Depression, often described as the "common cold" of mental health issues, is far from being just a fleeting bout of sadness. It is a complex and pervasive condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.
How common is depression?
Depression is common. Researchers estimate that nearly 7% of adults in the United States have depression every year. More than 16% of U.S. adults — around 1 in 6 people — will experience depression at some point in their lifetime.
However, researchers believe that these estimates are lower than reality, as many people don’t seek medical help for symptoms of depression and don’t receive a diagnosis.
Approximately 4.4% of children in the United States have depression.
Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:
Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Researchers don’t know the exact cause of depression. They think that several factors contribute to its development, including
Brain chemistry:
An imbalance of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, contributes to the development of depression.
Genetics:
If you have a first-degree relative (biological parent or sibling) with depression, you’re about three times as likely to develop the condition as the general population. However, you can have depression without a family history of it.
Stressful life events:
Difficult experiences, such as the death of a loved one, trauma, divorce, isolation and lack of support, can trigger depression.
Medical conditions:
Chronic pain and chronic conditions like diabetes can lead to depression.
Medication:
Some medications can cause depression as a side effect. Substance use, including alcohol, can also cause depression or make it worse.
Biological Factors:
Imbalances in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) can play a significant role in depression. Genetics can also increase a person's vulnerability.
Psychological Factors:
Negative thought patterns, low self-esteem, and a history of trauma or abuse can increase the risk of developing depression.
Environmental Factors:
Stress, loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, or major life changes can trigger or exacerbate depression.
Social Isolation:
Lack of social support or a sense of isolation can contribute to depressive feelings.
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Management and Treatment
How is depression treated?
Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Approximately 80% to 90% of people with depression who seek treatment eventually respond well to treatment.
Treatment options include
Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) involves talking with a mental health professional. Your therapist helps you identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviours. There are many types of psychotherapy — cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most common. Sometimes, brief therapy is all you need. Other people continue treatment for several months or years.
Medication:
Prescription medicine called antidepressants can help change the brain chemistry that causes depression. There are several different types of antidepressants, and it may take time to figure out the one that’s best for you. Some antidepressants have side effects, which often improve with time. If they don’t, talk to your healthcare provider. A different medication may work better for you.
Complementary medicine:
This involves treatments you may receive along with traditional Western medicine. People with mild depression or ongoing symptoms can improve their well-being with therapies such as acupuncture, massage, hypnosis and biofeedback.
Brain stimulation therapy:
Brain stimulation therapy can help people who have severe depression or depression with psychosis. Types of brain stimulation therapy include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
There are also things you can do at home to help improve depression symptoms, including:
Getting regular exercise.
Getting quality sleep (not too little or too much).
Eating a healthy diet.
Avoiding alcohol, which is a depressant.
Spending time with people you care about.
Can I prevent depression?
You can’t always prevent depression, but you can help reduce your risk by:
Maintaining a healthy sleep routine.
Managing stress with healthy coping mechanisms.
Practising regular self-care activities such as exercise, meditation and yoga.
If you’ve had depression before, you may be more likely to experience it again. If you have depression symptoms, get help as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Depression is a complex mental health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. The first step towards managing depression is recognizing the symptoms and seeking help. With the right support and a combination of strategies, individuals can find their way out of the darkness of depression and work towards a brighter, healthier future. Remember, you are not alone, and hope and help are available to guide you on your journey to recovery.
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