The global prevalence of depression has increased significantly in recent years. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) scientific brief, the worldwide rate of anxiety and depression increased by 25% in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A major reason for the rise is the enormous stress produced by the pandemic’s social isolation. Loneliness, fear of infection, pain and death for oneself and loved ones, bereavement sadness, and financial problems have all been identified as stressors that contribute to anxiety and depression. Exhaustion has been identified as a primary factor for suicidal ideation among health care professionals.
The brief also identifies who has been the most impacted by the pandemic. Young people and women have been disproportionately affected, with young people being at a higher risk of suicidal and self-harming behaviors. People who had pre-existing physical health issues, such as asthma, cancer, or heart disease, were more likely to acquire mental illness symptoms.
To further emphasise, depression has been increasingly common in recent years as a result of a number of circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the pressures connected with it. Individuals must seek help if they are suffering depression symptoms, and governments must invest in mental health care to ensure that those in need have access to good treatment.
Defining Depression
Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.
In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for depression, as well as provide tips for managing this condition. Whether you are struggling with depression yourself or know someone who is, this article will provide valuable information to help you understand and cope with this challenging condition.
Identifying Symptoms
Depression symptoms vary from person to person, but they typically include feelings of sadness, despair, lack of pleasure in activities, irritability, weariness, changes in appetite, and thoughts of death or suicide.
One of the most prevalent symptoms of depression is mood swings. A person suffering from depression may feel sad or low for extended periods of time. They may also claim to be “empty” or unable to feel happy.
Depression can also induce physical symptoms such as sleep difficulties, including insomnia or oversleeping, weariness, and a lack of energy, making even simple chores difficult. Physical problems that are unexplained, such as back discomfort or headaches, may also arise.
Depression symptoms in children and adolescents are comparable to those in adults, with notable exceptions. Depression symptoms in younger children may include sadness, impatience, clinginess, concern, aches and pains, refusal to attend school, or being underweight.
Teens may experience symptoms like sadness, irritation, a sense of negativity and worthlessness, hostility, and poor academic performance or poor attendance. If someone is exhibiting symptoms of depression, it’s critical for them to get help. Depression has recognized effective treatments, such as medication, psychotherapy, and clinical counselling.
Common Myths About Depression
There are many myths and misconceptions about depression. These myths can contribute to the stigma surrounding depression and discourage people from seeking help. It’s important to learn the facts about depression to help combat this prejudice and stigma.
Some of the most common ones include:
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Depression is not a true illness: Many people mistakenly think that depression is simply sadness or even a personality weakness. Depression, however, is a complex mental health illness with social, psychological, and biological roots that can be treated in a variety of ways.
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Antidepressants always cure depression: Depression is curable, and your doctor may give antidepressant medicines among other interventions. However, antidepressants alone are not enough for some people. Your doctor may also advise you to seek psychotherapy or clinical counselling. Combining medications with talk therapy is a common treatment strategy.
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You can simply “get over it”: No one chooses to be depressed. Some people mistakenly believe that it happens when you allow yourself to wallow in your grief or sadness. They may believe that positive thinking or a change in attitude can cure it. Depression, in actuality, is not an indication of self-pity, weakness, or laziness. It’s a medical condition in which environmental or biological elements have a negative impact on your brain’s chemistry, function, and structure.
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It occurs as a result of a tragic situation: Everyone has sad thoughts or feelings of unhappiness from time to time. You might be upset after the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship, for example. Such occurrences can increase your risk of depression. However, depression is not necessarily the result of a terrible event. Depression can create bouts of pessimism, melancholy, and lethargy that are inexplicable.
How Exercise, Therapy, and Clinical Counselling Helps With Medication
Like what we’ve discussed earlier, medication alone might not be sufficient to help aid the overall effects of depression. Therapy, clinical counselling, and exercise are typically advised by medical professionals to further help patients improve their mental health.
Exercise
Exercise can help take your mind off the issues you are experiencing and stop the negative thinking cycle that feeds sadness and anxiety. Exercise provides numerous psychological and emotional benefits. It can assist you in gaining confidence, increasing social connection, and coping in a healthy manner.
Physical activity, such as regular walking, not just structured exercise regimens, has been demonstrated in studies that it can enhance mood. It is crucial to highlight that exercise is not a cure for depression, although it can help manage symptoms in conjunction with psychotherapy and medicine.
Therapy and Clinical Counselling
Individuals suffering from depression might also benefit from therapy and clinical counselling. Counselling often focuses on treating the most distressing symptoms or difficulties that a client is experiencing. Counsellors can help people overcome issues, hurdles, or events that have negatively impacted their mental health by doing so.
One of the reasons depression responds so well to treatment is that improvements can be found in medications, psychotherapy, counselling, or a combination of these. Finding the proper psychotherapist and counsellors who can assist you in understanding and working through the underlying causes of depression, as well as developing coping techniques to deal with the symptoms, is frequently the first step toward feeling better.
There are many different types of therapy and specialists to pick from. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and problem-solving therapy are some of the most common evidence-based treatments.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is another shorter or short-term technique of depression counselling that focuses on interpersonal conflict and a lack of social support, both of which can lead to feelings of despair. This sort of treatment can help you speak more effectively and address factors that aggravate depression symptoms.
Ultimately, clinical therapy can be a helpful technique to assist persons suffering from depression by addressing their primary symptoms or difficulties and assisting them in overcoming challenges and barriers that have harmed their mental well-being.
