Depression and how to deal with it
DEPRESSION is the number one disability worldwide. It is linked to suicide, the second leading cause of death for age groups between 15 and 29. Statistics indicate that two individuals commit suicide every minute across the globe.
Depression manifests itself in a complex interaction and a mix of genetic, environmental, psychological and social factors.
This condition has an impact on individuals of diverse cultural origins and can be present in all age groups. Fortunately, studies have shown over the last 30 years that the introduction of medication has helped improve the well-being of those who suffer.
Individuals need to address early developmental conflicts and conduct relationships that allow them to cope with their depression.
Depression can be family-related but can also surface without any family history of depression. Scientists are looking at the genes that can make some individuals more susceptible.
An upsetting life event, losing a loved one or any stressful situation can set off a depressive episode; other depressive episodes may arise with or without an apparent trigger.
Those working within the mental health profession say depressive people are susceptible to sadness, while the body progressively comes to a standstill, becoming less able to cope.
Depression hampers everyday life and causes pain for the individual and their loved ones.
An episode can crop up once in an individual’s lifetime but often an individual has multiple episodes. Yet, persistent depression implies a depressive mood of at least two years.
The signs and symptoms of depression can include constant sadness, agitation or having “empty” feelings, feelings of negativity and irrelevance.
Experiencing mood swings, low self- esteem, lack of appetite, insomnia, slowness in activity and pain that cannot be alleviated with treatment are some signs of depression. Also, studies reveal that withdrawal of antidepressants, alcohol or dependency may co-exist with depression.
According to the World Health Organization, women are at greater risk than men; with an estimated 10-15% of women suffering from postpartum depression after childbirth.
Anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often linked to depression. PTSD can happen after an individual experiences a terrifying event such as a violent assault. Depression is a condition of the brain.
Areas of the brain involved with mood, thoughts, sleep, appetite and behaviour emerge as having a different appearance but these images do not disclose the reason behind the depression. Studies indicate that most depressive individuals have no incentive to seek treatment, though the majority of those with this condition, including the most severe depression, receive effective treatment through medication, psychotherapy and other modern techniques.
Research dictates that treatment is most effective if depression is addressed earlier. The first step is to schedule an appointment with a doctor or a mental health specialist. However, certain medications and health issues such as viruses can exhibit the same symptoms as depression.
A mental health specialist may detect these symptoms by performing a physical examination, consultation and laboratory analysis. If the specialist concludes that there are no health concerns that cause depression, the next step is a psychological evaluation.
Depressive individuals should not delay being evaluated. Individuals may feel a social stigma about communicating their depressive feelings, and hesitate to seek professional assistance. Studies show the longer one waits, the greater the deficiency in the future.