I am depressed, but what does that really mean?

Many times, feeling worried can be interpreted as feeling depressed. Being worried is normal, and we may feel this way even daily. Stressors such as work, finances, children, natural events, sudden health conditions, and more, can cause concern for an individual. Worry is temporary. Occasionally, we find a solution and move on with our day. Depression, on the other hand, is more long-lasting and has specific symptoms, and other implications.

Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder, is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Below are the diagnostic criteria according to the DSM-5:

Diagnostic Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder
To be diagnosed with a major depressive episode, five (or more) of the following symptoms must be present during two weeks, representing a change from previous functioning. At least one of the symptoms must be (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure. Other symptoms include:

Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feeling sad, empty, or hopeless) or observation by others (e.g., appears tearful). Note: In children and adolescents, this may be an irritable mood.
Diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities, most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated by subjective account or observation).
Significant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or a decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. Note: In children, consider failure to achieve expected weight gain.
Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day.
Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick).
Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others).
Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or specific plan for committing suicide.
These symptoms cause significant distress in important areas of an individual’s life, such as home, work, social interactions, or other areas. These symptoms are not caused by substance use or a medical condition. The DSM-5 also includes additional specifiers such as depression with:

Anxiety
Catatonia
Psychosis
Due to medical conditions
Postpartum onset
These specifiers help in making a more precise diagnosis based on the individual’s presentation.

Now that you know more about the criteria for depression, do you feel worried or depressed? Take the time to evaluate your symptoms, raise awareness, and most importantly, seek help in the process so that you can develop strategies to achieve emotional stability.