15 Important Facts you should know about Depression

Submitted by PatientsEngage on 4 April 2017

The theme of the World Health Day 2017 is ‘Depression: Let’s Talk’. Encourage people with depression to talk about their feelings. Depression can easily be treated with psychological therapies and medicines. Learn about these and some other basic information on depression issued in public interest by SCARF (Schizophrenia Research Foundation).

The wounds of depression are unseen, but they hurt more than the ones that bleed. Seek professional help and get better.

Facts about Depression

  1. Depression is the commonest disorder of the mind and affects people of all age groups.
  2. It is caused by imbalance of chemicals in the brain.
  3. Stress plays a major role in this disorder.
  4. Feelings of sadness for over 2 weeks without a clear reason, with changes in sleep, appetite, energy and interests, and difficulty in performance at work/school are signs of depression.
  5. It is very different from usual mood swings that occur in everyday life.
  6. Unexplained physical symptoms like persisting aches and pains in one or more parts of the body (eg: headache, backache), palpitations, chest pain and gastric symptoms can be signs of depression.
  7. Women of all age groups are more prone for depression and exhibit more physical symptoms.
  8. Depression is very common in people with chronic physical problems like cancer, diabetes, cardiac ailments, thyroid problems, etc.
  9. Persons with depression can feel hopeless and worthless and may wish to end their lives.
  10. A large number of suicides are the result of underlying depression
  11. Alcohol abuse/dependence can cause depression and also be an effect of depression.
  12. It can be easily treated with medicines, psychological therapies, cognitive behavior therapy and life style modifications
  13. Talking to someone who cares will help. Do not hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
  14. If it is not treated, depression affects quality of life adversely.
  15. Healthy food habits, adequate sleep, regular physical exercise, hobbies, good socialization, and avoiding smoking and drinking can reduce the risk of depression significantly and also help recover from it.

Issued in public interest by SCARF [SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION(I)]

Community
Mental Health and Wellbeing
SCARF Schizophrenia Exchange
PatientsEngage General Community
Condition
Cancer
Depression
Diabetes
Stress
Changed
Tue, 04/04/2017 - 18:52

Stories

  • Good Treatment For Breast Cancer Is Also Available In Tier 2 Cities
    Dr Anand Mishra, Professor and Head of Department of Endocrine Surgery, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, organised a ramp walk for breast cancer survivors including men with breast cancer, to focus awareness on early detection and treatment of breast cancer. He shares his views on how he went about it as also his future plans. Please share with us your journey with breast cancer patients. I am working with breast cancer since my early days of a trainee senior resident doctor…
  • Cancer patient feeling distressed and covering face
    Risk Of Suicide In Cancer Patients
    We often tell cancer patients to be positive. But they go through a lot of psychological emotions including suicide ideation. It is also important that we are aware of the high rate of suicide among cancer patients. Psycho-oncologist Bincy Mathew sheds light on the signs of suicide and what caregivers and healthcare professionals can do. According to a SEER database analysis, the suicide rate among the cancer population was found to be 60% higher than the general population or with any other…
  • A gloved hand holding a test indicating PSA test
    Cancer Screening Guidelines in An Indian Context
    Screening for Cancer is a crucial part of Cancer Prevention and Control. Yet, screening is not integrated into our routine medical health care for our mass population. Dr Gauravi Mishra, of the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai provides us with her expert guidance on advances and modifications in screening strategies for India including Genome Tests and Liquid Biopsy. And specific focus on Prostate Cancer. There have been recent changes in cancer screening. What are the current guidelines for…
  • Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Salad
    A high protein, easy to make dish that can be eaten with chapati or roti as a full meal. Good for people who have diabetes. Contributed by Diabetes Awareness and You. The image used above may not represent the actual recipe Serves: 1 Ingredients  • Chicken – 25 g (in shredded form) • Onion-20g • Boiled carrot- 20g • Boiled french beans-20g • Boiled Corn-10g • Salt-1/2 teaspoon • Black pepper-1 teaspoon • Veg Diet Mayonnaise- 10 g • Coriander- For garnishing • Roasted spice powder- 1/2…
  • Sisters Act to Fight Depression With Purpose
    Here is a real life narrative of three sisters who rally around their fourth sibling who has severe depression and schizophrenia to save and support her from spiralling out of control and giving her a purpose in life. *** Trigger Warning We are four sisters. My third sister (Ranu*) suffers from depression and schizophrenia. We have been taking care of her since our earliest recollection. The Early Years We had a very difficult childhood. We lost our father early. He was a patient of depression…
  • A panel of side effects of chemotherapy
    Real Experiences Of The Side Effects Of Chemotherapy
    Hair Loss is one of the more dreaded side effects of chemotherapy. But thats not the only side effect. Our contributors shared the other side effects they went through. Often the side effects were different in each cycle.  Here is a compilation of the various side effects experienced by our contributors. There have been a few who had no major side effects apart from hair loss. This article can help other patients and their families be prepared for these side-effects. Click on the name to…
  • I Had To Live And Fight My Osteosarcoma For My Son
    A diagnosis of Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) when she was 26 years old changed Neema's life forever. She talks of her challenging journey including multiple surgeries, amputation and more and the person who motivated her to fight the cancer. Please tell us a bit about your condition It was November of 1998 when I was just 26 years old. I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) of my knee. What were the early symptoms? What made you go see a doctor? I used to work at a Research lab where I…
  • My Brother's Depression Was Really Difficult On Our Family
    Rangashri Kishore, Head Librarian at Krea University, Chittoor, who was caregiver to her brother for 35 years after he spiralled into depression and aggression when he did not get a seat in the University, talks about the family's caregiver challenges and the strength she acquired by helping others. You have been a caregiver to your brother for 35 years. Could you give us a little background about your brother? I will share it in the form of a excerpt of a poem that I wrote on his life: My…
  • My Brain Tumour Diagnosis Made Me Bold
    When A Chitra, 38 from Bengaluru started having seizures, she was initially treated for epilepsy but was eventually diagnosed with Malignant Glioma, a type of brain tumour. She shares how she handled the gamut of treatment and the emotional distress with the support of her team of doctors, family and friends and employer.  Chitra, please tell us a bit about your condition  I was diagnosed with brain tumour called Anaplastic Astrocytoma Grade III. It is a rare, malignant tumour…
  • Why Cancer Patients Need Counselling
    Ms.Bincy Mathew is a psycho-oncologist, currently working with HCMCT-Manipal Hospitals, New Delhi. She talks about the importance of counselling for cancer patients and their families who are dealing with their psycho-social issues.  What is the role of Psycho-oncology or psychosocial oncology in Cancer care? It is not a myth that cancer brings a lot of emotional and psychological burden on patient’s and caregiver's lives. The fact is, most people are not prepared to face such unexpected…