Depression: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Types & Treatment

Depression is the most misunderstood psychological condition that is widespread. It impacts the way you think, and feel and act- it is much more than being sad.

Hey, if you've ever felt like depression is this big, foggy monster that nobody really gets, you're not wrong. It's everywhere, sneaking into how we think, feel, and just go about our days. Way deeper than a rough patch or a bad day, right?

In this post, we'll chat about:

• What Depression is in reality

• Common causes

• Signs to look out for

• Types of depression Different types of depression

• Conventional and integrative treatments

  
  

What Is Depression?

Look, depression whether you call it major depressive disorder or just plain clinical depression is this mental health thing that hits you with a persistent low mood, zero interest in stuff that used to light you up, and honestly, it tanks your ability to handle everyday life. We're talking messed-up sleep, zero energy to get out of bed, motivation that's gone AWOL, trouble focusing on anything, and even your relationships taking a hit.

It's not just "I'm in a funk." Nah, this can straight-up derail the life you want, making everything feel out of reach.

Causes of Depression

Thing is, depression doesn't just pop up from one single trigger. It's usually this messy mix of biological, psychological, and environmental stuff piling on:

• Serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate imbalances in the brain

• You know, the usual suspects like chronic stress or trauma.

• Hormonal imbalances (such as thyroid or reproductive)

• Depression or other mental cases in the family history

• Health conditions (e.g. chronic pain, autoimmune disease)

• Gut health and swelling

• Life situations: bereavement, separation, job, solitude

Common Symptoms

Symptoms can show up differently for everyone, but here's what often creeps in:

• Losing interest in activities that you enjoyed doing in the past

• Lethargy or low energy

• Sleep issues (lack of enough or excess)

• Weight and appetite changes

• Difficulty concentrating

• Guilt, shame, or no self-worth

• Suicidal ideations or self-harm ideations

Types of Depression

Depression isn't one-size-fits-all it can morph into these different flavors:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – the traditional variety of the long-term kind of depression

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) low chronic depression

• Postpartum Depression Postnatal Depression

• SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) associated with the winter light changes

• PMDD severe mood problems that are related to menstruation

• Treatment-Resistant Depression – does not react to usual drugs

Treatment Options

Treating depression? It really needs to be tailored to you—what's causing it at the root, how bad it's gotten, and what's going on in your world. That's where places like Solshine come in, as Functional Medicine Doctors in Seattle, blending that integrative medicine vibe to tackle the whole picture. Their approach might weave in:

Conventional Treatments:

• Antidepressant medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.)

• Talk therapy (CBT, psychodynamic, etc.)

• Lifestyle changes: sleep, exercise, nutrition

Integrative & Functional Treatments:

• Functional lab testing to find underlying issues (inflammation, hormone imbalances)—kinda like detective work to spot those sneaky biological culprits.

• Nutritional support (e.g., vitamin B12, omega-3s, adaptogens) to balance out the gut health woes or energy dips.

• Trauma-informed therapy to gently unpack that chronic stress or past hurts without judgment.

• Mind-body tools (like breathwork, EMDR, mindfulness) for easing the psychological knots and rebuilding that self-worth.

Advanced Options:

• Ketamine-assisted therapy to shake things up when standard stuff falls flat on treatment-resistant cases.

• Psychedelic integration support for deeper healing around trauma or persistent low moods.

• IV therapy for nutrient deficiencies and chronic fatigue, giving your body that direct boost to fight the lethargy head-on.

It's all about addressing those exact causes and symptoms whether it's hormonal swings, family history echoes, or life throwing curveballs so you can start feeling like yourself again.

You’re Not Alone

If you or someone close is in the thick of depression right now, listen: there's a path forward, I promise. It doesn't mean you're weak, broken, or out of hope. With the right support, your brain and body? They can heal. And yeah, life can feel worth showing up for again.

Ready to figure out your next step? The folks at Solshine Wellness are here to walk with you—no shame, no judgment, just real care that sees the whole you, from the gut imbalances to the emotional weight.