Depression as a Silent Killer - Igbokwe Anthonia Introductions : Depression is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness...
Depression as a Silent Killer - Igbokwe Anthonia
Introductions :
Depression is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is different from the mood fluctuations that people regularly experience as a part of life. Depression is an ongoing problem, not a passing one. It consists of episodes during which the symptoms last for a least two (2) weeks.
Depression can last for several weeks, months or even years at the case may be. This article will be:
A. Defining Depression,
B. Enumerating some possible causes,
C. Outlining it's signs and symptoms.
D. Diagnosis and Management Approaches.
A. Definition of Terms;
i. Depression: This is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent sad moods (ie Continuous Sadness of Mood), Loss of Interest in Activities causing significant impairment in daily life.
ii. Diagnosis: This is the identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms.
iii. Neuroticism: This is the tendency to cope with a bad experience.
iv. Insomnia: A Condition of Sleeplessness.
Having known what depression is all about, let's now outline the causes of depression. Because it could be seen that different people develop depression through different ways.
B. Causes of Depression:
i. Genetic Features: Most time, Depression causing agent may be in born and could be traced to Family History.
ii. Environmental Factors: Negative things happening around oneself can increase risk of Depression.
iii. Psychological and Social Factors: They include; Abuse, Events of Life such as Divorce, Bereavement, Redundancy, Job Loss, etc.
iv. Personality (Neuroticism): Age, Illness, Health issue, Medication, Drugs and Alcohol in take can facilitate Depression.
v. Additional Conditions such as Bipolar Disorder.
C. Signs and Symptoms of Depression
1. Persistent Sadness.
2. Anxious or Empty Feelings.
3. Changes in Appetite.
4. Loss of Sexual Desire (Mostly for the Married or Sexual Actives).
5. Loss of interest in Hobbies previously pleasurable.
6. Fatigue.
7. Insomnia, Aches and Pains.
8. Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt.
9. Difficulty in Thinking Straight, Concentrating, or Decision Making.
10. Thought of Suicide.
D. Diagnosis and Management:
Depression could be dictated and managed in several ways;
i. Diagnosis: Diagnosis of Depression is mainly by;
1. History Collection from the affected patient.
2. Mental Status Examination.
ii Management : Depression Management could be a bit demanding from both the patient and the second or third party as the case may be. Through the following approaches depression can be managed;
1. Medication: through the use of anti depressant as prescribed by for Doctor or Physician.
2. Psychotherapy: This is one of the most effective management approach, as it is required of the affected person (Patient) to go talk to a psychotherapist. Seeking the opinion of an expert could go a long way. As the saying goes " A Problem shared is a problem half Solved". If you notice any of the above listed signs and symptoms. Do not hesitate to go talk to someone.
3. Support: The Depression time, is not the best time for isolation. As isolation could be very dangerous. It's the best to embrace friends and family. As their support could effect some changes.
4. Natural Remedies: So Natural herbs and exercises like Yoga can go a long way in relieving a person (Patient) of Depression
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