Depression
When sadness becomes something more, and why the goal of treatment is full remission.
From psychiatrists Dr. Tracey Skale and Dr. Paul Keck
Overview
TODO: Overview drafted from the Episode 2 show notes. Docs Tracey and Paul to review before launch.
Everyone has bad days and hard weeks. Depression is a treatable medical illness, and recognizing it early matters.
What depression can look like
Transient sadness tends to lift. Major depressive disorder lingers and changes how a person functions. Signs the Docs describe include:
- Loss of interest in things that used to matter (anhedonia)
- A decline in functioning at work, at school or at home
- Changes in sleep, appetite and energy
- Emotional numbness
The goal of treatment
Depression is common, it is treatable, and the goal is full remission. In the Docs’ words, “the opposite of depression is not happiness, it’s vitality.”
Key terms, in plain language
- Major depressive disorder
- A medical illness that goes beyond ordinary sadness, with symptoms such as loss of interest, changes in sleep, appetite and energy, and a decline in day-to-day functioning.
- Anhedonia
- Loss of interest or pleasure in things a person used to enjoy.
- Remission
- The point where symptoms have resolved. Docs Tracey and Paul describe full remission as the goal of treatment.
Questions about depression
Am I depressed or just having a bad week?
A bad week passes. Major depressive disorder involves symptoms that persist, such as loss of interest, a decline in day-to-day functioning, changes in sleep, appetite and energy, and emotional numbness. Episode 2 walks through the difference.
Is it okay to ask someone directly about suicide?
Yes. In Episode 2, Docs Tracey and Paul explain why asking directly about suicide is an important part of recognizing depression. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988.
What is the goal of treating depression?
Full remission, not just feeling somewhat better. As the Docs put it, the opposite of depression is not happiness, it's vitality.