Depression: Myths, Symptoms And Treatment

According to WHO, 56,675,969 people suffer from depression in India as of 2015, i.e. 4.5% of India’s population. 36% of Indians are likely to suffer from major depression at some point in their lives.

The total estimated number of people living with depression increased by 18.4% between 2005 and 2015. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in the age group 18-29 years. On average, in India, 20.9 people commit suicide per every 100,000 people. More women are affected by depression than men.

Depression is different from sadness or grief/bereavement. The death of a loved one, loss of a job, or ending a relationship are difficult experiences for everyone to endure. It is normal for feelings of sadness or grief to develop in response to such situations. Those experiencing loss often might describe themselves as being “depressed.”

• In grief, painful feelings come in waves, often intermixed with positive memories of the deceased. In major depression, mood and/or interest (pleasure) are decreased for most of two weeks.

• In grief, self-esteem is usually maintained. However, in major depression, feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing are common.

There are many myths surrounding therapy and depression.

While it is important to know what depression is, it is equally important to know what it is not.

Depression is not simple sadness. Most of us get upset when life doesn’t go our way. But someone with depression can feel so bad they struggle to do everyday activities like eat or bathe. To count as depression, the sadness must be a constant, long-lasting feeling.

Depression is not a sign of weakness. Although depression can sap your energy or motivation, having the condition does not mean you are lazy. In fact, many people with depression put forth double the effort to get through their day.

Depression is not forever. People with depression can feel hopeless about recovery, especially if they have had the condition for a long time. Yet, most forms of depression are very treatable.

Triggers: Triggers are emotional, psychological, or physical events or circumstances that can cause depression symptoms to appear or return. These are some of the most common triggers:

• Stressful life events, such as loss, family conflicts, and changes in relationships.

• Incomplete recovery after having stopped treatment too soon

Sign And Symptoms: Signs and symptoms can help you understand what depression is and seek help accordingly .

Here is a checklist that can help you know if you are depressed or not.

Behavioural Symptoms Of Depression:

• “I want to withdraw from close family and friends (preferring to stay alone most of the time).”

• “I don’t want to go out.”

• “I have stopped enjoying usual activities (ex: watching a movie or going out with friends).”

• “I have started relying on alcohol and sedatives”.

Physical Symptoms Of Depression:

• “I feel tired all the time.”

• “I am feeling sick.”

• “I have frequent headaches, stomach or muscle pains.”

• “I have sleep problems (increased or decreased sleep than usual).”

• “loss or change of appetite.”

• “Significant weight loss or gain.”

Thoughts Caused By Depression:

• “I am a failure.”

• “It’s my fault.”

• “Nothing good ever happens to me.”

• “I am worthless.”

• “There is nothing good in my life.”

• “Things will never change.”

• “Life is not worth living.”

• “People would be better off without me.”

Treatment: Although there are known, effective treatments for mental disorders, between 76% and 85% of people in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment for their disorder. Living with depression can be difficult, but treatment can help improve your quality of life. Talk to your healthcare provider about possible options.

Depression is very treatable. In fact, with the right treatment, 80% of people with depression feel better or no longer experience symptoms at all.

Living With Depression

The most important part of living with depression is not giving up. If you stay focused and consistent with treatment, your mood will improve over time.

Some do’s, and don’ts might help you work towards recovery.

Do:

• Get involved in activities that make you feel good or feel like you have achieved something.

• Avoid drugs and alcohol. Both make depression worse. Both can cause dangerous side effects with antidepressant medicines.

• Exercise regularly. It makes the body feel better. Exercise causes a chemical reaction in the body that can boost mood. The goal should be exercising 4 - 6 times a week for at least 30 minutes each time.

• Eat balanced meals and healthy foods.

• Get plenty of sleep. Keep your sleep routine consistent.

• Set small goals if one has low energy.

• Encourage yourself.

Don’t:

• Don’t isolate yourself. Stay in touch with friends, family, your spiritual advisor, and your therapist.

• Don’t let negative thoughts linger in your mind. Don’t talk badly about yourself. Don’t expect to fail.

• Don’t blame yourself for your depression.

• Don’t make major life decisions while you are depressed. This includes marriage, divorce, separation, quitting your job, etc. You may not be thinking clearly while you are depressed. If you must make an important decision, ask someone you trust to help you.

• Don’t set an unrealistic schedule.

• Don’t get discouraged. It will take time for your depression to lift fully. Be patient with yourself.

• Don’t give up.

References

World Health Organisation, (2017). Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders. Global Health Estimates. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/254610/WHO-MSD-MER-2017.2-eng.pdf