Background of the Study

Mental illnesses affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of
children each year. People struggling with their mental health may be in your family, live next
door, teach your children, work in the next cubicle or sit in the same church pew. However, only
half of those affected receive treatment, often because of the stigma attached to mental health.
Untreated, mental illness can contribute to higher medical expenses, poorer performance at
school and work, fewer employment opportunities and increased risk of suicide (Holthhaus,
2016)

One of the most common mental health conditions is Depression, according to World

Health Organization (World Health Organization, 2017), Depression is a common illness

worldwide, with more than 300 million people affected. Depression is different from usual mood

fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Especially when

long-lasting and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health

condition. It can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school

and in the family. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Close to 800 000 people die due to

suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.

Depression, also called clinical depression or a depressive disorder is a mood

disorder that causes distressing symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily

activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must

be present most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks. (U.S. Department of Health

and Human Services, 2016).

The two most common form of depression are, a) Major depression, having symptoms
of depression most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks that interfere with your
ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life. An episode can occur only once in a persons
lifetime, but more often, a person has several episodes. The exact cause of MDD isnt known.
However, there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing the condition. A
combination of genes and stress can affect brain chemistry and reduce the ability to maintain
mood stability. Changes in the balance of hormones might also contribute to the development of
MDD. MDD may also be trigged by alcohol or drug abuse, certain medical conditions, such as
cancer or hypothyroidism and particular types of medications, including steroids. b) Persistent
depressive disorder (dysthymia), having symptoms of depression that last for at least 2 years. A
person diagnosed with this form of depression may have episodes of major depression along with
periods of less severe symptoms. This form of depression usually come and goes over a period of
years, and their intensity can change over time. But typically symptoms don't disappear for more
than two months at a time. In addition, major depression episodes may occur before or during
persistent depressive disorder, this is sometimes called double depression (Persistent depressive
disorder (dysthymia), 2017)

Depression is living in a body that fights to survive with a mind that tries to die. Some

people may perceive depression as a drama