Understanding depression

“I think the saddest people always try to make people happy because they know what it’s like to feel absolutely worthless and they don’t want anyone else to feel like that.” — Robin Williams, US actor

Mental health is one of the most important issues that needs to be addressed. There seems to be a prevalent epidemic of depression. Studies show that it has been around for centuries.

There used to be stigma when someone had a form of mental or psychological disorder. People only whispered about or suppressed the problem. Now it is openly discussed.

After a series of high-profile incidents of suicide, people wonder how to recognize and deal with it.

“Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects a person’s emotions, thinking and behavior,” Dr. Ma. Teresa Gustilo-Villasor explained in her recent lecture. “Major depressive disorder is also known as clinical depression.”

The individual feels miserable, lonely, let down. Unfortunately, it has claimed many lives — both young and middle-aged.

“If you know someone who is depressed, please resolve never to ask them why… Depression just is, like the weather. Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they are going through…. It’s hard to be a friend to someone who is depressed, but it is one of the kindest noblest and best things you will ever do.” — Stephen Fry

A chart shows that the highest percentage of depression affects teenagers and young adults aged 16 to 29. This has increased by 50% in the past 60 years.

The World Health Organization statistics show that half of the people with mental disorders — anxiety, depression, mood, and thought problems develop at age 14.

Depression and anxiety are prevalent among the population age brackets 15 to 14; 55 to 70.

In 2014, depression was the predominant cause of illness and disability for both boys and girls.

The Philippines’ Department of Health estimates that one in five Filipino adults has some form