Depression is a severe illness that can affect every aspect of your life. One hallmark of this condition is depressive episodes, periods during which your symptoms intensify and make it difficult to function in daily life. While depression can feel hopeless, it often responds well to a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy and medication.

What Is a Depressive Episode?

A depressive episode is a sustained period of low mood accompanied by other symptoms such as changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels and concentration. These episodes can last two weeks or more and vary in intensity and duration from one person to the next. Without intervention, a depressive episode may persist for months, significantly impacting your quality of life.

Depressive episodes are a hallmark of major depressive disorder, but may also occur in other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder.

Common Symptoms of a Depressive Episode

Depressive episodes don’t look the same for everyone. While some people experience classic symptoms like sadness and fatigue, others may exhibit different emotional and physical signs.

Emotional Symptoms

• Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
• Irritability, anger or frustration (common in men)
• Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities
• Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Physical Symptoms

• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Slowed speech or movements

Gender Differences in Depression

Depression can manifest differently depending on gender.

• Men may experience depression as irritability, anger or risk-taking instead of typical sadness. They might lash out, isolate themselves, or self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.
• Women are more likely to experience classic symptoms like sadness, tearfulness and lethargy, along with feelings of guilt and self-blame.

Recognizing these differences is crucial for identifying depressive episodes and getting help.

What to Do During a Depressive Episode

If you suspect you’re experiencing a depressive episode, it’s important to take steps toward self-care and professional support. While depression can feel overwhelming, several strategies can help reduce its impact.

Lifestyle Changes

• Stay active: Regular physical activity can boost mood by releasing endorphins. Even a short walk can help.
• Prioritize sleep: Establish a healthy sleep routine to improve energy and emotional resilience.
• Eat a balanced diet: Nutrient-rich foods can support brain health and stabilize mood.
• Practice mindfulness: Techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can reduce stress and promote emotional balance.
• Connect with others: Isolation worsens depressive symptoms. Stay in touch with friends or family you trust.

Professional Treatment Options

• Therapy: Evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy can help individuals manage their thoughts and behaviors.
• Medication: Antidepressants may be prescribed to correct chemical imbalances in the brain. Consult with a mental health professional to explore if medication is right for you.
• Structured treatment: If you need dependable care from a professional, multidisciplinary team, Serene Behavioral Health allows you to recover in a healing environment.

The Path to Wellness

Though the isolation and overwhelming nature of depression may make you believe you don’t deserve to feel better, recovery is possible. Our compassionate mental health professionals provide personalized care designed to help clients emerge from depressive episodes and build a brighter future. We help our clients rediscover balance and hope through a combination of evidence-based therapies and holistic support. Reach out today to learn more about our programs and services.