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

  • The Importance Of The Doctor-Patient Relationship
    The patient-doctor relationship is crucial for better outcomes for patients. Find out what some of our patient contributors have to say about their relationship with their doctors.   Usha Jerome, on the factors of her win over Colorectal Cancer  Two things are important. Firstly, the doctors should not hide the truth and must explain the exact stage of cancer and the way forward. Secondly, we must believe in and trust our doctors. My team of doctors and nurses were amazing. I…
  • Worry is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere - Erma Bombeck quote
    Motivational Quotes To Cope With Worry and Stress
    Our ability to worry can help plan and prepare, but when we’re stuck in this state it can prevent us from taking any action at all. Stress can also turn into worry when we get bogged down into concerns that aren’t related to the present moment. We can go in circles on what we could have/ should have done yesterday, or what we could/ should do tomorrow.  A couple of quotes that can help us through these difficult times. Worry often gives a small thing a great shadow   The greatest…
  • Webinar: Living Better After Cancer - Young Adults Adapting To A New Reality
    An insightful panel discussion with two cancer winners and a Psycho Oncologist who talk about the various aspects of cancer survivorship especially among young adults.   The latest in our ‘Living Better’ series of Live Q&A sessions looks at the psycho-social aspects of young adults who have to deal with cancer. This session covers how cancer re-defines identity, how it affects relationships and friendships, equations at work and perspectives in life. Listen to an insightful and…
  • A view of two people hugging each other under a tree, the back of one in a blue shirt and the face of the other is visible
    Can Gratitude Really Build Better Mental Health?
    Zeenat Jahan, advanced life coach, takes us through the myriad benefits of positive psychology that reverses the focus from negative to positive and can benefit people at different stages on the mental health spectrum. At a recent conference on Bipolar Disorder, you spoke about how positive psychology can help adults with depression or bipolar. What exactly is positive psychology? Positive psychology is a scientific approach to studying human thoughts, feelings, and behavior with a focus on…
  • A young man in a formal dark grey suit and tie
    "I Had No Clue I had Cancer"
    Satyanarayan Kolan has been twice affected by multiple myeloma, the second most common blood cancer. Learn about the challenges in diagnosis in a small town in Andhra Pradesh and how a support group can provide immense solace. The year was 2005. I was 28 years old. Before starting my career in law, I had come to my home town in Nalgonda, Andhra Pradesh for a summer vacation. One fine morning when going to the market on my scooter, I had to negotiate a sharp right turn. As I swerved, I felt a…
  • Ragi Veg Tart - A Diabetes Friendly Recipe
    Most tarts are made from refined flour (maida) and often are loaded with sugar or cheese. Here is a recipe with a difference - good for everyone, especially people with diabetes contributed by Diabetes Awareness and You Serves:    4 Ingredients for Ragi Veg Tart Ragi (millet) flour:  100gm Wheat flour: 2 Tbsp Mix veg ( tricolour bellpepper, broccoli, Cabbage):  1 ⅟₂cup                      Green chilli :  1 pc Onion…
  • A framed profile pic of a young Indian woman, Shayonee
    "It Is Okay To Be Not Okay" – Accepting My Clinical Depression
    Shayonee, 30, a lawyer from Mumbai ignored the signs of depression for a very long time. A diagnosis of chronic depression and the identification of triggers and stressors, led to re-framing of priorities. She strongly believes there is a need for greater openness about mental health at the workplace.  Trigger Warning Suffering from clinical depression (CD) was not a choice I made. It came into my life as an uninvited guest who overstayed her welcome. One of the psychiatrists I…
  • What Is Diabetes Distress And How to Handle It
    Managing your diabetes can seem like a never ending task that leaves you emotionally drained. Dr. Indu Elizabeth Mathew, Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, Ernakulam Medical Centre talks of the concept of Diabetes Distress and how it affects Type 1 and Type 2 patients and their family members and what they can do about it. Updated on 24 March 2019 with the Diabetes Distress Study Details What is Diabetes Distress? Are there different types of distress and worry that affect people with…
  • International Women's Day 2019 Poster showing a woman with her arms stretched and a text Celebrating women who are changing the face of health and personal care
    Women’s Day 2019: Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate For Change
    For International Women's Day, in line with the UN Women’s theme for 2019 we highlight a few women innovators and social entrepreneurs who have contributed to "Think equal, Build smart & Innovate for a change." We asked these three women entrepreneurs and innovators what drove the innovation and how it benefits the community.  Aditi Gupta, Founder - Menstrupedia Making it cool for young girls to talk about menstruation We created Menstrupedia to fight the widespread unawareness…
  • Colours That Ease Stress And Tensions
    Alive is an initiative to engage undertrials in prisons in creative projects through colours and craft sessions, a therapeutic experience which has immensely helped the inmates relieve stress and find joy and happiness. Editor's Note: While this may not seem at first like an article on health, we felt that this project demonstrates effectively the therapeutic effect of art and colouring and it is easy to adopt. So we spoke with Renelle Snelleksz, the force behind Project Alive. Tell us about…