AWARENESS ABOUT DEPRESSION
HOW TO SEEK HELP
Certainly! Here is a blog post on depression, including the signs and symptoms, treatment and diagnosis, and medical and environmental help.
WHAT IS
DEPRESSION?
Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite how common depression is, many people still find it difficult to identify the signs and symptoms, get diagnosed and receive the required help. In this blog post, we will be discussing depression more in-depth, including the signs and symptoms, how to diagnose and treat depression and finding help for those dealing with this medical condition.
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS:
Depression
is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and unhappiness for a
long period of time. However, it is important to remember that depression is
different from just feeling down. It is a medical condition that can interfere
with daily activities and impact overall mental health. Here are some common
signs and symptoms of depression:
- Loss of
interest in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyed
- Sleep
problems, such as too little or too much sleep
- Fatigue or
a decrease in energy levels
- Difficulty
concentrating, remembering things or making decisions
- Changes in
appetite and weight
- Physical
issues, such as headaches or body aches
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
DIAGNOSIS:
A professional mental health assessment is necessary to determine if someone has depression. The process includes our mental health professional gathering information about the patient, including symptoms. The mental health professional may also ask any family member or friend to provide input. The use of structured diagnostic interviews and standardized questionnaires help the mental health professional accurately diagnose depression.
TREATMENT:
The goal of treatment for depression is to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life and better establish coping strategies. Depression can be treated using various approaches such as medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Here are some categories of treatment for depression:
1. Medication
Antidepressants are medications that modify the chemicals in the brain responsible for mood. Various types of these medications are available and would depend on individual symptoms.
2. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy or talk therapy involves recognizing negative thoughts patterns and learning how to change them, communicating feelings and problem-solving.
3. Brain Stimulation Therapies
Brain Stimulation Therapies are therapies that are used only when the more traditional treatments fail. For severe depression, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and other therapies have shown effectiveness when traditional treatment fails.
Medical and Environment Help
Here are some medical and environmental help for depression:
Medical Care
Patients dealing with depression require constant medical observation and attention. Medical attention is essential, especially when dealing with severe cases of depression.
Environmental Help
The support and assistance of family and the community helps provide emotional support that those dealing with depression require. People with depression find it difficult to go in search of these supports, but they are essential.
Awareness-raising groups and organizations provide support for people with depression and are great pillars of support if you require external help.
RAISING AWARENESS FOR DEPRESSION:
In the WHO European Region, depression affects around 40 million people, or 4.3% of the population. Depression limits a person’s ability to fully function at work or school and to cope with daily life. At its worst, it can lead to suicide.
Depression is a primary cause of suicide deaths. This also leads to enormous economic losses; in the European Union, the cost of lost productivity due to depression has been estimated at over €70 billion per year. Yet, 3 out of 4 people who suffer from depression do not receive adequate treatment
WHO/Europe works to raise awareness of the consequences of depression and self-harm, to reduce stigma and discrimination, and to improve access to health care. It supports countries’ efforts to scale up services for depression in nonspecialized health-care settings as part of an integrated approach to chronic disease management. The 2017 World Health Day campaign “Depression: Let’s Talk” also drew attention to this issue.
The European Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020 encourages Member States to develop and implement evidence-based suicide prevention strategies that combine a universal approach with activities to protect vulnerable groups.
Ways to Raise Depression Awareness
1. Talk About It
Having frank discussions about depression with your children and family members can help raise depression awareness. If a celebrity goes public with their story of depression or when someone well-known commits suicide, it is important to discuss the issue with those you love. Talk about how many people are affected by the disease and let people know that there are treatment options available. Depression is treatable with the right specialists, therapies, and, in some cases, medications, so there is no reason to feel hopeless if someone you know is depressed.
2. Address Some Myths
As mentioned previously, there are many myths about depression. One great way to raise depression awareness is to help dispel those myths. If you hear someone propagating myths about depression, be sure to speak up kindly but firmly. For example, if a friend says that someone suffering from depression just needs to get out of bed and spend her time doing something productive, you can let them know that depression does not have an on/off switch and that medical treatment is often needed for someone to feel better.
3. Share Mental Health Screening Information
Any family doctor, pediatrician, or general practitioner can screen their patients for depression. In fact, many doctors do this as a matter of routine. People can access mental health screening in their state by going to Help Yourself Help Others and clicking on the appropriate state. They can also take a self-screening test online and take their answers to their doctor. You can share these sites via social media to reach all of your friends and followers. With one in five people suffering from depression at some point in their lives, it is likely that the information will help someone.
4. Share Your Story
Have you struggled with depression? It is a very personal struggle, and many individuals are reluctant to share these details. Know that by sharing your story, however, you are helping to raise depression awareness and might inspire someone else to seek treatment. Depression is a hidden illness and most of the time, nobody knows who is struggling with it or who has struggled with it in the past. If you have recovered, you can be an inspiration for others who are in the midst of feeling depressed and hopeless. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
5. Watch for Bullying
One major cause of depression in teenagers, in particular, is bullying. Bullying can defeat a person’s self-esteem and cause sadness, hopelessness, and even suicidal ideation. Know the signs of bullying and talk to your children or teenagers about it. Check in with their school to find out what the anti-bullying policies are, and if you know someone who is being bullied, be sure that they are followed. Don’t hesitate to get the authorities involved in cases of cyberbullying, physical assault, or other criminal activity.
6. Memorize the Suicide Prevention Hotline
If you know someone is in crisis, encourage them to call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This is a free call and it is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Other options for someone who is in severe crisis are taking them to the emergency room or calling 911. Emergency room physicians can screen someone for severe depression or suicidality and get them the crisis treatment they need.
7. Reach Out to a Friend in Need
If you have a friend who you suspect is suffering from depression, reach out to them. Don’t avoid them because it makes you uncomfortable. If they don’t want to get out of bed and leave the house, you can go visit them at their house just to talk. If you can coax them outside in the sun or for a short walk, that’s even better, because sunlight and exercise can help reduce symptoms of depression.
8. Get Help for Yourself or Your Child
Reaching out for help is the first step toward feeling better, but many people find it difficult. If you or your family member are struggling with depression, a visit to your primary care doctor is a good way to get the ball rolling. After a screening, that doctor can refer you to a specialist, if needed. Treatment options usually include counseling and sometimes include medication. There are also lifestyle changes you can make, including eating a healthier diet, exercising each day, and getting enough sleep, that can make a noticeable difference when it comes to your symptoms
CONCLUSION:
Depression has become a nagging mental health issue that requires immediate attention. Despite the pervasive nature of depression, many people don't quite understand what it entails. It's not just feelings of sadness or unhappiness- it is a medical condition. In this blog post, we highlighted crucial details about depression, including signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment and ways to get help if you are dealing with it. The bottom line is that there is hope for those dealing with depression, and it all starts with seeking help from a qualified medical professional.
REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
WE CARE FOR YOU , WE CARE FOR YOU LIFE AND HAPPINESS.
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