everyday lives. Many of these interventions can be used in combination, and different people may find different interventions to be helpful. It is important to investigate various therapeutic approaches for depression until you find the best fit for you. 

Moving Forward: Living with and Managing Depression

Adding a daily mental health check-in is a great thing to add to your routine. It is critical for everyone to be mindful of their mood and if they are feeling down or struggling mentally. Developing a toolbox of strategies and resources is crucial to help you cope with and work through challenging feelings and experiences. It is also important to take steps to actively maintain positive mental health. Engaging in activities that bring you joy, getting outside into nature, engaging in physical activities, maintaining personal hygiene, and reaching out to friends and supports are all ways to maintain your mental health while living with symptoms of depression.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep up with mental wellness and address feelings of depression early, as it can become more challenging to reach out for the help and the support you need the longer you wait. When positive mental wellness activities are part of your daily routine, you are more likely to be consistent and improve your overall mental health. If you need help navigating difficult feelings or feel like you are struggling with depression, reach out today to see how counselling can help you along your journey.

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