Millions of people across the country struggle with depression each year. Despite how common it is, people who experience depression often feel totally alone in their struggle. Some people have a stronger predisposition for depression, which means stressful life events and unfortunate situations may affect them much more than someone else who went through a very similar situation. This in itself can be frustrating and difficult to manage.
People of different ages and stages of life may experience depression in slightly different symptom clusters. This is important to understand so we aren’t missing warning signs or mistaking symptoms for something else.
In children and adolescents, depression most commonly shows up as irritability, somatic complaints (headaches, body aches), and disconnection/withdrawal from family and friends. These serve as both symptoms and early warning signs of depression in youth. Additional warning signs include changes in sleeping habits, eating patterns, and other areas of functioning (e.g., academic). Since adolescence is such a busy time of development, it is often difficult to pinpoint whether changes in mood and behavior are due to “typical teenage stuff” or a bigger issue.
Early adulthood is full of life changes and decisions that shape the rest of our lives. Often these experiences cause feelings of stress and overwhelm. Some young adults have the coping resources to manage these stressors and seek support, but others struggle to adapt to adulthood and depressive symptoms can quickly set in. Since many people go away to college or move out of the house, it is important that they know about the resources available to them in their new environment. Some cases of depression in early adulthood resolve after a period of adjustment; for others, this may be the onset of a more serious depressive disorder.
Depression in adulthood typically follows a more familiar pattern, including losing interest in things one used to enjoy, a pervasive sense of hopelessness, changes in appetite and sleeping patterns, and isolation/withdrawal. More severe depression may be accompanied by perceptual disturbances (hallucinations, delusions).
It is a common myth that depression is a normal part of growing older. Yes, there are changes one must adjust to with aging, but pervasive sadness and disconnection are likely signs of a more serious and treatable condition. Older adults may also be managing physical health conditions, and as always, providers should work together to help them navigate these issues in an integrated way.
Treating Depression
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based, effective treatment for depression across the lifespan. CBT is based on the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By becoming more aware of this relationship and identifying specific thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, clients are supported in making small changes in their thinking and behavior that can have a positive impact on mood. Although CBT is highly effective, other approaches are helpful alongside it, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, family or couples therapy, and relational approaches.
In some cases, medication may be recommended, even if only temporarily. Medication can decrease symptoms and help you engage in and benefit from therapy.
