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Depression: We can help you to overcome

More than 264 million people suffer from depression throughout the world. Women tend to suffer more than men. Depression can turn suicidal. Depression tends to block peace and happiness in life.

Depression in Today’s Life

Depression is the most common mental disorder caused in all sort of age groups. More than 264 million people suffer from depression throughout the world. Women tend to suffer more than men. People who look happier outside might carry mountains of emotions inside. It is not something to take lightly. Depression can turn suicidal. Don’t be shy to reach out and seek help. Depression tends to block peace and happiness in life.

Depression can be classified as mild-moderate and sever based on symptoms. Depressions also can be classified as situational depression - caused due to external factors such as stress, trauma etc., and psychotic depression- which can cause hallucinations, delusions (false beliefs) and paranoia (wrongly believing that others are trying to harm you).

Depression can be seen in all age groups. Anybody can be a target of this illness. Most abundantly found causes are stressful events in life, such as the death of a family member, divorce, or losing a job. This is also called "stress response syndrome." There many more causes for depression-like constant failure at something (exam, work, etc.,), childhood trauma, being a victim of abuse or bullying, having toxic parents, friends or and other toxic relationship. Depression can also be caused without any particular reason. We all tend to face depression at some point in life with different intensity. If the severity is less, we heal with time and support but with increased severity, one need physician support.

The commonly seen symptoms are

  • reduced interest,
  • distress in the pleasure of life,
  • weight loss or gain,
  • insomnia,
  • feeling restless and agitated,
  • very sluggish and slowed down physical or mental activity (lifting glass feels like lifted mountain),
  • being tired and exhausted,
  • feeling worthless or guilty,
  • trouble in concentrating or making decisions,
  • insecurity,
  • loss of trust,
  • suicidal thoughts,
  • hallucinations and delusions (where you cannot make difference between reality and imagination).

False beliefs in present society

  • Depression is shameful? No, it is not. All of us go through it at different frequency and intensity. It is not shameful.
  • Not seeking help because it is shameful? Seeking help is never shameful. 1st thing a person needs to do is accept depression. Accepting that I have depression is 1st step towards a cure. You don't have to go all loud about it but you need to speak to your trusted and loved ones or to a professional person. Professional aid is the best way to choose especially when you are insecure and deal with trust issues.
  • Parents or partners feel shameful? Parents and partners have to be considerate and listen to the thoughts of a depressive person. You love and care can cure depression more than any drugs available.
  • All depressive people are psychotic? No, they are not. Depression tends to happen due to various reasons mentioned above.

Cure

If depression is at psychotic level pharmacological drugs prescribed by a specified professional physician. Other than drugs, counselling by profession, seeking out for aid through your friends, family, relative, etc., talk out your problems don't bury them inside you.

Take-home points

  • Accept depression
  • Speak out problems
  • Family love and care is best treatment for depression.
  • Do not hesitate to seek professional help when it is necessary

You can drop us message or ask questions anonymously to get some help to overcome exam stress-

You are requested to provide your email so that we can reach you and help you overcome the exam stress. Please note that we are NOT treating depression or providing any medication. We are here to support you till you find some appropriate help.

References

  1. GBD 2017 Disease and Injury Incidence and Prevalence Collaborators. (2018). Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The Lancet.
  2. Wang et al. Use of mental health services for anxiety, mood, and substance disorders in 17 countries in the WHO world mental health surveys. The Lancet. 2007; 370(9590):841-50.
  3. American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition: DSM-5, American Psychiatric Publishing, 2013.
  4. CDC: "The Burden of Mental Illness."
  5. National Alliance on Mental Illness: "Depression: Treatment, Services, and Support."
  6. Cleveland Clinic: "Seasonal Depression."