Depression

An estimated 3.8% of the global population experiences depression, including 5% of adults (4% of men and 6% of women) and 5.7% of individuals aged 60 and older. Worldwide, approximately 280 million people suffer from depression. Among women, the prevalence of depression is about 50% higher than among men.

Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistently low mood, difficulties with memory and concentration, and reduced physical activity.

Causes

Risk factors for developing depression, regardless of gender, include:

• Extremely high or low socioeconomic status.
• Emotional sensitivity, suggestibility, and poor stress tolerance.
• Low self-esteem and a tendency for self-criticism.
• Pessimistic view of life.
• High psychological and emotional stress at work.
• A difficult childhood or traumatic experiences at a young age.
• Divorce of parents, the loss of a parent, or growing up in a single-parent home or orphanage.
• A family history of mental health or neurological disorders, or addictions.
• Loneliness and lack of family or social support.
• Economic and political instability in the country.
• Hormonal changes due to puberty, postpartum period, menopause or andropause.

Depression can also accompany various physical illnesses, which are grouped as follows:

1. Cardiovascular conditions: heart attack, hypertension, circulatory insufficiency, arrhythmias.
2. Brain-related issues: stroke, neuroinfections, or head injuries.
3. Endocrine disorders: diabetes,  hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism.
4. Digestive system diseases: liver cirrhosis, colitis.
5. Chronic rheumatic conditions: prolonged pain syndromes such as rheumatism, systemic connective tissue disorders, arthritis.
6. Cancer, particularly malignant tumors.

Symptoms

The primary manifestations of depression, often called the “depressive triad,” include:

• Persistent low mood, despair, sadness, and a sense of hopelessness lasting for weeks or months.
• Slowed thinking, memory issues, difficulty analyzing information, and fixation on personal struggles.
• Decreased motor activity, sluggishness, prolonged immobility in a single posture.

Treatment

The treatment of depression typically includes:

• Medication: Antidepressants are prescribed based on the patient’s condition, response to previous treatments, and potential side effects. These medications help suppress certain hormones linked to depression and restore hormonal balance in the body.
• Follow-Up Care: This involves regular consultations with a specialist to monitor progress, adjust treatment plans, and address concerns.
• Additional Therapies: Psychotherapy,
  Light therapy,
  Electroconvulsive therapy,
  Deep brain stimulation, etc.

Adhering to the specialist’s recommendations and completing the full treatment course can lead to noticeable improvements within weeks, significantly reducing the risk of relapse.

Prevention

One of the key aspects of preventing depression is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep positively impact mental health and reduce the likelihood of depression. Engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy and satisfaction is also beneficial.

Building and maintaining healthy relationships with family and loved ones plays a vital role in prevention. Social support and communication with friends can alleviate stress, prevent isolation, and enhance psychological well-being.