Forget what you’ve heard or what you’re afraid to hear – depression is not a sign of weakness! It’s a real illness that affects millions of people all around the world.
In fact, it’s so worrying that even the World Health Organisation (WHO) defines depression as a ‘Global Public Health Concern’ that is the leading cause of disability in males and females.
The fact that it’s so concerning makes it important to become educated about this common mental disorder, that’s why in this article, we’re going to tell you what you need to know about depression.
What is Depression?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR; APA, 2000), the diagnostic criteria of depression are as follows:
“Depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in life activities for at least 2 weeks and at least five of the following symptoms that cause clinically significant impairment in social, work or other important areas of functioning almost every day.
1. Depressed mood most of the day.
2. Diminished interest or pleasure in all or most activities.
3. Significant unintentional weight loss or gain.
4. Insomnia or sleeping too much.
5. Agitation or psychomotor retardation noticed by others.
6. Fatigue or loss of energy.
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate or indecisiveness.
9. Recurrent thoughts of death”
Depression is Much More Than Just Feeling Unhappy
Feeling unhappy for sad is human nature, we will never be able to avoid it or get rid of it. Depression however, is a physical illness that requires psychological treatment from mental health professionals.
Depression Can Happen To Anyone, at Anytime
When we are feeling sad, there’s usually a good reason for this. We may have suffered disappointment or lost someone dear to us but when someone is depressed, reasoning gets thrown out of the window.
Depression does not need a reason to affect someone, its caused by chemicals in the brain that are in charge of our moods and how we feel at any given time. When these chemicals are unbalanced, it has the ability to make us feel sad, regardless if everything is going perfectly in our lives.
Children Can Suffer From Depression Too!
There’s a common misconception going around that children cannot suffer from depression because childhood is so enjoyable and happy-go-lucky.
The reality is that even though children might not experience the same problems that adults do, they too can suffer depression which can be caused by things such as bullying or simply not ‘fitting in’ with the crowd they want to be associated with.
Depression Can Be Treated!
While things may seem glum and helpless now, the good news is that depression like any other illness, can be treated!
There are various types of medication and psychotherapy that can help those suffering from depression to overcome this mental illness, however choosing the right one can be tricky, since everyone’s symptoms will differ.
That’s why it’s best to seek the help of qualified, experienced mental health professionals and that’s where we come in. We can put you in touch with some of the best private depression clinics to suit you or loved one’s needs. Call us now for free and confidential expert advice.
Sources:
The World Health Organisation:http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/who_paper_depression_wfmh_2012.pdf
National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64063/