DEPRESSION: THE SILENT KILLER
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistently unhappy mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life. It is a very common mental disorder and in Nigeria, there are about 1.5million cases annually.
Possible causes of depression include a combination of biological, psychological and social sources of distress. Everyone who experiences depression is different and have different contributing factors. Some of these causes are identified as stressful life events including loss of a loved one, stress, isolation or loneliness, low self-esteem, personal factors like family history, personality, serious medical illness, drug and alcohol use, and chemical changes in the brain.
Symptoms of depression involve changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior or self-esteem.
- Change in Mood: anxiety, apathy, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, mood swings, or sadness.
- Change in Behavior: agitation, excessive crying, irritability, restlessness, or social isolation.
- Change in Sleep: early awakening, excess sleepiness, insomnia, or restless sleep.
- Change in Whole body: excessive hunger, fatigue, or loss of appetite.
- Cognitive change: lack of concentration, slowness in activity, or suicidal thoughts.
- Change in Weight; weight gain or weight loss.
Many people suffering from depression never seek medical attention during their entire lives. They choose to absorb the burden of depression into their different body systems. This can lead to physical symptoms and various diseases at a later stage. If left untreated, major depression is life threatening.
The mainstay of treatment is usually medication, talk therapy or a combination of the two. Mild depression can be handled with family support, behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and learning skills for managing while Severe or chronic depression with other underlying health issues need medical therapy.
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