Depression: An Introduction

The World Health Organization predicts that by the year 2020 depression will become the second leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in the world. Its time we faced the problem head on.

What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that affects the mind as well as the body. It may be described as a state of feeling extremely low, to the extent that it affects a persons thoughts, behaviour, feelings and general well-being. While all of us have temporary periods during which we feel unhappy, depression isnt something a person just snaps out of or gets over. Its more long term; it needs a thorough diagnosis and treatment involving counselling and/or medication; and above all, its not a weakness that a person has, but rather a medical condition like any other. Its important to distinguish depression from feeling sad. While feelings of sadness lessen and go away in time, depression can continue for months, even years. If you think you might be depressed, do not hesitate to see a doctor.

Psychiatric and non-psychiatric illnesses

Depression can broadly be split into psychiatric and non-psychiatric illnesses. Psychiatric illnesses feature depression and the condition is usually reflective of a form of mental trauma experienced by the sufferer. Non-psychiatric illnesses on the other hand, often indicate an unfavourable physiological condition causing an imbalance within the human body, resulting in depression.

Causes of depression

There are no fixed causes of depression and the reasons can vary from person to person. Some factors that are commonly known to cause depression include:

Family history While experts disagree on whether or not depression can be hereditary, it is seen that depression is more common in people whose family members suffered from the same. Part of the reason could be that seeing a depressed person in the house can lead to unconsciously picking up or learning their behaviour. Imbalance in neurotransmitters An imbalance in neurotransmitters, the naturally occurring brain chemicals that carry signals from one part of the brain to the other, play a direct role in causing depression. Biological differences People with depression might have physical differences in their brains. Hormonal causes Changes in the hormonal balance of the body, caused by factors such as thyroid, menopause etc., may trigger depression. Life events Stress, death of a loved one, loneliness, financial crisis etc. may cause depression in some people. Alcohol or drug abuse Substance abuse has also been known to have a hand in causing depression.

Facts about depression

Depression can affect anyone, irrespective of gender, age, race or socio-economic background. Depression is not a weakness that a person can just pull himself or herself out of. Clinical depression is an illness and medical intervention is necessary to treat a person. Depression is not anybodys fault. If a person is depressed, it des not mean that he or she is weak or stupid of lacking in something. It can happen to anyone. The average age of onset for a major depressive disorder is the mid-twenties. According to the WHO, depression affects 121 million people worldwide. Less than 25% of those affected have access to effective treatment. The good news: primary care is capable of reliably diagnosing and treating depression.

Depression in India
Like anyone else in the world, Indians too suffer from daily stresses, responsibilities, loneliness and all the other mental pressures that come with modern living. Although depression is strongly prevalent in India, there is still a stigma related to it which leads to it going undiagnosed and untreated. A growing awareness about the condition and the fact that it is highly treatable is helping a large number of people all over. Its important to remember that depression can be dangerous, causing people to consider harming themselves or others, and it is imperative that a person is helped out of it at the earliest. Check out the signs and symptoms and treatment options of depression.