Recurrent Depressive Disorder

What is Depression?

Depression is a low mood that affects 3 in 100 people throughout the UK. Classed as a mental health problem, mild depression makes people feel slightly low and demotivated, whereas the most severe form can lead to suicidal thoughts. The disorder can come and go, and some people experience depressive episodes on and off for years but lead a balanced life otherwise.

Varying in intensity, depression is usually classed by a medical professional as either mild, moderate or severe. If you’re suffering, you’re the best judge.  You may feel low, demotivated, hopeless, despairing and desperate. Speak to your doctor and explain how it’s affecting your life. They’ll offer advice and in some cases medication if you’re feeling very low.

What are the Symptoms of Recurrent Depressive Disorder?

To recap, recurrent depressive disorder is a type of depression that comes and goes. You may feel fine for months, and then it hits you. If you feel good for weeks, months, or even years, you will know you’re experiencing a depressive bout when you feel low. Here are the main symptoms to look out for:

– Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy. You may stop playing sports or seeing friends, for example
-Low mood or emptiness that won’t go away
-Sleep disturbances. Having difficulty falling asleep or waking in the night
-Low energy
-Lack of motivation. At its mildest form, you’ll find it hard to drum up enthusiasm; at its most severe you’ll feel so debilitated that you won’t get out of bed
-Inability to make decisions or concentrate, and feeling distracted
-Loss or increase of appetite
-Feelings of guilt, emptiness or worthlessness
-Anxiety
-Stomach disturbances and physical aches for no reason
-At its most severe level, suicidal thoughts

The symptoms listed above can be mild or severe, and if you’re suffering, you’ll know how it affects your life. Family members and friends could notice you’re acting differently, or your work may be suffering.  Some people hide their depression from others as they are embarrassed. They think they’ll appear weak if others know, and want to give the impression that they are coping well with life.

Tell your friends and family if you’re experiencing a recurrent depressive episode. Most people (if not all) are sympathetic and understanding, and confiding in friends can make you feel slightly better. People make allowances and won’t place any expectations on you. They’ll understand you need time until you’re ready to socialise again.

Suicidal Feelings – Get Help Straight Away

If you’re feeling suicidal it’s vital that you speak to someone. There are some fantastic organisations that specialise in mental health, and speaking to a trained and sympathetic advisor could make you feel less alone.  Most phonelines are open 24 hours a day so there is always someone on the end of the phone to listen.

Samaritans ^[1] – call 116 123
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) ^[2] – call 0800 58 58 58
SOS Silence of Suicide ^[3] – call 0300 1020 505

As well as speaking to one of the organisations listed above, make sure you tell a close friend of family member if you feel suicidal, and book a doctor’s appointment. Your doctor will temporarily sign you off work until you feel better.

Causes of Recurrent Depressive Disorder

Research shows that a variety of factors cause recurrent depressive disorder. Brain chemistry, hormones and genetics play a part, combined with life events.

Genetics If there is a history of depression in your family, for example your parents or siblings suffer, then it could be passed down to you.

Hormones Fluctuating hormones can lead to depression. Peri menopausal and menopausal women often suffer due to hormone changes, as do teenagers. Post-natal depression is common, but it’s different to recurrent depressive order, affecting new mothers.

Life events Stress, trauma and upsetting events can trigger recurrent depressive disorder. Episodes from childhood and family dynamics also play a part. 

Physical health problems People experiencing physical health difficulties often experience depression. Examples include thyroid issues, low blood sugar, problems with the nervous system and menstrual cycles.

Brain chemistry Chemical imbalances in the brain can trigger depression. Medication can help.

Alcohol and recreational drugs Both cause mild to severe depression. 

Treatments for Recurrent Depressive Disorder 

There are a variety of methods to treat the disorder. Your doctor can advise on the best treatment options for you, taking into consideration the severity or duration of your depression. 

Medication For severe depression or suicidal thoughts, medication can help, in combination with counselling such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). You could be prescribed anti-depressants for a few months, or a few years to help elevate symptoms. There are various forms of anti-depressants but all increase serotonin levels in the brain, making your depression more manageable. 

Antidepressants can sometimes interfere with other medications if you’re taking them. Your doctor can advise on the most suitable medications. Pills aren’t a magic cure, but they do help if you combine them with counselling, eating well and exercise.

Counselling Talking therapies in particular are highly beneficial to improving depression. Talking about the way you feel to a qualified, non-judgemental professional is often a weight shared. Your counsellor will give you strategies to use when you feel low, helping you feel more positive rather than negative.

Social prescribing Doctors now offer ‘social prescribing’ where they allocate a link worker who refers you to supportive agencies where you live. Your link worker will develop a personalised support plan and signpost you to local organisations. For example, they may link you with a local walking group or support group.

Exercise Instead of medication, your GP could suggest exercise as it reduces depression and anxiety. Exercise releases feel good hormones, making you feel clearer, refreshed and energised. A simple, 20 minute walk every day helps. Holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness also have positive effects on wellbeing.