Depression
Everyone
has ups and downs. Sometimes you might feel a bit low or feel grief when you
lose your loved one People may say that they are depressed when they are
feeling down, but this does not mean that they have depression. Depression is
rather a long lasting low mood disorder. It affects your ability to do everyday
things, feel pleasure or take interest in activities. Depression is a common
mental illness that is recognised around the world affecting one in ten people
and has been found to be treatable. Depression is not something you can snap
out of, or a weakness or something that last forever.
It
can affect people of any age, including children. It is one of the most common
mental illnesses. About one in 6 people will be diagnosed with depression in
their life
Symptoms
of depression
- Low mood, feeling sad, irritable or angry,
- Less energy and feeling less able to do things,
- Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy,
- Loss of concentration,
- Becoming tired easily,
- Sleeping and eating less or eating more,
- Feeling less good about yourself (loss of confidence),
- Feeling guilty or worthless,
- Losing interest in sex, and
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and making suicide attempts
What
causes depression?
There
is no single cause. Different things can cause depression for different people.
The following are some of the possible causes.
Hormones
and chemicals
Changes
in your hormones can affect your mood e.g. pregnant women, menopause or during
their menstrual cycle
Depression can run in families.
This
could be because it is passed down in your genes or your mother had depression
when you were growing up.
Your
background or situation
Problems
during your childhood may increase your chances of having depression. Bad
experiences can lead to you thinking negative thoughts about yourself or about
the world. Stressful events, such as problems at home or work, a relationship
ending or financial issues may make it more likely you will get depression.
Lifestyle
Having
a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and doing hobbies can
help your mental health.
Drugs,
alcohol use and smoking
Both
legal and illegal drugs can affect your mental health. If you take prescribed
medications, make sure you take them in the way your doctor suggests.
If
you drink regularly or misuse alcohol you are at a greater risk of developing
depression. There may be a link between cigarettes and depression.
Other
illnesses
You
may feel low if you have a physical illness. This risk might be higher if you
have a long-term or life-threatening illness. Some people with brain injuries
and dementia will also have changes in their moods.
How
is depression treated?
- Use of anti depressants( mapiritsianopiwamunhuane depression kuchipatara
- Talking therapies including the following:
Psychodynamic
therapy,
Problem-solving therapy,
Interpersonal therapy,
Behaviour activation,
Mindfulness based therapy
Interpersonal therapy, and
Counselling
Exercise
therapy
What risks and complications can depression
cause?
Having
depression can cause other problems. It can affect your heath, relationships
and work life. Below are some things that may be affected.
Problems sleeping
Problems with having sex
Drinking
more than usual
Misusing prescription drugs or using illegal
drugs
Increased
risk of suicide
It is therefore encouraged to seek treatment for you and your loved ones!
