Depression is a common term on the lips of everyone. It affects an estimated 1 in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year and 1 in 6 people (16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life. More than 300 million people of all ages including children, teens and adults suffer from depression. Some of us usually used the term to describe our emotions when something is wrong or terrible things happen either to us or someone dear to us. Not so many of us understands this medical situation that has incapacitated so many people and sent some to their early graves. Therefore, it is necessary to educate ourselves on this mental health condition and how to deal with it.
Medical experts and psychologists have regarded depression as an illness, mood disorder, major depressive disorder or clinical depression that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. According to the World Health Organization, it describes depression as a common mental disorder, characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks. Therefore, it worthy of note that depression differs from simple grief or mourning, which are appropriate emotional responses to the loss of loved persons or objects.
There are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, stressful life events, medications, and medical problems. It is believed that several of these forces interact to bring on depression. Acetylcholine, serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are neurotransmitters involved in nerve cell communication that have been implicated in the onset of depression. Equally, medical illnesses or medications may be at the root of up to 10% to 15% of all depressions in adults. Researchers have reported that degenerative neurological conditions, stroke and erectile dysfunction in men are some medical conditions associated with mood disorder that may also lead to depression.
The rich and the poor, white and the black, old and young are all victims of depression. The above medical conditions are triggered by low economic status, lack of employment, high infant mortality rate, high cost of living, inequality and social vices, abuse and many other social factors.
People with depression normally have several of the following: loss of energy; change in appetite; sleeping more or less; anxiety; reduced concentration; indecisiveness; restlessness; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness; and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Excessive hunger, fatigue, agitation, weight gain or weight loss, excessive crying, irritability, or social isolation may also be seen.
Regardless of what causes depression or the type one is suffering from, the most important thing is to realize or diagnose it and seek the help/intervention of professionals as soon as possible for medical attention. The first step that will be recommended is to visit the nearest hospital for medical advise and support. People with depression can find it difficult to take the first step in seeking support. They may require the help of the suspecting neighbour, family members or friends for this.
The good news is that the most severe cases can be treated. There is a range of treatments which include drugs, talk therapy (psychotherapy), or a combination of both. There are also many things that people with depression can do to help themselves. Do not attempt self rescue mission or “self help” in trying to find immediate solution to depression. However, avoid negative thoughts as much as you can because staying negative will affects your ability to focus on getting better and makes you more vulnerable to unhealthy emotions. Depression is a negative situation and can never be cured with negative actions.
According to a popular axiom that prevention is better than cure, effort on prevention aims to reduce the risk of becoming depressed by enhancing coping and self-management skills in ‘at risk’ people. Three types of prevention can be distinguished: 1) universal prevention, targeting the general population and promoting resilience and mental fitness; 2) selective prevention directed at people exposed to risk factors; and 3) indicated prevention directed at emerging depressive symptoms not yet meeting the diagnostic criteria for the full-blown disorder promotes self-management. In other words, the distinction between the various types of prevention are made by looking at the target group. Also, one can change how to handle the stress that causes depression. Above all stay positive, eat and exercise the body well, stay low or completely avoid alcohol and get enough sleep as at when due.
Rotarian Ayo Olowoyeye
Member, Rotary eClub of the State of Jefferson
References
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
https://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/en/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-causes-depression
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-what-you-need-to-know/index.shtml
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