Points of View on Depression

While most of us have some popular-knowledge background on depression, we know little about the specific symptoms associated to this mood disorder, and are usually unaware that depression paints different pictures depending on the person involved, especially when factors as gender and age group are taken into account. In children, adolescents, women, men and the elderly, depression shows particular and distinct signs. Whenever we feel the need to know for certain if someone we love (or ourselves) presents depression symptoms, and thus make an informed decision on the need to pursue professional advice on how to proceed, this differences might cause confusion. Individual diversity applies here, too, so we can only give general information: not every depressed patient reports all the possible symptoms.

Briefly, depression symptoms include Apathy, which means you no longer enjoy activities that previously were a source of pleasure and interest, Sadness, usually understood as a constant depressed mood, although many patients report they rather feel anxious, prickly and restless, sleep issues, which can take different forms, but mainly translate into sleeping less or sleeping more, Appetite & weight changes characterized either by loss or gain, Cognitive difficulties, especially related to memory/concentration/decision making, Negative feelings that appear recurrently and usually imply feeling guilty/hopeless/worthless, Fatigue or lack of energy, Suicidal or death recurrent thougths, or even attempts, and Physical symptoms like digestive problems, chronic pain or headaches that tend to persist after conventional treatment.

Let's have a look then at some general differences between what women and men think, feel and do when they are depressed. Diversity reflects in the way each gender experiences these symptoms, communicates them and copes with them. Depression is far more common in women (according to estimates, 1 in 8 women will suffer depression in some point of her life), and they are more likely to experience atypical depression. Simply put, this refers to the form of depression characterized by increases in sleep, appetite and weight, instead of losses. When reporting symptoms, they focus on feelings, as well as cognitive and relational issues. Men are more unlikely to admit symptoms and seek help; suicide is very often associated with depression, and men commit suicide four times more often than women. When reporting symptoms, they focus on loss of interest and pleasure, sleep difficulties, loss of energy & drive, and physical issues.

Some finer strokes will help define the different depression picture: women tend to blame themselves, while men tend to put the blame on others. Women use food, love, friends (and increasingly shopping) to try to feel better, while men turn to TV, sports, sex and drugs (and sometimes rock'n'roll) to cope with depression symptoms. Women avoid conflicts, and speak rather freely of what and how they feel, while men often create conflicts and tend to keep quite about their problem. All these different manifestations are obviously culturally charged. Take into account these differences next time you wonder if someone you know (or yourself) could be depressed, as it will probably help you paint a more accurate picture.