What is Major Depression?

Major depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) is what most of know as simply depression. It is a mental disorder that is pervasive and persistent. Characteristics of the disorder include a chronic low mood usually accompanied by low self esteem. The person who suffers from major depression suffers from a loss of interest in the things that used to provide pleasure like sex, food, and friendships.

Major depressive disorder is a disabling condition that affects all aspects of a person’s life including family, work, school, eating habits, and all around general health. Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of suicide so it is imperative that those who suffer from it seek professional help and stay with the treatment.

Major depressive disorder is manageable with therapy and medication those with major depression can increase their quality of life significantly.

Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder Include:

• Decreased energy and fatigue
• Insomnia
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
• Physical and persistent pain such as headaches, body aches, digestive issues, cramps
• Persistent feelings of worthlessness
• Persistent anxiety and or sadness
• Persistent feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Over eating or loss of appetite

Those who suffer from depression carry an increased risk of suicide so it is important to know the warning signs of suicide if you or someone you know suffers from major depressive disorder. If you know someone who expresses suicidal thoughts call the suicide hotline immediately at 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-SUICIDE.

Warning Signs of Major Depressive Disorder Include:

• Always talking about or thinking about death
• Loss of interest in things that used to be pleasurable
• Talking about suicide
• Expressing a desire to die
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
• Risky behavior like driving recklessly, hanging out of windows, climbing on sides of bridges etc
• Tying up loose ends
• Reaching out to loved ones to say goodbye
• Isolating oneself
• Saying things like “the world would be better off without me”

Again, if you know someone who expresses suicidal thoughts, call the suicide hotline immediately at 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-SUICIDE.

We all experience moments of sadness in our lives, those who suffer major depressive disorder don’t just snap out of a bad mood. Those with depression have little control over how they feel. They want to feel better, but it just doesn’t happen. With treatment and or medication, those with major depressive disorder can significantly increase the quality of their life.