Important Facts About Depressive Disorders

Education about depressive disorders is important to allow people living with these people to understand that it may be time to get help. Depression education is also important to break the myths associated with these mental health issues so that people living with them are no longer stigmatized and fear getting the help they need. It’s time that more people understand the impact of depression, recognize these mental health issues as the diseases they are, and support our loved ones who may be living with depression by learning more about depressive disorders.

Some Statistics About Depressive Disorders

Learning about depressive statistics can help those who are living with depressive disorders understand that they are not alone. And, that treatment is effective in helping to relieve symptoms and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, learning about depression statistics can help break myths that can develop harmful stigmas about people with depressive disorders. Some statistics about depressive disorders include:

  • According to research by the National Institute of Mental Health, over 20 million adults have had depressive episodes during their lifetime.
  • Research from the CDC states that over 15 million physician office visits were due to depression
  • The CDC also states that over 48 thousand people have committed suicide due to depression

Types of Depressive Disorders

Depression is the general term for episodes of depressive disorder symptoms in people who are living with depressive disorders. There are a number of different types of depressive disorders including:

Major Depressive Disorder: This is the type of depressive disorder most people think of when they think of depression. It is characterized by experiencing depressive episodes that last more than two weeks at a time. And, symptoms that impair daily functioning and mental well-being.

Seasonal Affective Disorder: This type of depression is characterized by experiencing episodes of depression during certain times of the year. For the majority of people diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, episodes of depression are experienced during the winter months.

Bipolar Depression: This type of depressive disorder is characterized by two kinds of episodes: manic episodes and depressive episodes. Depressive episodes must last longer than two weeks. Manic episodes include symptoms of insomnia, creativity, euphoria, energy, and distraction.

Postpartum Depression: This type of depressive disorder is experienced by women who have recently given birth. While symptoms typically don’t last for more than a year, they can be very debilitating to daily life.

There are Different Types of Help for Depression

Treating depression is possible and people living with depressive disorders can take hope in finding solutions to managing debilitating symptoms. Some types of treatment approaches to help treat depression can include:

Psychotherapy: Counseling is effective in providing individuals diagnosed with depression with coping skills to manage symptoms. Types of therapy that are helpful to people living with depression include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

TMS: TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a neuroscience application that uses a device that sends magnetic pulses into the brain. This allows for the stimulation of neurons in the brain that are responsible for sending mood-altering neurotransmitters that can help to manage symptoms of depression.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy: Like TMS, low doses of ketamine that are administered through an IV can help to stimulate areas of the brain responsible for the signaling of mood-managing neurotransmitters.