Everyone feels sad from time to time, but when the sadness becomes persistent and interferes with different areas of your life, it could point to something more serious, like depression. For many, the weight of depression can make even simple tasks, like taking a shower, feel impossible.
So, what is a depressive episode? It’s a period where those feelings last longer than usual and affect your ability to function. With one in three women and one in five men experiencing a depressive episode by the age of 65, depression is a common challenge many people will face at some point in their lives.
A depressive episode is a period where a person experiences depression symptoms that last for at least two weeks. According to the DSM-5, five or more symptoms must be present during this two-week period for it to qualify as a depressive episode. At least one of the symptoms must involve either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that once felt enjoyable.
Depressive episodes can happen in many mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). In BD, depressive episodes typically alternate with manic episodes.
The severity of a depressive episode can depend on several factors, but it can be classified as either major or minor. Major depressive episodes tend to involve more severe symptoms and a greater level of disruption to everyday life.
The duration of a depressive episode can vary and depends on an individual’s personal circumstances, other underlying health conditions, and the severity of symptoms. On average, the median duration of an episode is around three to six months. However, some people may experience shorter or longer episodes. Without proper intervention, a depressive episode can last for several months or even years.
Certain life events can leave a person feeling drained, frustrated, and, in some cases, isolated without much support. These often overwhelming feelings may become too much to handle, resulting in a depressive episode. A depressive episode can be triggered by:
Researchers have found that these types of events contribute to higher rates of getting depression, especially events like the COVID-19 pandemic when many people became unemployed.
Keep in mind that everyone reacts to stressors in their own way. Just because one person may become depressed after experiencing a stressful event doesn’t mean someone else going through something similar will have the same response.
It’s important to differentiate a depressive episode from regular feelings of sadness. While everyone experiences moments of sadness, these typically don’t interfere with everyday life. People may feel less enthusiastic, but they can still function in their day-to-day without much interruption.
In contrast, depressive episodes bring on more severe symptoms that can and do interfere with daily tasks and responsibilities. Some signs of a depressive episode include:
Everyone experiences depression differently, so you might only have some of these symptoms, or you might even have other symptoms that are not mentioned. These symptoms are also normal from time to time, and they don’t necessarily mean you’re having a depressive episode. If you’re concerned you might be depressed, it’s important that you seek help from a mental health professional as soon as possible.
There isn’t one direct way to deal with a depressive episode, but rather several strategies you can utilize to help you get through this difficult period. From self-care practices to cutting-edge technologies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), feeling better is possible.
When someone is going through a depressive episode, self-care probably isn’t top of mind; however, making yourself a priority can actually make a big difference in how you feel. In fact, experts report that those who practice healthy self-care habits have the lowest levels of depression.
Here are some self-care ideas that you can try implementing into your daily routine during a depressive episode:
Psychotherapy is an effective way to manage and treat depressive episodes. There are several types of therapy that each uses their own techniques, including:
If you’re unsure which therapy would benefit you the most, a mental health professional will be able to guide you in the right direction based on your symptoms and situation.
When a depressive episode is long-lasting or severe and other interventions have not been enough, medication may be prescribed. For depression, the FDA has approved different classes of medication, including:
Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are other medications that may be added to an antidepressant to enhance effects. Always consult with a doctor before starting any medication.
While many therapies are effective for managing depressive episodes, around 30% of individuals with MDD may not respond to treatment or achieve sustained remission. This is known as treatment-resistant depression, or TRD. For those with TRD, alternative treatments, like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), ketamine infusion, and TMS, may be necessary to help bring relief.
TMS, specifically, is gaining traction as a treatment for depression as it is non-invasive, does not require anesthesia, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately after a session. By using magnetic fields to stimulate certain areas of the brain involved in depression, TMS shows promise for those whose depression hasn’t improved with traditional medications or psychotherapy. In a recent trial, TMS showed significantly higher response rates compared to placebo treatments, demonstrating just how effective it can be in treating depression.
If you think you might be going through a depressive episode, know that you are not alone. From therapy to TMS and medication management, the compassionate team at Cura Behavioral Health is here to help you through this challenging period. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you manage and overcome your depression.
Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.
Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases.
By subscribing you agree to with our Privacy Policy and provide consent to receive updates from our company.
Dr. Kevin Simonson, an esteemed Medical Director at Cura Behavioral Health, brings over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. A graduate from a top medical school, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety, employing a patient-centered approach. His dedication to evidence-based care and his commitment to advancing mental health practices have made him a respected figure in the field. Dr. Simonson’s leadership ensures the highest standard of care for the community at Cura Behavioral Health.
