Depression

Depression is characterised by long-term sadness and hopelessness that are out of proportion to the

circumstances. Depression is a term that has a negative connotation to it. It solely refers to a person’s

inconsistent, inappropriate, and lengthy reaction to a life event or condition.

Indeed, depression can occur even when there is nothing in a person’s life that causes it, a condition is known

as Anhedonia, or a general lack of interest in pleasurable things.

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s a mental illness that can be tremendously debilitating. According

to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the US,

with 7.3 million (or 7.1%) adults suffering from it. While depression is slightly more common in women than

men (8.7% versus 5.3%), depression doesn’t discriminate by gender, age, or race.

Symptoms include depressed mood, feeling “numb,” loss of interest in normal activities, trouble eating and

sleeping, decreased energy and decreased self-esteem. You are commonly diagnosed with depression if you

have experienced these symptoms for two weeks or more. Suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm are also

possible and may warrant emergency care.

Risk Factors for Depression

Depression can affect anyone—even a person who appears to live in relatively ideal circumstances.

Several factors can play a role in depressionBiochemistry: Differences in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression.

• Genetics: Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70 :

percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.

• Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally

pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.

• Environmental factors: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may make some people

more vulnerable to depression.

How Is Depression Treated?

Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 80% and 90% percent of people with

depression eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms.

Before a diagnosis or treatment, a health professional should conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation,

including an interview and a physical examination. In some cases, a blood test might be done to make sure the

depression is not due to a medical condition like a thyroid problem or a vitamin deficiency (reversing the medical

cause would alleviate the depression-like symptoms). The evaluation will identify specific symptoms and

explore medical and family histories as well as cultural and environmental factors with the goal of arriving at a

diagnosis and planning a course of action.

Although someone who lives with depression may feel resistance to the idea, treatment for depression is

typically very successful. Certain lifestyle choices like exercising and limiting alcohol intake can be helpful, but

usually therapy — possibly in conjunction with medication — is considered most effective. Cognitive

behavioral therapy, psycho education, and interpersonal therapy are among the treatments most commonly used

to manage depression.