Depression: What we need to know about mental health issues

Depression is a common but serious mental health disorder that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. It is not just an emotional problem, but can have a profound impact on everything from physical health to work ability to interpersonal relationships. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatments of depression is an important step in helping yourself and others.

What is depression?

Depression is not simply a "bad mood" or a "brief low", but a persistent disease.

Core features:

·Significantly depressed mood or loss of interest and pleasure in daily activities that lasts for more than two weeks.

·In severe cases, it may affect an individual's thinking, behavior and physical functions.

What are the symptoms of depression?

▸Symptoms of depression vary slightly depending on the type, ranging from mild to severe. Generally, symptoms include:

▸Feeling very sad, hopeless, or worried. Children and teens with depression may appear irritable rather than sad.

▸Stop enjoying the things that once brought you joy.

▸Easily irritable or depressed.

▸Eating too much or too little may lead to weight gain or weight loss.

▸Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (narcolepsy).

▸Lack of energy or fatigue.

▸Trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.

▸Experience physical problems such as headache, stomachache, or sexual dysfunction.

▸Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Do I or someone in my family suffer from depression?

▸PHQ-9 Depression Screening Tool

Over the past two weeks,how often have you been bothered by any of the

following problems?

·0 points: Not at all

·1 point: how many days

·2 points: more than half the days

·3 points: almost every day

1. Lack of interest or pleasure in doing things

A.Not at all

B.How many days

C.More than half the days

D.Almost every day

2. Feeling down, depressed or hopeless

A.Not at all

B.How many days

C.More than half the days

D.Almost every day

3. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much

A.Not at all

B.How many days

C.More than half the days

D.Almost every day

4. Feeling tired or lacking energy

A.Not at all

B.How many days

C.More than half the days

D.Almost every day

5. Loss of appetite or overeating

A.Not at all

B.How many days

C.More than half the days

D.Almost every day

6. Feeling bad about yourself—or feeling like a failure or letting yourself or your family down.

A.Not at all

B.How many days

C.More than half the days

D.Almost every day

7. Difficulty concentrating, such as reading a newspaper or watching TV

A.Not at all

B.How many days

C.More than half the days

D.Almost every day

8. If you move or speak too slowly, will others notice? Or the opposite - fidgeting and moving around more than usual

A.Not at all

B.How many days

C.More than half the days

D.Almost every day

9. Thinking it would be better to die or to harm yourself in some way

A.Not at all

B.How many days

C.More than half the days

D.Almost every day

Test results:

1 to 4 = mild depression

5 to 9 = mild depression

10 to 14 points = moderate depression

15 to 19 points = moderate to severe depression

Score 20 to 27 = severe depression.

Can depression be cured?

Depression can be treated, and common methods include:

1. Drug treatment

Commonly used antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Medications should be prescribed by a doctor and the dosage should be adjusted according to individual circumstances.

2. Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps patients change negative thinking patterns.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Improves patients’ interpersonal relationships and emotional expression.

3. Lifestyle adjustment

Exercise: Moderate exercise can help improve your mood.

Diet: A healthy diet supports brain function and reduces the risk of disease.

Keep a regular schedule: Maintain a sleep routine and avoid staying up late.

4. Treatment of severe cases

For patients with severe depression or those who are ineffective with medications, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be considered.

Depression is not "frail" or "hypocritical," it is a real disease that requires scientific treatment and care. Whether you or the people around you are facing depression, you should be brave enough to seek help to make your life glow again.

If you or a loved one is experiencing depression, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. It’s a responsible choice for yourself and others.