According to Global Health Data Exchange, as of 2019, approximately 3.8% of the world population suffered from depression, with 5% being adults above 20 years and around 5.7% of those aged between 60 to 89 years.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mental disorder that manifests itself as a
continuous feeling of sadness, low moods, and disinterest in activities you
previously enjoyed and life. Depression is persistent and can go on for weeks,
months, or even years. It exists in different forms, including:
- Bipolar
Depression
- Psychotic
Depression
- Seasonal
Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Premenstrual
Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Clinical
Depression
- Postpartum
Depression
- Persistent
Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
- Seasonal
Depression
What Are The Symptoms Of Depression?
A majority of affected individuals suffer in silence because
most are not even aware they are depressed. GHDx data
shows that most depression patients are women. Men show signs of depression
through anger, fatigue, and being easily irritable. On the other hand, women
manifest the symptoms through feelings such as guilt, unworthiness, and
sadness. Other symptoms can include:
- Suicide
thoughts
- Disinterest
in activities previously enjoyed
- Change
in sleeping pattern. It can either be insomnia or sleeping too much
- Having
a hard time concentrating
- Low
moods and lack of motivation
- Change
in eating habits. Some people eat more or less than usual.
- Weight
gain or loss
- Unexplained
pain such as joint paint, backaches, and bloating
For these symptoms to qualify for a depression diagnosis,
they have to last two weeks or more.
What causes depression?
Depression can result from several factors such as:
- Trauma
experienced in earlier life accompanied by fear and mental distress.
- Mood
disorders may be genetically inherited in the family.
- Substance
abuse
- Loss
of a loved one
- Sociological
and environmental factors
- Medical
conditions such as bipolar disorder, sleep disturbance, or chronic pain.
Is There Treatment For Depression?
There exists no specific cure for depression. However, there
exist different forms of antidepressants and psychotherapy that can be used for
treatment. Treatment varies depending on the individual and the type of
depression or symptoms experienced.
Conclusion
Depression affects a large number of the world’s population. It can affect anyone either directly or indirectly. However, seeking treatment is the first step to managing the symptoms. Talk to your healthcare professional as soon as possible if you or someone close to you exhibits the symptoms.