Now a days depression is a fatal disease world wide

Depression is a fatal diseases world wide

Depression

It is a psychiatric disorder characterized by intense and unrelenting feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness which makes it tough to carry on with the day to day activities of life. It should not be confused with sadness or low mood, which are just normal reactions to the failures and disappointments in life and are temporary. Depression is a far more complex condition of the mind which can only be overcome by a psychiatrist’s help.

Causes of depression

In this fiercely competitive world there is a constant struggle for existence. Right from our early childhood, we are thrown into a rat race to prove our merit, surpass our peers and ensure a successful and secure future for ourselves. There is a constant pressure to excel. Those who are naturally gifted and privileged emerge as winners but others who lack in talent, scope or both, lag behind and are looked down upon by the society. Such failures make life miserable. Those who have mental strength and a good support system can tide over such situations within a short period of time but those who lack social support start feeling dispirited and helpless. This is a time when the symptoms of depression start creeping in.

                Depression is also most likely to occur at critical or unsettled times in life such as during adolescence, pregnancy, at menopause or in the later years. It may be triggered by the death of a loved one or by profound disappointment & dissatisfaction.

Symptoms of Depression:

Symptoms may vary from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms that include:

Feeling of Hopelessness and worthlessness:  A negative perception about one’s worth and abilities and a bleak pessimistic outlook on one’s future.

Loss of interest in daily activities:  A feeling of emptiness and being apathetic towards activities which were formerly regarded as meaningful. A depressed person loses interest in former hobbies, social activities or sex and has a feeling of constant fatigue. Even a small task can be exhausting and take longer to complete.

A change in appetite: There may be loss of appetite or overeating compulsively which may result in significant loss or gain in weight.   

Change in sleeping habit: Usually a depressed person has sleeping difficulties (Insomnia) but oversleeping (Hypersomnia) is also not uncommon.

Irritability: Low tolerance level and fits of weeping are common. The person may easily become agitated, restless or even violent which are more common in men.

Decrease in level of concentration: One may have difficulty in remembering things, and unable to focus and make decisions.

                Many of these symptoms are only a part of normal life if they are short lived and not so disabling. But if they are intense, prolonged and disabling then medical help must be taken.

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Help for the depressed:

                It is often helpful to get a depressed person to talk out his problems. The listener should be patient & understanding but not over sympathetic. The depressed person should never be made to feel pity for himself, which may be harmful. Instead he should be assisted to meet the problem in a realistic way, by recognizing his own value and make the most of his resources.

                Family and & friends can give the best help by:

·         Recognizing the problem as early as possible

·         Taking the depressed person to a psychiatrist

·         Monitoring the taking of medicines, keeping a watch on any change in symptoms or behavior and report to the doctor time to time.

·         Giving emotional support, which involves giving company to the depressed person, being patient, understanding and caring

·         Encouraging the person in activities that once gave him/her pleasure but not push him/her into too much of anything which can give adverse results.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Depression is not just a disease of the brain that can be cured simply by medicines. It is caused by a combination of physical, emotional & social factors. So a comprehensive mental health care may be more effective to cure a depressed person.