Anxiety and Depression – Part III

We all have felt depressed and sad at some points in our lives. Sometimes we bounce back shortly after, but at other times we let the negative emotions take over us. What’s the difference between “normal depression” and clinical depression that will impact our lives massively? Let’s find out! 

Our Topic Today: Depression and Depressive Disorders 

• What is depression
• How to differentiate depression and clinical depression (with example explained)
• Diagnostic criteria of Major Depressive Episode
• Diagnostic criteria of Major Depressive Disorder
• Different types of Depressive Disorders

Depression is…

• an emotional state of sadness, emptiness or irritability
• accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and helplessness

Differentiating Depression from Clinical Depression

• Severity of depressive symptoms
• Chronicity of depressive symptoms

Diagnostic Criteria of Major Depressive Episode

• 5 out of 9 depressive symptoms listed
• Lasted for at least 2 weeks
• Cause significant distress or impairment in important areas of life
• Symptoms are not caused by substance used or other medical conditions

Types of Depressive Disorders

• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
• Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder
• Depressive Disorder due to Another Medical Condition
• Other Specified Depressive Disorder
• Unspecified Depressive Disorder 

Words of Wisdom by Princess Diana

They say it is better to be poor and happy than rich and miserable, but how about a compromise like moderately rich and just moody?

Take-away messages

• If you want to master your emotion, you need to gain the awareness of what it is first.
• It’s not the end of the world, and we sure could see the silver linings after the storm has passed.

Resources Mentioned

Silver Linings Playbook  – an inspiring movie telling the recovery stories of two beautiful souls who are suffering from mental illnesses (You will see how the lives of some people in mania could be like) 

Diagnostic Criteria of Major Depressive Disorder – learn about the depressive symptoms and the detailed criteria for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Episode and Major Depressive Disorder

Questions for You to Think Upon

• How do you step out of your depressed mood usually? 
• What’s the biggest thing that helps you bounce back from a difficult life situation?

Leave your comments below on the show notes page or you could tell me directly. I would love to know your answer to that, and your coping strategies might just be the right inspiration for someone who’s dealing with depressed mood states, so they could step out of the misery zone too.

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Enjoy to be happy!