What is depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It goes beyond normal feelings of sadness and can significantly impact a person’s daily life.
Who is affected by depression?
Depression can affect individuals of any age or gender. However, some risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing depression such as family history (e.g., having a family member with depression), personal history (e.g., past episodes of depression or other mental health disorders increase one’s susceptibility), childhood trauma (e.g., experiencing neglect, abuse, or significant adversity during childhood can make one susceptible to depression later on in life), or chronic illness or pain (e.g., dealing with medical issues such as cancer or diabetes or experiencing persistent pain can contribute to the development of depression).
What are some case examples of someone who suffers from depression?
Case Study 1: Mild Depression
Mira is a 28-year-old woman who has been feeling down and lacking motivation for the past few weeks. She experiences occasional tearfulness and has lost interest in activities she usually enjoys. Mira’s symptoms do not significantly impair her functioning, but she notices a general decrease in her energy levels and struggles to find pleasure in daily life.
Case Study 2: Moderate Depression
Elijah is a 45-year-old man who has been experiencing persistent feelings of sadness and low self-esteem for several months. He has difficulty concentrating, faces sleep disturbances, and has lost interest in activities he once enjoyed. Elijah struggles to maintain his usual level of productivity at work, and his relationships are strained due to his withdrawn behaviour.
Case Study 3: Severe Depression
Frankie is a 28-year-old transgender woman who has been experiencing profound sadness, emptiness, and despair for an extended period. She has lost her appetite, experiences disrupted sleep or excessive sleep and has difficulty concentrating. She has felt that her assigned gender at birth did not align with her true identity. Her journey of self-discovery and acceptance has been challenging, filled with societal stigma, discrimination, and family rejection. Frankie often feels hopeless about the future and has recurrent thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Her depression severely affects her ability to function in daily life, and she requires immediate professional intervention and support.
Please note that names have been changed to protect anonymity.
At IH Psychotherapy, our compassionate and holistic approach to treating depression is rooted in empathy, understanding, and non-judgmental support. We are committed to supporting our clients on their journey towards greater emotional well-being, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose and joy in life.