Let's Talk

World Health Day April 7th 2017, Theme: Depression. #Let's Talk

WHO chose its theme as depression among reasons we all are aware of, yet not completely. While we have been hearing all our life about healthy body, we rarely hear how we should have a healthy mind too. As stated by WHO " Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 300 million people affected. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life". It is also the leading cause of ill health worldwide. WHO categorizes Depression as mild, moderate or severe. "At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds" (WHO factsheet)

Some observations/facts/study that I could summarize:

- The  way we use the term depression these days, even colloquially is surprising. Depression IS NOT a mood swing phenomena. It is for real. The earlier we accept this, the better equipped we are to be empathetic and hear out someone. 

- Depression DOES NOT mean you are 'mad' nor does going to a counselor make you so.

- Depression is a common mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities.

- Sadness is only a small part of depression. Some people with depression may not feel sadness at all. Depression has many other symptoms, including physical ones. People with depression normally have several of the following:

Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down”

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

Appetite and/or weight changes

Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts

Restlessness, irritability

Persistent physical symptoms

(https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-what-you-need-to-know/index.shtml)

-WHO has identified strong links between depression and other noncommunicable disorders and diseases. Depression increases the risk of substance use disorders and diseases such as diabetes and heart disease; the opposite is also true, meaning that people with these other conditions have a higher risk of depression.

- Many factors may play a role in depression, including genetics, brain biology and chemistry, and life events such as trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, an early childhood experience, or any stressful situation.

- Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in the teens or early 20s or 30s. Most chronic mood and anxiety disorders in adults begin as high levels of anxiety in children. In fact, high levels of anxiety as a child could mean a higher risk of depression as an adult.

(https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-what-you-need-to-know/index.shtml) 

- Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, the severity and frequency differs from person to person. If can affect teens, older adults, children, women, men differently. 

-If you have depression, you are NOT alone.

-There ARE treatments for Depression.

Visit a Doctor who could guide you soon. Medications &/or psychotherapy help. 

What can we all do? 

Be a little more patient. Talk. Offer emotional support. Offer Hope. Never ignore what they say, especially if it is about self harm. 

I am no therapist, nor a doctor, being a student of counseling psychology, just spreading the awareness. In a world so competitive, fast, every-changing, it may be difficult to find a little bit of peace and trust. It may be difficult to find a little more time. It may be difficult to understand what other people 'feel' and would never say. Yet, we are in times when we can have anything, achieve any goal, do the impossible, connect anywhere. However, we are also in times when Depression is on the rise ever passing day, in every country. What may be the underlying causes? 

Let's Talk.