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Major Depression

Major depression is a mental health disorder that can cause mild to severe depressed mood and loss of interest in activities. If you have major depression, it can make it difficult to function in your daily life; however, seeking the support of a therapist or counselor can help you manage your symptoms for long-term wellness.

What Is Major Depression?

Depression can look different for each person, but it typically impacts the way you feel, the way you think, the way you behave, and how you handle daily activities. Moreover, research has shown that major depression results from a chemical imbalance in the brain, so signs of the disorder can happen at almost any age. 

As a complex and far-reaching disorder, major depression includes several different types:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
  • Perinatal depression
  • Postpartum depression 
  • Bipolar depression (BD)
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • Psychotic depression
 

The most common signs of major depression include:

  • Depressed mood
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Difficulty concentrating 
  • Appetite changes
  • Weight changes
  • Changes in sleep patterns

Major Depression Statistics

As one of the most common mental health disorders, major depression profoundly impacts multiple demographics. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), across various age groups, approximately 280 million people are affected by major depression worldwide. While major depression is one of the world’s most common mental health disorders, more than 75% of people in low- and middle-income countries go undiagnosed or untreated. Therefore, barriers to treatment for major depression have a devastating impact on people’s lives as they can lead to worsening symptoms and suicide.

Moreover, research has shown that social, physiological, family history, and gender can play a role in who is more vulnerable to developing major depression. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), women are twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression as men. Research has found that there are numerous factors that contribute to the prevalence of major depression and the barriers to effective treatment. In addition to genetics, certain health issues and life events can also contribute to the development of major depression.

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Some of the co-occurring health issues and life events that can lead to depression include:

Co-occurring Health Risks:

  • Cancer
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes 
  • HIV
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Other mental health disorders
  • Substance use disorder (SUD)

Societal Risks:

  • Job loss
  • Death of a loved one
  • Traumatic events
  • Taking care of an elderly person
  • Caregiver for a person with a disability
  • Pregnancy and giving birth
  • Financial issues
  • Family issues
  • Bullying
  • Being a member of a minority group

What Does Major Depression Feel Like?

There are many symptoms of major depression that overlap with normal but short-lived feelings of emotions like sadness and grief. If you are experiencing these symptoms most of the day, almost every day, and for two weeks or longer, you may have depression. 

Everyone with major depression does not experience all the same symptoms, but many may experience symptoms like:

  • Persistent depressive emotions:
    • Sadness
    • Anxiety
    • Emptiness
    • Hopelessness
    • Helplessness
    • Worthlessness
  • Other negative emotions:
    • Anger
    • Irritability
    • Frustration
  • Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
  • Difficulty concentrating and thinking
  • Struggles with decision making
  • Decreased energy
  • Sleep issues:
    • Sleeping less
    • Oversleeping
  • Changes in appetite and weight
  • Chronic pain:
    • Headaches
    • Chest pain
    • Digestive issues
    • Cramps
    • Other aches and pains
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Attempted suicide

What Makes Our Program Unique?

At Mindfuli, we use evidence-based interventions and exercises to support you on your journey toward long-term wellness. Medication management and therapy are important parts of the treatment of major depression. With our flexible weekly scheduling for video and chat-based sessions, our care counselors and licensed and associate-level therapists can meet your therapeutic needs.

Some of the services we offer to support you in the treatment of your major depression include:

  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Virtual support groups
  • Routine, standardized assessments

To learn more about our evidence-based practices, visit our How It Works page.

Getting Help

If you feel like you are experiencing symptoms of major depression, seeking support can improve your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Major depression can make it difficult to function in your daily life and find joy in your hobbies and activities. Pursuing treatment for major depression can help you feel better and get back to enjoying your life. Mindfuli’s evidence-based practices and flexibility through our virtual services support the development of a care plan designed specifically for you and your needs.

To learn more about how Mindfuli works, visit our FAQ page.

Major depression can make daily life difficult, but with treatment, you can build skills and habits to lead a healthier life. At Mindfuli, our virtual services and evidence-based practices can support you in achieving your goals for lifelong wellness. Call us at 866.714.8913  today to learn more.

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Include the following:

  • Client Name
  • DOB
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