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A : Depression is a mood disorder with symptoms that affect a person's thoughts, feelings, behavior, and daily functioning. In some severe cases, it can also lead to thoughts of death or attempts at self-harm or suicide. Everyone experiences sadness during a period of grief or a stressful situation. In the case of depression these feelings persist over a long period (more than two weeks); can recur frequently; and disrupt a person's daily life. Its diagnosis is made with careful consideration to commonly experienced feelings like sadness, along with other symptoms that characterize the illness. Even though it is one of the most well-recognized disorders, it is still widely stigmatized.
A : It can be caused due to a combination of several factors that include, but is not restricted to,genetic factors, life events, stress. Some causes are: Psychiatric disorders: Depression can coexist as a part of undiagnosed psychiatric disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social phobia, schizophrenia. A detailed assessment by a mental health expert is recommended in such cases. Life stressors: Common life stressors like problems relating to work, interpersonal relationships, finances, can contribute to depression. Physical health problems: Distress experienced by a person because of a physical illness that is hard to cope with can lead to showing signs of depression. It is important to consult a medical professional in such cases.
A : Depression is diagnosed when there are noticeable changes in mood. These are usually characterized by sadness, and psychosocial changes like loss of interest or pleasure in activities that the person usually enjoys. This reflects a shift from their usual behavior or functioning level. The severity of the symptoms may vary from one person to another. While many are self-reported, some symptoms are observed by others.
A : Each disorder has its own diagnosis criteria; consulting a mental health expert to get the correct diagnosis is the first step towards starting treatment. An incorrect diagnosis may lead to complications that might worsen the person's mental health.
A : There are multiple treatment options available. The course of treatment is decided based on the severity of the illness and other physiological, cognitive and social factors. In some cases, medication is prescribed. Alternatively, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is employed as a mode of treatment. In addition, the person is also referred to specialists to be treated for coexisting medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid that may have contributed to the depression. Several psychological therapies have been found to be effective in treating depression. A few examples of the types of therapy used are:
A : Many people with depression may not be willing to open up about what they're going through or seek treatment. This is due to the overwhelming levels of stigma around the illness. As a person caring for someone with depression, you need to be mindful of the number of challenges the other is faced with. As a caregiver, you can
Fact : Depression is not a weakness or laziness, but a serious mental health condition that is caused due to various reasons. Depression can affect anyone at any time in their life.
Fact : Poor nutrition may be one of the causes of depression. Carbohydrate-rich foods help in the production of chemicals such as serotonin and tryptophan that promote the feeling of wellbeing.
Fact : While genetics is one of the factors that makes a person more vulnerable to depression, it is possible that a person does not inherit the illness at all. Depression often manifests as a result of a combination of factors including genetic, psychological, and psychosocial. People with depression can get married and lead healthy lives. However, they should speak to their partners about their illness.
Fact : Not all life events cause depression. Many other reasons such as lack of social support or other physical health problems such as heart disease, cancer, HIV, thyroid, etc. can trigger depression.
Fact : Medication is not always required except in cases of severe depressive disorders. Treatment also includes psychotherapy. For mild or moderate depression, counselling and other therapies are also effective.
Fact : It is important to understand the myths about suicide as well. This may not be true because only when people have severe depressive episodes, they may have suicidal thoughts. It is extremely important for family members and friends to be sensitive to the behaviour and actions of the person and take preventive steps before it is too late.
Fact : A person with signs and symptoms of depression should see a mental health professional. Unfortunately, most people suffering from depression avoid getting help. Only about one-third of people with depression get treatment. Most of the time, people live with depression for almost a decade before seeking help. The sooner a person gets treatment — psychotherapy, medication, or other help — the more effective the treatment will be. A combination of treatments can also be quite useful.
