Have you gone through days that brought you tears of bitterness, stress and moments of helplessness?
Did you find yourself not interested in anything particular, or in life in general during those days?
The answer mostly is yes.
After all we all have to experience both sides of life, happiness and sadness.
However, if those days prolonged for a period of two weeks or more. You were probably under a psychological condition called depression or depressive disorder.
ALSO READ: How to Deal with Depression?
What is Depression?
Depression is a serious mood disorder, which is found very common across countries.
There is a growing demand at global level to curb depression as it is increasing the disability of the world population.
The world mental health survey conducted in 17 countries found that on average about 1 in 20 people reported having an episode of depression in the previous year.
Often you may have heard people saying they are depressed whenever they are sad.
No, it may not be a case of depression.
Sadness is a normal reaction to situations in life that one finds difficulty to deal with.
These reactions may pass with little time.
On the other hand, when a person has depression it interferes with normal daily functioning.
ALSO READ: Psychologist vs Psychiatrist
Symptoms of Depression
Decreased mood, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep, irritability, decreased concentration. These are some of the major symptoms of depression.
Some may have recurring thoughts about death or self-harm or attempts of suicide.
To be diagnosed as depression these symptoms must be present at least for a period of two weeks.
Not every person with depression experiences the same symptoms.
The frequency and severity of symptoms vary among individuals based on many factors. Such as the severity of the causal factor, personality, age, coping mechanism and so on.
Well, the facts on depression said so far may have been depressive. But there is some positive news too.
Depression, even the severe cases can be treated.
On world health day– April 2017 WHO released several posters depicting conversation between people on depression. And propagates that depression can be talked about and treated.
Often it so happens that many people with depression hesitate accessing the right treatment. Due to the stigma attached towards mental disorders.
According to mental health professionals, earlier the treatment begins, more effective it is.
Treatment of depression is mostly done either with antidepressants or psychotherapy or as a combination of both.
Let us not forget that depression is a common curable disorder and right treatment is all that needed.
Help and get helped!
-Fathima Shabnam
At Wellness Clinic, we are one of India’s best psychology counseling centers. Our team comprises clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, family therapists, and remedial educators. We are ensured to provide the best mental health services. For more Information do contact us.