Is depression normal? This is a tricky question to answer, because the answer is both yes and no. In terms of the brain and biology, it is not exactly normal. However, depression is a common disorder found in people all over the world. The World Health Organization estimates that 3.8% of the global population lives with depression, including 5% among adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60. It is believed that approximately 280 million people of all ages struggle with depression.  

What to Know About Depression 

Depression is different from the occasional bout of sadness. The National Institute of Mental Health describes depression, major depressive disorder, and clinical depression as serious mood disorders that cause severe symptoms that affect how people think and feel. Depression symptoms must also be present for at least two weeks to be diagnosed. It can be challenging and overwhelming, as it often robs people of the joy of life. Depression can seep into all parts of a person’s life and affect them at work, in school, or in their family life. It can also lead to physical health problems and drive a person to suicide at its most severe point. Unfortunately, over 700,000 people die by suicide every year. 

Also, women are affected more by depression than men. However, this could be due to men underreporting and not seeking help for various reasons. Thankfully, there are known effective treatments for mild, moderate, and even severe depression. However, people may face barriers to accessing mental health care, such as lack of resources, lack of mental health care providers, and social stigma that still surrounds the topic. 

The Different Forms of Depression 

Depression is classified into several different types. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is the standard used to classify mental disorders. The DSM-5 breaks down the definition of depression and the different types to help professionals improve diagnosis, treatment, and research. It is important to recognize that they all have common symptoms, but there are also some definitive differences. 

• Peripartum Depression: Also known as postpartum depression, peripartum depression is a more severe form of depression that occurs during pregnancy or after a new mother has given birth. This is not just the “baby blues”. Rather, it is a mild form of depression that usually goes away within about fourteen days after delivery. Peripartum depression is generally characterized by feelings of extreme sadness, fatigue, withdrawal from family and friends, loss of interest in the baby, or even thoughts of harming the baby. Peripartum depression needs to be addressed and treated by a doctor. 
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Also known as seasonal depression, SAD is the onset of depression during the winter when the Earth is furthest away from the Sun and receives the least amount of sunlight in the year. Symptoms, such as social withdrawal, weight gain, and increased sleep, last for about four to five months. They also usually start around late fall and continue until the beginning of Spring. Seasonal affective disorder is cyclical and occurs every year. For it to be diagnosed, major depressive symptoms must be present for a specific season at least two years in a row, although not everyone will experience symptoms every year. 
• Bipolar Disorders: While bipolar disorder is different from depression for a major reason, it still falls under the category of mood disorder. Bipolar disorders cause extreme mood swings. When people experience a low mood, it actually meets the criteria of major depression, also referred to as bipolar depression. The key difference is that people also experience the opposite of depression, where they become extremely hyper, commonly referred to as mania). Bipolar disorder categories include bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. Bipolar disorder can cause a serious impairment in function, but when treated correctly, symptoms can be lessened.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder: Previously referred to as dysthymic disorder, persistent depressive disorder is characterized by having depression for at least two years. This disorder often develops in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood. Symptoms include depressed mood, poor appetite or overeating, insomnia, fatigue, low energy, and a general feeling of being “down in the dumps.”  
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is different from PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, in that it is much more severe. It was added to the DSM in 2013 and is characterized by the onset of symptoms a week to ten days before the beginning of menstruation. Symptoms can be mood swings, depressed mood, irritability, decreased interest in daily activities, sense of being out of control, sleep problems, lack of energy, changes in appetite, weight gain, bloating, and breast tenderness. PMDD can be treated with antidepressants and birth control.
• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is a childhood condition that usually occurs between the ages of six and eighteen. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder includes irritability, anger, and frequent temper outbursts that are more intense than what is typical for that child’s developmental age. These outbursts can involve physical aggression towards others and must happen three or more times within a week. DMDD is found more often in males than females, and can occur alongside other conditions.  

Is Depression Hereditary?  

Depression research shows that biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors all play a role in developing this disorder. Depression is known to run in families, and someone with a parent or sibling with major depression is two to three times more likely to experience depression than someone who doesn't.

However, no one truly inherits depression. Instead, they inherit a certain gene or set of genes that makes them predisposed to depression. Unfortunately, researchers are still trying to figure out which genes may be at fault for causing depression, and having the genes does not guarantee someone will develop depression. 

Depression can also be triggered by other factors such as adverse life events. These events could be the loss of a job, death of a loved one, or abuse. Having a negative change in life circumstances or any stressors that are too overwhelming can easily launch someone into depression. A person’s environment also has a large impact on their chances of developing depression. If someone is continuously exposed to violence, neglect, poverty, or abuse for any length of time then they are more at risk. Even certain physical illnesses and medications can trigger it and psychological state, such as having low self-esteem or being a pessimist, has an effect as well. 

How to Ask for Help with Depression 

Depression is not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed by. The way for the stigma around mental health to disappear is for more people to open up about their experiences and to get help. If you are wanting to know how to seek help for depression and are not sure where to start then please don’t worry. There are so many resources available now and the internet is an invaluable tool in searching for a therapist, or hotline numbers to call and talk to someone, and other general information.  

Of course, it can be difficult to admit that you need help, so a great place to start may be to talk to someone that is close to you and that you trust, such as a spouse, family member, or friend. Family and friends can be a great source of comfort and support. They can be there to simply listen to you, remind you to take care of yourself, hang out with you, and/or take you to therapy appointments. The list goes on really. Reaching out to a professional is another step in the process to overcoming depression. Doctors can help you and prescribe medication, or even offer a referral to a psychologist or therapist. Students can turn to a trusted teacher or their guidance counselors and college students should have counseling services offered on campus. Finding a therapist can also be a great option, as they can help you develop the life skills and tools that you need.  

If you are currently in distress or feel like harming yourself then reach out and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  

How to Treat Depression 

The usual course of treatment for depression is a combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Doctors may also turn to other forms of treatment, such as TMS. 

Antidepressants are a type of medication that is used to treat depression and mood disorders and they work by changing the chemicals, called neurotransmitters (ex. Serotonin and Dopamine), in the brain. Generally, they are non-habit forming, although you should not go off them without guidance from your doctor, as you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking them. Doctors also expect antidepressants to start working within 2-4 weeks but may keep you on them for several months to see if they do work or not. Some of the common categories of antidepressants are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), SNRIs (Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors), TCAs (Tricyclic antidepressants), MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors), and NASSAs (Noradrenaline and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants).    

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy that helps people identify negative thought patterns and behaviors and change those patterns/behaviors. It has been shown to be very effective for those struggling with depression. CBT can be conducted as individual or group therapy and the goal is to teach people the proper coping and problem-solving skills they need. While most people start to see an improvement after a few sessions, it can take up to twenty sessions to complete this therapy.   

How Does TMS Help Depression? 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is another effective method of treating depression that is usually used when medication and talk therapy have previously failed. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that involves the use of magnetic fields to stimulate the nerve cells in the brain. By stimulating specific areas of the brain that are associated with controlling mood patients can see significant improvement in their depression. To conduct TMS therapy, a specialist will place an electromagnetic coil on your forehead and send magnetic pulses to the regions of the brain that have been mapped out beforehand. This kind of therapy does take several sessions over the course of weeks, but a significant amount of people start to notice a difference after a few sessions. It is painless and does not require any overnight stays. 

Choose Gemini for transcranial magnetic stimulation Daytona Florida

While experiencing depression is common and can happen to anyone, it's crucial to remember that you don’t have to face it alone. Seeking help is an essential step toward understanding and managing your mental health. If you've been thinking, "Is there TMS near me?", we’re ready to help you take that first step.

Gemini TMS is proud to provide TMS services to people ready to address their depression and improve their quality of life. Our TMS doctors have years of experience providing this FDA-approved treatment to patients in Daytona, Florida and beyond.

If you're interested in learning more about TMS treatment, call (301) 363-1063 or complete our contact form for more information about how Gemini TMS can help you.