Depression

The word depression is wrongly used as just another word for feeling sad. Depression is not just about sadness. It is a mental health disorder and termed as Major Depressive Disorder. It can cause symptoms which are mild to severe that can affect how you feel, think and handle daily activities

How do you know you have depression? Recognizing the signs.

If the above symptoms last for more than 2 weeks and affects your social, academic, occupational or functional life, you might have depression.

Struggle of people living with depression

• I feel hopeless, helpless & worthless
• I do not have interest in friends, activities and things I earlier used to enjoy
• There is no energy in my body. I cannot work or think
• I cannot sleep well & do not like to eat food
• I am not able to concentrate in office or home
• I forget things easily
• Only negative thoughts come to my mind as if everyone and everything is against me
• I am more irritable & short tempered than usual
• I am consuming more tobacco, cigarettes & alcohol
• Nobody loves or likes me
• Suicidal thoughts “l wish I could die”

Depression doesn’t have a universal appearance

• Overeating
• Sleeping long hours
• Mood temporarily brightens after a positive event

Depression can be physical too!

• Acidity, constipation & indigestion
• Headache
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Joint pain
• Backache
• Chest pain

What are the causes of depression?

Environmental: Negative events around you
Familial: Marital Disharmony, Parental Pressure, Sibling Rivalries, Relationship Problems
Biological: Dysregulation of Neurotransmitters like Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, BDNF
Genetics: People with family history of depression has twice the chance of having it as compared to others
Addiction: Smoking, Alcohol, Tobacco & Drugs cause brain Damage which leads to depression

Some facts about depression

• Over 350 million people suffer from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) globally
• 1 in 4 young adults will suffer an episode of MDD before the age of 24
• Women are 2 times more likely to suffer from depression than men
• People who are depressed are more prone to other illnesses like Flu, Cardiac disorders, Diabetes, Thyroid Disorders, Joint Pains, Low Immunity, etc.
• About 30% of people with untreated MDD attempt suicide

Know someone struggling with depression? Encourage them to seek help – consult a psychiatrist.

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Source/s: Banner image by freepik.com