Depression

WHAT IS DEPRESSION

In simple terms, a person maybe depressed if they consistently and repetitively feel sad and seem to have lost interest from things. However, depression may have different symptoms causing from different reasons, and it may vary for every individual.

People who are diagnosed with depression aka major depressive disorder, often explain it as having an altered sense of being: it basically impacts our feelings, our thinking and general behaviour. A depressed person may find it difficult to go about day-to-day activities due to these emotional impairments, and in worst cases, these negative thoughts can grow to the point of suicidal intentions.

Loss of or change in appetite, weight fluctuation, increased fatigue or feelings of exhaustion without much physical activity, inability to sit still, or oppositely, slowed movement or speech, are also identified as some symptoms of depression. In addition to these, feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing are one of the common and frequently occurring symptoms. The mildness or the severity of these symptoms can however, vary. As a result of an impaired sense of general well-being, one becomes prey to more emotional and physical problems.

A depressed person may often try to overlook, suppress, or neglect their mental health condition. More often than most times, we get so caught up in being busy, and juggling commitments, that we rarely stop to check in with ourselves. As a result, we fail to acknowledge our depleting mental health until it starts to interfere with our ability to function.

Most people living with depression tend to feel embarrassed because they fear being misunderstood, or taken lightly, and continue to live what we call a “normal” life. But if we keep neglecting our mental health, it will eventually lead upto adverse issues. Ultimately, we are going to need support to deal with our issues.

How is it different from general moods?

Difficult situations are bound to occur in our lives, without a doubt. One rarely can get through this crazy ride called “life” without its fair share or “ups” and “downs”. Most of the times, these ‘difficult situations’ leave us feeling sad, and even grieving. But, being sad is not the same as being depressed.

Then, how do we differentiate between depression and normal feelings of sorrow?

Actually, there is an extremely thin line between the two. While both depression and sorrow involve intensely sad emotions, and withdrawal from usual activities, they are both different in important ways. And for this reason, many a times people attribute their sadness as depression.

One of the major and basic difference between the two are:

a) Depression persists longer than a normal period of sorrow, and rarely involves any positive thoughts. Opposite to that, when a person is sad, there may be occasional instances where their mood might be slightly better.

b) When a person is sad, their sense of self-worth and self-love depreciate to abnormal levels. A depressed person ends up may feel worhtlesss and self-loath to such extent that the thought of ending their life often runs in their mind.

DEPRESSION: CAUSAL FACTORS

Depression is one such mental illness that doesn’t originate from a single cause. It can occur for a variety of reasons and it has many different triggers. Example, death or loss of a loved one, abuse etc.

HOW IS DEPRESSION TREATED?

Depression is one of the most treatable mental illnesses. Between 80% and 90% of persons with depression eventually react favourably to treatment. Almost all patients have some symptom alleviation.

A full diagnostic evaluation, including an interview and a physical examination, should be performed by a health professional prior to a diagnosis or therapy. In rare circumstances, a blood test may be performed to ensure that the depression is not caused by a medical issue such as a thyroid problem or a vitamin deficiency (reversing the medical cause would alleviate the depression-like symptoms). The evaluation will identify particular symptoms and will investigate medical and family histories, as well as cultural and environmental factors, in order to arrive at a diagnosis and establish a course of action.

Lastly, remember, step one to treatment is ALWAYS APPROACHING FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP!