What is endogenous depression, as Denise Welch reveals tell-tale signs

Kate Ng
·Trending Lifestyle Reporter
Updated ·5-min read

Watch: Denise Welch reveals tell-tale signs of onset of her endogenous depression as she returns to Loose Women

Denise Welch has spoken candidly about going through a depressive episode that led her to be absent from the Loose Women panel since November 2024.

The former Hollyoaks star made her return to the show on Tuesday 11 February. Welch, 66, has opened up in the past about suffering from severe postnatal depression after giving birth to her first child, The 1975 frontman Matty Healy.

She explained that there are two main types of depression, endogenous and reactive, and that her depression is the former. "Endogenous is where, chemically, it just happens. You have no idea," she said.

Speaking in depth about her depression, Welch shared the tell-tale signs that occur in her body when a depressive episode is about to take place.

She recalled that in September 2019, she had been on a road trip to the north of England with a friend and was having a good time, when suddenly she felt "this tingling in my palms and a metallic taste in my mouth".

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: Denise Welch attends the screening of
Denise Welch speaks out often about her mental health, after she experienced severe post-natal depression that led to episodes of clinical depression. (Getty Images)

"That heralds the onset of an episode of a black, terrible depression," Welch said. In November 2024, she experienced a similar feeling after mistakenly driving the wrong way up a one-way street and being shouted at.

"Normally you would just shout [back], whatever. [But] I didn’t know what to do and I felt this complete feeling of unreality and these horrendous feelings that I hadn’t had for a long time," the actress recalled.

"I drove into a side street, I couldn’t remember how to get home. It was awful. I knew it was the start of something. I got back to my husband Lincoln and I just said, 'It’s here'. He knew what I meant, he knows all the signs. It was so black, so dark, so quickly, and I haven’t had anxiety for a long time, and the panic attacks started."

Mature woman in depression closed face with hands and crying in bed. Menopause. Life problems. Burnout and mental health concept
Endogenous depression can occur without warning, and is thought to originate from chemical changes in the brain. (Getty Images)

Endogenous depression is a subtype of major depressive disorder (MDD), which is better known as clinical depression. It is known as a more severe form of depression and symptoms can affect a person’s day-to-day activities and relationships with other people.

It can affect people of any age. While it is normal to feel sad or miserable during some periods in life, when these feelings go on for weeks and months and become more severe, it may indicate a person has depression.

It is believed that endogenous depression tends to occur without an obvious external trigger, and is often caused by internal biological or genetic factors.

This can include chemical changes in the brain that affect the production of endorphins, natural hormones that are associated with pleasure and wellbeing.

Treatment for this type of depression can include a combination of medication and talking therapy. Antidepressants can help treat and alleviate symptoms of depression, and they must be prescribed by a doctor for depression that is moderate or severe.

Talking therapy, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can help patients understand their thoughts and behaviour better and change the way they think, feel and behave in the present.

Reactive depression is depression that is triggered by a specific event or situation, also known as situational depression.

Some events that can lead to an episode of reactive depression include breakups, the loss of a job, a serious accident, or a big life change, like moving to a new place.

Unlike endogenous depression, reactive depression usually has an identifiable trigger. However, it can turn into major depression if it is severe and persistent enough, according to therapy provider Better Help.

A combination of antidepressants and talk therapy can help a person with depression cope with the illness better. (Getty Images)
A combination of antidepressants and talk therapy can help a person with depression cope with the illness better. (Getty Images)

Whether it's endogenous or reactive, symptoms of most types of depression are generally similar. However, they differ in severity, which can point to whether the depression is mild, moderate or severe.

According to the NHS, psychological symptoms of depression can include:

  • continuous low mood or sadness

  • feeling hopeless and helpless

  • having low self-esteem

  • feeling tearful

  • feeling guilt-ridden

  • feeling irritable and intolerant of others

  • having no motivation or interest in things

  • finding it difficult to make decisions

  • not getting any enjoyment out of life

  • feeling anxious or worried

  • having suicidal or self-harming thoughts

Meanwhile, physical symptoms can include:

  • moving or speaking more slowly than usual

  • changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)

  • constipation

  • unexplained aches and pains

  • lack of energy

  • low libido

  • disturbed sleep – for example, finding it difficult to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning

If you need help with your mental health, you can contact Samaritans free on 116 123 or view other ways to get in touch with the charity. For more information about mental health and how to get help visit Mind.

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