Unipolar Depression: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

Have you heard of major depressive disorder before? If you have heard it before, please know that major depressive disorder can also be referred to as a unipolar depression. The word “unipolar” is just given to describe that depression does not revolve around other mental states like other mental health issues do.

For example, bipolar disorder can cause mania and depression. Unipolar depression is named to characterize the unceasing feelings of low mood, worthlessness, sadness, lack of interest, social withdrawal along with suicidal thoughts.

Unipolar is one of the most common mental health conditions affecting around 8.4% of the US population. This disorder is highly found in women over men and most can be seen in the younger generation (between the ages of 18-25).

In 2020, around 66% of people with unipolar depression were treated and around 14.8 million adults experienced an intense period of this mental health condition. In this blog, we will be discussing everything we need to know about unipolar depression so that we can manage it before it starts affecting our mental health severely.

Unipolar Depression in a nutshell…

Unipolar depression is the other term given to describe major depressive disorder. It can be identified as feelings of worthlessness, sadness, low mood, lack of interest, suicidal ideation, and more.

Symptoms of Unipolar Depression

Unipolar depression is not only limited to feeling sad but it can also be characterized by the feelings of depressive episodes that are intense, persistent, and challenging. Someone who experiences unipolar depression is not able to function normally like others. Below are some of the common signs and symptoms of unipolar depression:

• Chronic low mood
• Continuous feelings of sadness
• Not able to find or experience joy or happiness
• Lack of interest in activities that used to bring desire
• Emotional numbness
• Trouble focusing or concentrating on a task
• Lack of energy or fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Feelings of agitation
• Trouble in completing everyday tasks or trouble functioning normally
• Feeling unwanted
• Feeling shame or guilt
• Self-harm or suicidal ideation

Causes of Unipolar Depression

Unipolar depression can be caused due to different factors. The fact is that it cannot be only one factor but can be caused by a lot of factors or several conditions together. I repeat, there can be a lot of causes, like a cluster!

Below are some of the most common causes of developing or experiencing unipolar depression:

• Heredity or genetics
• History of child abuse (including mental, physical, and sexual abuse)
• The difference in brain neurology or chemistry

Below are some of the additional risk factors that make people more prone to developing unipolar depression:

• Being separated, divorced, or widowed
• Substance abuse
• Having other mental health disorders like panic disorder, social anxiety disorder
• Having other medical conditions

Diagnosis of Unipolar Depression

Before concluding anything on your own, you must book an appointment with your mental health advisor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Because it can be other forms or types of depression as well or many other underlying mental health conditions, therefore, getting a proper diagnosis is a must.

According to the new updates of DSM-5-TR, a person should be having the symptoms continue for more than two weeks, and should have at least five or more above major symptoms.

Treatment of Unipolar Depression

Unipolar depression makes it difficult to live life normally and it also impacts the ability to function properly, therefore, getting treatment is very important after getting a proper diagnosis and assessment of the disorder. The good news is that unipolar depression is treatable but getting treatment is important.

If you think you or your loved one is having unipolar depression, you must take them to a mental health advisor. below are some of the common treatment modes used for treating unipolar depression

1. Therapy

Mostly therapy is used by combining medications for better results. Psychotherapy is practiced for treating unipolar depression effectively. It is really important to find a therapist who understands the client from the core and makes them feel emotionally safe. Mostly, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy are used for treating unipolar depression.

2. Medication

Medication is prescribed for treating severe symptoms like suicidal ideation.

Coping Tips for Unipolar Depression

Below are some of the common and effective self-help techniques used for coping with unipolar depression along with therapy and medication:

• Stay active and exercise daily
• Practice meditation and mindfulness
• Avoid drug or alcohol usage
• Try to relax as much as you can
• Get enough sleep
• Find social support
• Talk to your practitioner in case of a crisis

Please Note: We have provided this material as information. It is not intended as a substitute for medical expertise or advice. We strongly encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment with a certified mental health provider.

I hope this blog helps you to understand unipolar depression or major depressive disorder in detail. Comment down and share your queries related to unipolar depression. For more such mental-health-related content, connect with us on all social media platforms.

Thanks for reading!