Crippling Depression: Learn To Recognize It & Cope Effectively

Depression regardless of what kind you have can be extremely hard to live with. And at times, it gets to the point where you can call it debilitating. You may feel like you are even unable to get out of bed in the morning let alone do something productive. Often times people describe this as crippling depression. Read this article to know more about crippling depression, and how you can recognize it and cope effectively. 

What is crippling depression?

Even though it is not an official term, Major Depressive Disorder MDD is sometimes referred to as crippling depression. MDD is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5, as the persistence of sad, hollow, or hopeless feelings that affect your cognition and behavior and impair your capacity to function. In actuality, depression is the leading global cause of disability. In the world, 300 million people, or 4.4% of the population experience depression, according to a 2017 report from the World Health Organization. Weeks to years can pass between episodes of depression. Shorter episodes of depression can often be more intense than longer ones, so it’s not necessary for depression to last for a long time to be debilitating.

Types of depression

The most frequent forms of depression, which can be the cause of your crippling depression, are broken down briefly below:

Major depression

The most frequently identified form of depression is major depressive disorder (MDD), sometimes known as clinical depression. 17.3 million American adults, or 7% of the population, are predicted to have experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017. Of those, 68% experienced “severe impairment.”

According to the DSM-5, MDD is defined by depressive symptoms that last for at least two weeks or frequently longer and have a significant impact on your capacity to function. This comprises at least five significant symptoms:

• Feeling guilty or undeserving
• Feeling sad or hopeless almost every day
• Having difficulties focusing
• Hypersomnia or insomnia
• Loss of energy or tiredness
• Persistent ideas of suicide or death
• Psychomotor agitation such as body tics, fiddling, and restlessness
• Rapid changes in weight

Bipolar disorder depression

Extreme mood swings are a defining characteristic of bipolar disorder. There are different types, and each has a unique set of diagnostic standards. Bipolar disorder is estimated to affect 4.4% of American adults in their lifetimes. Depressive episodes are frequent in patients with bipolar disorder. Manic and occasionally depressed episodes are both a part of bipolar I in patients. Depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes are both common in people with bipolar II. 

Manic episodes are times of increased energy, self-assurance, and productivity and might involve irritability, difficulty falling asleep, and risky behavior. The standard for bipolar disorder’s depressive episodes is the same as those for major depressive episodes. Some variations based on types usually involve:

• Although it doesn’t include severe depression, cyclothymia, a kind of persistent bipolar disorder, can be equally crippling as the other types. Normal hypomanic and depressive signs are present, but not full mood swings.
• Depressive episodes in patients with bipolar I usually last at least two weeks.
• Less extreme mood swings than in bipolar I may occur in bipolar II patients.

Compared to the overall population, those with bipolar disorder have a relatively high suicide rate.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

Persistent depressive disorder

A kind of chronic depression known as Persistent Depressive Disorder PDD typically lasts at least two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents. Although PDD and major depressive disorder are similar, PDD often has less serious symptoms but longer duration, making it just as debilitating.

It can be exhausting to feel depressed and hopeless for so long, which makes it challenging to carry out your daily tasks at work, school, or home. It could be difficult for you to enjoy your interests or hang out with friends, and you may be depressed about the future. PDD is distinguished by its long-lasting, chronic nature, which may include:

• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Sleeping excessively (hypersomnia)
• Weariness and low energy levels on a regular basis

Postpartum depression

Depression after childbirth, often known as postpartum depression, can start at any moment during pregnancy or the first year following childbirth. In a CDC report, 13% of women (or about 1 in 8) who gave birth recently reported experiencing postpartum depression symptoms.

Although it’s most frequently related to new mothers, this type of depression can also affect other people, such as spouses. Though having a new baby is stressful and difficult by nature, postpartum depression greatly intensifies these symptoms. Some symptoms include:

• Being angrier or more agitated than normal
• Being depressed or hopeless
• Changes in appetite
• Having a hard time connecting with your baby
• More crying than normal

Potential causes of crippling depression

While the exact cause of depression is still unknown. Research suggests that severe episodes of depression, in particular, have a significant heritability rate. According to estimates, a genetic predisposition may play a role in about 50% of cases of severe depression. However, there are other possible risk factors for developing severe depression in addition to heredity. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are four major factors that can influence someone’s risk of depression:

• Biological
• Environmental
• Genetic
• Psychological

No age, gender, color, or ethnicity is immune to crippling depression. Teenagers with a long family history of depression as well as people who have never experienced depression can both experience it. It can be both a reaction to traumatic life events and a common combination of severe medical problems such as cancer or chronic health conditions like diabetes. Significant life changes, specific drugs, and increased stress levels can all work as triggers for crippling depression.

How is it diagnosed?

A major depressive episode, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), is any two-week period or more during which a person experiences almost all of the following for the majority of each day:

• Changes in appetite
• Disruptions in sleep
• Feeling down
• Loss of interest in a previously enjoyable activity
• The decline of memory and focus

A licensed medical doctor or psychiatrist typically makes the diagnosis of major depressive disorder. To rule out possible physical illnesses, such as a thyroid issue, that could be causing the reported symptoms, a physical examination and lab testing may be carried out.

Learn more about 7 Signs Of Depression In Teens: How To Recognize & Treat Them

What are the treatment options?

There are various techniques available for treating severe depression. Here are a few of the most popular, effective treatments for depressive symptoms.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, is a type of treatment provided by a qualified mental health professional. Since it has been proven to be both secure and successful for the patient, psychological counseling is typically the first line of treatment for depression. Here are a few talk therapy options that might aid in managing your depression.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CBT

CBT is a goal-oriented type of psychotherapy that aids in identifying and modifying the thoughts, behaviors, and emotions connected to depression. In order to examine cognitive distortions and gain a fresh, more optimistic perspective on situations, patients undergoing CBT is taught to track and document their thought patterns.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy IPT

IPT looks at present difficulties and relationships in order to improve interpersonal functioning. Depending on your needs, it might take place in a group setting or one-on-one setting.

Solution-Focused Therapy SFT

This type of psychotherapy focuses on long-term objectives and ways to get there. SFT practitioners can assist you in formulating a plan for building the life you want by helping you focus on a bright future rather than the problems you currently face.

Medication

Talk therapy is frequently combined with medication for depression. In most circumstances, a doctor would first advise therapy to patients with crippling depression before prescribing drugs if the depression is disabling or if the patient has already attempted psychotherapy and the symptoms have not improved. Your family doctor, a pediatrician, or a psychiatrist may recommend medication. There are five main types of antidepressants, although the most commonly prescribed ones are the following two:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Not all antidepressants will relieve the symptoms of every patient suffering from crippling depression, and some may cause side effects like nausea, weight gain, and gastrointestinal issues. To find the best antidepressant for you, you might need to consult with your doctor. However, the effects can be life-altering for people who are fortunate to discover a treatment that works for them.

Although none of them are FDA-approved, some people might also try herbal supplements. If you do decide to add vitamins, think about consulting your physician or a pharmacist first. If you currently take medication, it’s even more crucial because there may be an adverse reaction to the new drug.

Other options

It’s possible that your depression is treatment-resistant if you haven’t improved after taking medication or undergoing multiple treatments. If that is the case, you can try:

• Applying a form of therapy you haven’t tried before or switching therapists if necessary
• Getting your doctor to adjust your treatment plan
• Ketamine therapy
• Learning new self-care methods
• Light therapy
• Nutritional changes
• Therapies that stimulate the brain, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

How to cope effectively?

You can take control of your mental health in addition to treatment and medicine by implementing some of these depression self-help strategies.

Discover effective coping strategies

Look for coping strategies like yoga or meditation if you find yourself battling with depressive or anxious feelings. Some people find that keeping a notebook where they may also list their gratitude helps them to redirect their energies and is good for expressing their emotions. Another strategy is to engage in artistic, musical, or dance-related pursuits that allow you to express yourself.

Join a support group

Keeping in mind that you are not alone is helpful because depression can frequently feel incredibly isolating. Consider attending a self-help group where you can interact with people who understand what you’re going through or have gone through it. 

Keep your physical well-being in mind

Consider adopting a more wholesome, balanced diet. Take a look at your sleeping patterns to see if you can increase the quantity and quality of your sleep. Additionally, you might make an attempt to become more physically active and spend more time outside since exercise is advised as a form of treatment for depression. Furthermore, you should abstain from anything that might worsen your illness and ultimately hinder your rehabilitation, such as alcohol and narcotics.

Learn more about 7 Natural Ways For Fighting Depression.

Outlook

Crippling depression can be treated in a number of ways. A person’s symptoms can frequently be greatly reduced if they follow their treatment plan and show up for their scheduled therapy sessions on a regular basis. It is crucial that anyone using antidepressants for any type of depression does not discontinue taking them without first consulting a physician.

These treatments can lessen the symptoms of depression and prevent it from being incapacitating, making it much easier for a person to handle their day-to-day activities. Even after treatment, if a person still feels really depressed, they might find it beneficial to contact a nearby crisis center or mental health facility.

We hope you found this article useful in learning more about crippling depression and why it’s called that, along with its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and coping strategies. 

Learn about Signs Of Depression In Men: Recognizing The Symptoms