As a young boy I had times when I was down and sad because of something I just cant quite recall right now but I remember I could go a whole day or more without eating and I would lock myself up in my room and my mum would shout and beg but I wont move an inch and quite honestly I would remember trying to get out of that mood and just come out and eat but somehow I could not but sometimes I could. Could you say that I was depressed as a child? Well lets find out.
Depression is a term used quite loosely among people today, but in the real sense of it, it means so much more. First point I want to make here is that depression is not just a feeling; it is a medical illness that requires treatment and care.
What is depression?
Depression is a state of low mood and activity that can affect a persons thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of wellbeing. It is also associated with lowered energy, and decreased activity with loss of libido. There is reduced appetite and usually presents with sleep disorders (either too much sleep or reduced sleep) and reduced self-confidence. Somatic symptoms such as muscle twitching, tingling sensations could also be seen.
This is different from ‘LOW MOOD’ which is a normal temporary reaction to life events such as loss of a loved one. The major difference between a depressive disorder and low mood is time span. A low mood may present with feelings of sadness, anxiety, emptiness, hopelessness, helplessness, dejection, worthlessness, guilt, irritability, and anger.
There may also be loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities but the difference lies in the time span. Depressed mood lasts for a short period and can be alleviated by a series of conversations or engagement in activities. However, major depressive disorders last for a long period of time (months to years) and may require major interventions like anti-depressant therapy and psychotherapy (CBT).
Depression is one of the most common disorders in the world today and the number one cause of suicide in the world today. Lifetime prevalence estimates vary widely from 3% in japan to 17% in the US. There is also a higher prevalence of females than males who suffer from depression. It is important to note that the US has the highest rate of depression worldwide. Hmmmm I wonder why tho, any takes?
What are the types of depression?
The common component of all forms of depression is low mood over a long period of time.
Factors that lead to depression
Life events
Child hood experiences are a major factor in depression. Experiences such as neglect, mental abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse and unequal parental treatment of siblings play a role in adulthood depression.
Other events include but not limited to: child birth, menopause, financial difficulties, unemployment, stress, a medical diagnosis like cancer or HIV, bullying, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, social isolation, rape, catastrophic injuries like loss of limb, social rejection , peer pressure.
Gender identity and sexuality
Studies have shown that those who are marginalized due to their sexual orientation or biology are more prone to depression. Females who have undergone female genital mutilation as children are also prone to depression as well.
Medical treatments
Depression may also be iatrogenic from drugs such as beta blockers, contraceptives, anti-convulsants, anti-migraine drugs, hormonal agents, etc.
Use of illicit drugs
These can either cause or exacerbate the progression of depression due to withdrawal, intoxication or chronic use of these drugs. They include sedatives, opioids including heroin, stimulants such as cocaine, etc.
Other factors include: non psychiatric illnesses, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress syndrome, dysthymia, personality etc.
How to manage depression
This will require a multi-step approach which comprises of medical and social components. A good support system is pivotal in the management of depression. A depressed mood may simply require some form of counseling and psychotherapy (CBT) but major depressive disorders may require the use of antidepressants.
However, those with suicidal adhesions need constant monitoring until there is significant improvement in mood. Those with accompanying psychosis may benefit from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
To wrap things up, it is important to state that for any situation we find ourselves, there is never any shame in asking for help from time to time. It takes strength and courage to do this and I urge anyone who needs some form of help in this area to speak up, reach out to someone, an institution and who knows, that may just be the beginning of the sun rise in your life. Cheers guys!
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