Depression is a serious medical condition that affects how one feels, thinks, or acts. This can lead to different emotional and physical problems thus affecting how one’s ability to function normally at work or at home. Incidences that can lead to depression are:
- Abuse.
- Stressful events.
- Severe losses.
Types of Depression
- Clinical depression– characterized by continuous loss of interest in activities. This can be due to a combination of biological, physiological, and social dis-stress.
2. Postpartum depression– occurs after childbirth. Described by a lack of appetite, difficulty in mother-child bonding, and lack of sleep.
3. Bipolar disorder– a mental condition that leads to unusual shifts in one’s mood, energy, and concentration. Makes it difficult for one to carry out daily activities.
4. Psychotic depression– hallucinations and delusion of thinking.
5. Melancholic distress.
6. Anxious distress.
Causes of depression
- Stressful events e.g. relationship breakups, loss of loved ones.
- Personality- those with low self-esteem.
- Family history.
- Giving birth- due to hormonal and physical changes.
- Alcohol and drug usage- especially when it’s a means to cope with stress.
- Illnesses e.g. cancer.
- Loneliness is when one has no family or family to share problems or talk to.
Symptoms.
- Guilt.
- Suicidal thoughts.
- Lack of self-worth.
- Change of moods most of the time.
- Not enough sleep.
- Behavior change leads to less activity enjoyment.
- Lack of concentration.
- Hopelessness.
- Loss of appetite and weight.
Complication.
- Social isolation.
- Suicidal thoughts/feelings.
- Alcohol or drug misuse.
- Physical pain/ illnesses e.g. cancer.
- Family conflicts.
- Anxiety.
Prevention of Depression
- Ask for help from family and friends when in need.
- Control stress.
- Get treatment.
- Self-care treatment by physical activity, enough sleep, etc.
Diagnosis.
- Physical examination where a series of questions are asked.
- Psychiatric evaluation exam.
Treatment.
- Medication e.g. anti-depressants.
- Psychotherapy- involves talking about the problem.
- Electroconvulsive therapy is where electrical currents are passed through the brain so as to relieve depression.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)- magnetic pulses is used to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.
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