Depression and Mental Health - types, causes, symptoms, and a personal outlook
- medyouthalliance
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
Written by: Monica Walters
Introduction:
Happy Halloween, everyone. It’s finally the season of the chills - ghosts, vampires… and misconceptions? Personally, I’m not superstitious. But there’s nothing scarier than how misunderstood some mental health conditions still are today. Hence, in light of the recent World Mental Health Day (10 October), I would like to talk about Depressive Disorder (depression), one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide. Approximately 332 million people in the world have depression, which is about 4% of the population (statistics from World Health Organization (WHO), 29 August 2025). This article will be looking into the causes, symptoms, and treatments. For this month's theme, I will also be going into some personal insights on caring for your mental health, as well as how to be there for others who are going through a difficult time, whatever that may be.
“What do you mean by ‘depression’?”
First of all, it’s important to understand the terminology:
Depressive Disorder is a category of mental health disorders, which includes, but is not limited to :
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)- the most well known form of depression
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) or Dysthymia
Major Depressive Disorder with seasonal pattern, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (a type of MDD)
Depression is a colloquial term which is often used to refer to depressive disorders in general.
MDD Diagnosis:
While it is normal to feel down sometimes, depression is when this goes on for an extended period of time, or affects daily life. For example, being no longer able to go out with family or friends, or being unable to undertake tasks that used to come easily, like going to work or enjoying a book.
Depression can be invisible, much like many other mental health conditions, so diagnosing it, while just as important, may be different from diagnosing other conditions, like, say, a broken leg. Thus, diagnosis is often aided by tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (a questionnaire used to help clinicians treat depression) or the Geriatric Depression Scale.
Usually, for the diagnosis of MDD, the following is required:
Having 5 of 9 symptoms, at least one of these including anhedonia (loss of pleasure, or depressed mood) for at least 2 weeks, nearly every day. A mnemonic, SIGECAPS, is used to memorise these:
S: sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
I: Interest loss - loss of interest in things one used to enjoy (anhedonia)
G: Guilt or feelings of worthlessness
E: Energy loss
C: Concentration ability loss
A: Appetite changes (loss of appetite) or weight changes
P: Psychomotor agitation or retardation (changes in activity)
S: suicidal thoughts
Causes:
Research has shown that several factors contribute to the development of depression. There is no single cause. Multiple different causes combined may also be a trigger for depression, and depression can develop at any point in a persons life, affecting people of all ages.
Causes may include:
stressful life events - for example, the death of a loved one, trauma, divorce, bullying, or isolation.
Illness - some illnesses can increase the risk of developing depression, for example, coronary heart disease, and other conditions that cause chronic pain
Alcohol
Medication - some medications have depression as a side effect
Genetics - genetics play a role in the development of depression. In fact, recent studies have discovered several genetic variants that each have a small effect on the risk of developing depression. Inheriting multiple of these variants may increase the risk of developing depression.
However, some people with depression can feel symptoms without an obvious cause or trigger, and it is important to recognise that that doesn’t make these feelings any less valid. ‘Not knowing why’ doesn’t mean the feeling doesn’t matter, and it doesn’t mean that you can’t be there to support someone who’s struggling.
Treatments:
Talking therapy, such as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), which teaches methods of overcoming negative thoughts to help change the way a person thinks, feels, or behaves in the present, or IPT, (Interpersonal Therapy), which focuses on a persons relationships and social experiences.
Antidepressants
Combination therapy - a combination of antidepressants and CBT, which is usually more effective than one of the two by itself
Depression in young adults:
While it can occur at any age, depression is most common in young adults. A prevalent issue I’ve noticed is the lack of confidential support offered to young people struggling with mental health, so I’d like to take a quick moment to talk about this.
There are many possible reasons for the increased rates of depression in young people. It may be due to the hormonal changes experienced during this time, increased academic stress, social pressures, or social media. While parents or guardians can be a great support, reaching out can be difficult, depending on the family relationship. Sometimes, the trigger of depression in young people can be problems at home, such as turmoil in the family relationship.
There are some situations where young people aren’t comfortable, or are not safe reaching out to parents or guardians. I’ve seen with my own eyes how difficult it can be in this sort of circumstance. Yes, you may be young, but your mental health is yours, and you’re entitled to privacy. These situations where professional help is a want and/or a need but you’re not safe getting parents involved, or don’t want to get them involved (which is totally understandable), can be difficult. Doctors appointments may require a caregiver to join, school counselling may not provide complete disclosure, therapy may require a parent or guardian to sign off. It can feel isolating, and hopeless.
To young people who are struggling and feel that help is out of reach, know that you’re not alone, and there’s always someone out there. It can be scary, but hotlines are an option (listed down below - texting can be easier, so there is an available texting hotline listed as well). Some NHS services allow young people above the age of 16 to refer themselves without the need for parental consent, so for confidential professional help, talking to your GP could be something to consider. Depending on the school, counselling services may also provide full confidentiality. However, it is important to note that these are dependent on the safety of the young person. If a young person is at risk of harm to themselves or others, in most circumstances, parents or guardians may need to get involved.
It’s getting colder - literally, and metaphorically
There are many different subtypes of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), one of which is Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD.
Especially with the colder months coming up, this is an important topic to discuss when it comes to MDD.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs in a seasonal pattern. For most people with SAD, symptoms worsen in the winter, but, while it is more uncommon, the symptoms may also be experienced in the summer, while improving in the winter. The symptoms are similar to that of MDD, the difference being that they are experienced seasonally.
Causes:
While the causes are not yet fully understood, the main theory is that this is caused by lack of sunlight during the shorter days of autumn and winter (However, this does not explain the cause of SAD in those who experience worsening symptoms in the summer). The lack of sunlight inhibits the hypothalamus from working properly, which affects the production of Melatonin ( a hormone that makes you sleepy), and Serotonin (a hormone that affects mood, appetite, and sleep).
Treatments:
Light therapy - a special lamp called a light box used to simulate exposure to sunlight, which can increase production of serotonin and less melatonin.
Talking therapy, such as CBT
Prescribed antidepressants medicine, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Caring for your mental health and offering support - a personal outlook:
A lot of the things in this article about depression have been quite clinical, because of course, depression is a serious medical condition. However, as someone who has struggled with mental health in the past and with experience in psychological first aid training, mental health is something that really strikes a cord with me. That’s why I would like to give a few personal insights about the importance of taking care of your mental health, as well as being there for others going through challenging times. (NOTE: this is a personal overview and should not be taken as professional advice)
Your mental health:
“There’s always a silver lining”, “I mean, it could be worse..” - sometimes, watered down cliches or motivational Instagram posts just aren’t enough to turn things around. And that’s okay. For anyone struggling with their mental health, or is ever going through a difficult time in their life, here are some things that it might help to know -
Many resources often say that exercise, eating healthy, and enjoying nature can help with mood. It’s undeniable that this is great advice, but the important thing is what works for you, because self care isn’t a one size fits all kind of thing. It takes time, and being unable to find what works doesn’t mean you’re not “trying hard enough”, because what’s right for you might not be the same as what’s right for someone else. Your mental health is yours.
The truth is, sometimes things don’t improve right away, and mental health isn’t something to be rushed or forced. Some things take time and sometimes you just have to sit in that feeling for a while, even though it doesn’t feel great. What really helps is having someone to sit there with, and that’s why it’s completely valid, and important to reach out even if help may not “fix” things. You shouldn’t feel guilty if you seek help and nothing changes, because when you reach out, they’re helping you for you, you don’t owe them anything.
Theres a stigma surrounding reaching out for help, that it’s ‘all for attention’ - this leads to self stigma, and people invalidating their own feelings, which can prevent them from asking for help at all from the start. Mental health is serious, and asking for support isn't a ‘grab for attention’. People aren’t called out for being attention seeking when they visit their doctor with the flu - so why should they be when they reach out for help with their mental health? The mind is part of the body. You don’t need to be apologetic for reaching out.
Just because someone else is also going through a difficult time, or other people in a similar situation are “fine” doesn’t mean you have to be okay. It doesn’t mean your feelings are any less valid, and it doesn’t make you ‘weak’ for reaching out. Everyone has their own way of coping, and their own way of responding to experiences.
The final point is simple:
You’re allowed to not be okay. You’re allowed to not be smiling.
Supporting the people you care for:
Offering help:
How would you usually reach out when you notice that someone you care about is struggling? Would you attempt to reach out at all? Knowing what to say can be difficult, but trying to offer help is the first step. Asking “Are you okay?” is often the go-to, but this yes-or-no question can actually make people feel cornered. When asking that question, would you really expect someone who’s struggling to answer “No”? Usually, the expected response is yes, and this prevents others from actually getting to express how they feel. Instead, open ended questions can be much more helpful. For example, “Hey, how are you?”, “How’s everything going?”, “How are you feeling about such and such?”. This can give the other person the space to express how they’re feeling without the pressure to respond positively. The most important thing is not to pry. Letting someone else know that you’re there to support them is helpful, but it’s important to understand that not all people cope through sharing with others. Some people cope better by focusing on themselves, and dealing with things in their own way, and it is important to respect this. Sometimes, showing support means giving someone space.
Empathy:
When supporting others, practicing empathy can make a huge difference. However, it is important to know the difference between empathy, and sympathy as this is something that is often misunderstood. Empathy means ‘I feel you’, sympathy means ‘I see you’. Sympathy is acknowledging that someone is going through something difficult, “I’m sorry you’re going through that.”, and empathy is understanding how they feel, and stepping into someone else’s shoes. You might not always know exactly what someone is going through, but practicing empathy isn't always understanding exactly how someone else is feeling - false empathy is never helpful. Sometimes, it can just be the act of trying to understand the situation that makes others feel like they’re not alone, and that they're supported. This means listening with an open mind and respect, without invalidating someone else’s feelings. Sometimes, just someone to listen can make a difference. You don’t always need to offer solutions, or try to ‘fix’ the situation for the other person. The person you’re supporting might not end up feeling ‘better’ - you shouldn’t expect that from them, or yourself. The important thing is to let them know that they're not alone.
Conclusion:
All in all, depression is a serious mental health condition that can come in many different forms. It can be present in the form of different types of symptoms, that can vary from person to person. The thing to remember is that these feelings are valid, and help is out there. Mental health is complex, and unique to each and every person - in terms of how it can be cared for, how experiences have shaped it, and how it can be affected by new experiences. Patience and understanding, for yourself and for others, is the key.
If you are struggling with mental health and need extra support, there’s always someone you can talk to:
The Samaritans, who you can talk to about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult. You can call free on 116 123.
Shout offers confidential 24/7 crisis text support when you need immediate help. Text “SHOUT” to 85258
Sources:
https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/communities-and-social-justice/help-cost-living/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health-support#:~:text=Samaritans is a confidential support,Call 116 123 for free.
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