Although modernization and technology has made life easier and full of facilities, it has some negative effects on human life. Depression is also one of these effects. Today every person has a busy life, he has no free time. If he has some free time, he spends it on social media. As a result he isn’t able to give time to his family and friends. It has negative effect on the mind and may cause depression.
What is depression?
Depression is if sadness and loss of interests in daily routine persist for a long time. It is a persistent feeling different from fluctuations of mood which are temporary. While symptoms of depression may last for 12 weeks and even for months or years.
Statistics related to depression:
According to a survey conducted by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) IN 2015, there were almost 16.1 million adults of United States affected from depression which makes almost 6.1 percent of the total adult population. Another survey for the symptoms of depression took place in Norway. It showed that in 1996 almost 25 percent of the boys and 37 percent of the girls were found with the symptoms of depression. While in 2015 the number of people affected by depression increased to 30 percent of boys and 55 percent of girls. These above mentioned surveys clearly show that the number of people affected from depression is increasing rapidly which is a critical situation.
Symptoms of Depression:
A person suffering from depression often has the following symptoms:
-insomnia
-too much sleep
-restlessness
-feelings of hopelessness
-withdrawal from society
-Thoughts of suicide
-lack of concentration
Symptoms in males:
A survey conducted by American psychological Association showed that depression affects 9 percent of males of United States on the average. Following symptoms are found in the males affected from depression.
-withdrawal from family and society
-working without break
-inability to fulfill their responsibilities
-aggressive behavior towards family.
Symptoms in Females:
According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), females have two times more risk of being affected by depression as compared to males. Symptoms of depression found in females include:
-anxiety
-fatigue
-negative thoughts
-postpartum depression and so on.
Symptoms in Children:
CDC estimates that depression affects almost 3.2 percent of children and teens aged between 3 and 17 years. Depression influenced children show symptoms such as:
-crying
-less energetic
-clinginess
-defiant behavior and so on.
Causes of Depression:
There are several causes of depression some of which are mentioned here. Genetic disorder, family history, changes in the functioning of brain due to stress, environmental, psychological and social factors, bipolar disorders, heart diseases and prolonged pain are major causes of depression. While in females child birth and menopause may also cause it.
Diagnosis:
During the diagnosis for depression the factors that come in consideration and observed are: Family health history, behavior patterns and suicide thoughts of the person. Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental disorders (DSM) is a mental health guide for doctors published by American Psychiatric Association. It helps in diagnosis of depression. According to it, the affected person must have 5 symptoms for almost 2 weeks. Moreover, it must be kept in mind that the symptoms should not be the cause of any other disease. The patient has to give a blood test for this reason.
How to cure Depression?
1-Medication:
Several classes of anti depressants are available but SSRI are preferred. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) directly affects the serotonin and help in relieving depression. Studies show that serotonin has a direct role in depression.
Side Effects of Medication:
Medications used to cure depression have side effects i.e. Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, low blood sugar, weight loss and sexual dysfunction.
2-Psychotherapy:
Also called as talk or counseling therapy works through elimination of negative thoughts. A form of psychotherapy also deals with problem solving and coming up with realistic solutions to tackle difficult situations.
3-Diet:
Results of a study carried out in 2019 show that diet can also help to cure depression. Diet containing following foods has effect on mental health and helps to cure depression.
-Fish
-Vegetables
-Fruits
-Olive oil
4-Aerobic exercises:
Aerobic exercises can also help cure depression. These exercises stimulate nor-epinephrine, a neurotransmitter and it is directly linked with mood. It helps to overcome depression.
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