Unipolar depression, known as major depressive disorder, is a condition that causes people to feel extremely low or sad for at least two weeks at a time. This condition can be debilitating, preventing those who are affected by it from carrying out day-to-day tasks and activities.
Unipolar depression is a common mental health disorder in the U.S. It’s vital to recognize its symptoms and seek help. This will foster healthier communities. This condition is often compared with bipolar depression as their names are very similar. The key difference is that bipolar depression has emotional highs (mania) and lows. Unipolar depression consists mainly of depressive episodes.
What is Unipolar Depression?
Unipolar depression causes a low mood, loss of energy, disinterest, and low self-esteem overall. This condition can make work, school, and daily activities feel nearly impossible.
Unipolar depression is just one subtype of depression. There are several types of depression that vary based on duration, severity, and triggers. Common types include:
- Persistent Depressive Disorder
- Seasonal Depressive Disorder
- Postpartum Depression
Bipolar depression is not listed above as this term is often used to describe bipolar disorder. For those with bipolar disorder, these periods of depression often alternate with periods of mania.
Symptoms of Unipolar Depression
The symptoms of unipolar depression have broad-reaching impacts on a person’s life. Because depressive episodes come and go, it can be helpful to keep a journal to track these feelings. Symptoms of unipolar depression include:
Emotional Symptoms:
- Sadness
- Low self-esteem
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Physical Symptoms:
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Weight loss or gain
- Low energy
Cognitive Symptoms:
- Lack of interest in tasks and activities
- Difficulty concentrating
Causes of Unipolar Depression
As with many mental health disorders, there is no known cause of unipolar depression. However, there are several factors that are thought to contribute to the development of this condition including:
- Biological factors: While more research is needed, studies show that differences in the brain’s structure and chemistry may be correlated to depression. Those with a family history of depression are also at a higher risk of developing the condition.
- Psychological factors: Co-occurring mental health conditions and personality traits like self-criticism are thought to contribute to the development of depression.
- Environmental factors: Traumatic life events, serious illness, and substance use are also believed to be factors.
Like many mental illnesses, major depressive disorder can cause social withdrawal. However, it’s important that those with this condition build and maintain a strong support group.
How is Unipolar Depression Diagnosed?
If you or a loved one has symptoms of unipolar depression, the first step is to see a family or primary care doctor for bloodwork. This will rule out any physical health complications as a potential cause.
After physical conditions have been addressed, the next step is often a referral to a mental health professional. Next, a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist will administer some tests. These are validated questionnaires, like the PHQ-9. They will check for depression and the severity of symptoms.
Seeking professional help is important to streamline the diagnosis process and access help as quickly as possible.
Unipolar Depression vs. Bipolar Depression
As their names suggest, unipolar depression and bipolar depression share many characteristics – but they also differ in several ways.
Unipolar depression usually means a drop from one’s baseline to feeling very low. Bipolar depression is a term often used to describe bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder typically experience extreme highs and lows, alternating between both ends of the emotional spectrum.
These are fundamentally two different mood disorders with different needs for proper treatment and management. Because of this, an accurate diagnosis that differentiates between the two conditions is key.
Treatment Options for Unipolar Depression
Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available for those with unipolar depression. With the help of a healthcare provider, those with this condition can explore treatments and lifestyle changes to find the combination that provides them with the best results.
Some treatment options to consider are:
- Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps individuals identify and process negative emotions while developing healthier coping mechanisms.
- Medications: Some people with unipolar depression benefit from taking antidepressants in addition to participating in therapy. Many well-studied medications exist. A trained physician will help patients find the best medication and dosage.
- Lifestyle Changes: Everyone can benefit from following a self-care routine. This can include journaling to track emotions, yoga and mindfulness to enhance the mind-body connection, and maintaining a balanced diet.
- Emerging Treatments: There are a number of new treatments emerging in the mental health space. Some of these options for depression treatment include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and esketamine, often referred to by the brand name Spravato.
Living with Unipolar Depression
Unipolar depression impacts millions of Americans each year. Living with this condition comes with its own set of challenges, but with a support system and helpful coping mechanisms, this condition can be managed. A strong support system can uplift and encourage those who are struggling with depression, helping them to find and access additional help if needed.
It’s also helpful for those with this condition to develop a toolkit of coping strategies that they can turn to. Strategies can include:
- Breathing and grounding techniques
- Having someone to call in times of high stress or emotional lows
- Participating in a relaxing hobby
When to Seek Help for Unipolar Depression
If you or someone you love has experienced extended periods of sadness or a low mood, remember that help is available and that there are many treatment options for depression. As with all mental health disorders, seeking help early on can greatly improve treatment outcomes.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 or visit: https://988lifeline.org/ for support.
SunCloud Can Help
At SunCloud, we specialize in treating mood disorders including major depressive disorder. Unipolar depression impacts millions of people each year, but no one has to suffer alone. Mental health conditions can be managed with the right combination of expert help and evidence-based therapies.
If you believe that you or a loved one may be suffering from unipolar or bipolar depression, contact the team at SunCloud today.