Almost everyone feels low from time to time. But when a sad or flat mood lasts for weeks and starts to take over daily life, it may point to depression. This article explains what symptoms to look out for, what may contribute to depression, and which treatments can help.
What is depression?
Depression is one of the most common reasons people contact their GP or specialist mental health care (GGZ). It is more than an “off day”: it is a persistent state of low mood and lack of motivation that noticeably affects work, school, or relationships. Depression can build up gradually over time, or appear fairly suddenly after a difficult life event.
Common symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person, but several patterns come up often:
- A persistent low mood, present almost every day and for most of the day
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to feel enjoyable
- Fatigue and low energy, even after enough rest
- Changes in sleep: trouble falling asleep, waking up early, or sleeping much more than usual
- Changes in appetite and weight, either eating less or more
- Difficulty concentrating and trouble making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Restlessness, or the opposite: feeling slowed down in thinking and movement
If several of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks and start to interfere with daily life, it is worth seeking support. A clear picture only emerges after a careful intake conversation, which results in a preliminary DSM-5 classification. This is an initial assessment that helps guide treatment, not a final or fixed label.
Possible causes of depression
Depression is rarely caused by a single factor. Usually, several elements play a role together.
Biological factors
A genetic predisposition and the balance of certain substances in the brain may contribute. Physical health conditions or hormonal changes can also play a part in the development of depressive symptoms.
Psychological factors
Patterns of thinking, such as persistent worrying or strong self-criticism, can increase the risk of depression. Difficult experiences earlier in life may also shape how someone copes with setbacks later on.
Social and environmental factors
Prolonged stress, the loss of a loved one, loneliness, financial worries, or problems at work can increase the risk of depression. Often it is the combination of personal vulnerability and life events that tips the balance.
It is worth noting that the exact cause differs from person to person, and research has not yet fully mapped out every underlying mechanism. For this reason, a clinician always looks at someone’s individual situation rather than applying a fixed formula.
Treatment options at Mavera GGZ
At Mavera GGZ in Rotterdam, treatment is tailored to the severity of the symptoms and the person’s individual situation. Commonly used approaches include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CGT): helps identify and gradually shift unhelpful thought patterns, and is often used as a first step.
- Pharmacotherapy: for moderate to severe depressive symptoms, medication may be considered under the guidance of a psychiatrist, usually alongside therapy.
- Psychodynamic therapy: focuses on underlying patterns that may contribute to symptoms, for example rooted in earlier life experiences.
Depending on what fits the situation best, Mavera GGZ also offers EMDR, ACT, schema therapy, couples and family therapy, group therapy, and online therapy.
Taking the first step
Specialist mental health care in the Netherlands requires a referral from a GP (huisarts). Start by discussing your symptoms with your GP, who can assess whether a referral is appropriate. After that, an intake conversation takes place to explore the symptoms together and determine the most suitable treatment.
Mavera GGZ provides care in Dutch, Turkish, English, Ukrainian, Polish, Uyghur, and Arabic, so that treatment can connect with a client’s language and background.
When is it an emergency?
If there is an acute danger, for example intense thoughts of suicide or a crisis situation, call 112 immediately. Mavera GGZ does not provide crisis or emergency care. For confidential support specifically around thoughts of suicide, 113 Zelfmoordpreventie is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, in the Netherlands, by calling 0800-0113 or visiting 113.nl. You do not have to face this alone, and help is often closer than it feels.
Contact
Do you have questions about depression, or would you like to know how Mavera GGZ can help? Contact us by phone at 010-254 38 96 or by email at info@maveraggz.nl. Mavera GGZ B.V. is located at Rozenlaan 115, 3051 LP Rotterdam.
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