Depression, commonly referred to as depressive disorder, is a common mental illness. It is characterized by a protracted period of depression, loss of pleasure, or lack of interest in activities.
A depressive state is not the same as normal mood swings or feelings related to daily living. It can have an impact on all facets of life, including ties to friends, family, and the community. It may originate from or contribute to issues at work and in the classroom.
Anyone can experience depression. Depression is more likely to strike those who have experienced abuse, significant losses, or other stressful situations. Compared to men, women experience depression at a higher rate.
Symptoms
1 poor concentration
2 feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth
3 hopelessness about the future
4 thoughts about dying or suicide
5 disrupted sleep
6 changes in appetite or weight
7 feeling very tired or low in energy.
Factors that contribute as well as prevention
A complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors leads to depression. Depression is more common in people who have experienced negative life events, such as unemployment, bereavement, or traumatic events. Depression can exacerbate a person’s life circumstances and the depression itself, which can result in increased stress and dysfunction.
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Physical health is closely related to and impacts depression. Numerous factors that have been linked to depression, like unhealthy alcohol consumption or physical inactivity, are also recognized risk factors for conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders. As a result of the challenges involved in managing their illness, individuals with these conditions may also experience depression.
Prevention programmes have been shown to reduce depression. Effective community approaches to prevent depression include school-based programmes to enhance a pattern of positive coping in children and adolescents. Interventions for parents of children with behavioural problems may reduce parental depressive symptoms and improve outcomes for their children. Exercise programmes for older persons can also be effective in depression prevention.
Key facts about depression
1 Depression is a prevalent mental illness.
2 An estimated 5% of adults worldwide are depressed.
3 Depression affects more women than men.
4 Suicide can result from depression.
5 Depression, whether mild, moderate, or severe, can be effectively treated.
Effective psychological treatments for depression include:
1 activation of behavior
2 Cognitive behavioral treatment
3 Problem-solving therapy: interpersonal psychotherapy.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like fluoxetine, are antidepressant medications.
Healthcare professionals should consider each patient’s preferences, the potential side effects of antidepressant medication, and their capacity to provide either intervention in terms of knowledge and/or treatment availability.
Antidepressants shouldn’t be the first line of treatment for depression in children or adolescents, although they should be used extremely carefully when treating depression in these age groups.
Bipolar disorder is treated with various drugs and therapies.
If you think you are in immediate danger of harming yourself, contact any available emergency services or a crisis line.
