Mental health problems are one of the serious concerns globally. According to the data of the year 2019, one in every eight people or more than 970 million people worldwide were suffering from mental disorders, anxiety, and depression. The negative circumstances arising during the COVID-19 epidemic have increased this danger even more. Problems like stress-anxiety and depression are increasing year after year.
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October to educate and make people aware of mental health as well as to remove the feeling of social stigma.
Health experts say it is as important to take care of mental health as you take care of the body. Physical and mental health are interdependent, a problem in either of the two can affect overall health.
Depression has been a very popular word in the context of mental health. But do you know what depression is, how can it be identified, and what should be done if someone gets depressed?
Depression cases are increasing.
Statistics show that depression is a major mental health disorder worldwide. One in every three women and one in five men are found to be suffering from depression. Health experts say depression is a mood-related disorder due to which a person may have problems like constant sadness and lack of interest in any work. It can also negatively affect the way you feel, think and behave. Depression is also considered to be a major reason for increasing suicides around the world.
Health experts describe depression as a serious condition, which requires timely treatment. If not treated, there can be a risk of many types of physical health problems and even suicidal thoughts.
What is depression?
In a conversation with Amar Ujala, Bhopal-based senior psychiatrist Dr Satyakant Trivedi says, it is normal to be sad about difficult circumstances in life such as losing a job or divorce, or family problems, although this is not depression. Depression is different in many ways, it can last from a few weeks to several months.
Depression can happen to anyone, whether it is a child or an adult. If depression is not identified or treated on time, then it also increases the risk of life-threatening problems like heart attacks.
How to know if someone has depression?
Doctors say that the symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe. Generally, a person feels very sad, frustrated, or anxious. You may also get irritated by things that used to give you happiness earlier. In depression, people start getting irritated or angry quickly. It also affects sleep, due to which either sleep does not come or it is interrupted repeatedly.
Lack of energy or fatigue, difficulty in concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things can also be a sign of depression. In serious situations, thoughts of self-harm or suicide may also come.
What to do if someone gets depressed?
Dr Satyakant explains depression is caused due to the imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine. Some types of trauma can also be the reason for this, so timely and correct treatment is necessary.
In case of depression, people around play an important role. If you see symptoms of depression in a friend or relative, then immediately take them to a psychiatrist. It can be cured through medicines and therapy. The sooner this disorder is identified and treated, the easier it can be to avoid serious problems.
(PC: Freepik)
