By: Tafadzwa Kapuya
Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with a feeling of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self- worth and poor concentration. It is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease and affects people in all communities across the world; with depressive disorders often starting at a younger age, reducing individuals’ functioning and are often recurring.
So what causes Depression?
Many potential causes of depression exist and these can come from genetics i.e., resulting from a family history of depression, personal trauma sources of stress such as a failed relationship or a lost job, social isolation as a result of family conflicts as well as certain medications as that of high blood pressure which have depression listed as a possible side effect. Other factors such as abuse which may be physical, emotional or sexual can also make an individual vulnerable to depression.
Depression is not only a single disorder, but rather a class of conditions separated by severity and duration. These can be classified into:
•Depressive Episodes
This involves symptoms such as feeling sad, loss of interest, enjoyment and increased fatigability. Depending on the number and severity of symptoms, a depressive episode can be categorized as mild; with one having some difficulty in continuing with ordinary work and social activities but probably not ceasing to function completely. During a severe depressive episode, on the other hand, it is very unlikely that the sufferer will be able to continue with social work or domestic activities, except to a very limited extent.
•Bipolar Affective Disorder
Typically consists of both manic and depressive episodes separated by periods of normal mood. Manic episodes involve elevated mood and increased energy, resulting in over- activity, pressure of speech and decreased need for sleep.
•Dysthymia
This is characterized by a persistently sad disposition, as though the person is always in a bad mood. The symptoms last longer than with major depression but they are not severe.
•Atypical Depression
This can be hard to diagnose and often lasts for years. Some of the common symptoms such as decreased appetite are reversible. Sufferers may also have cravings for chocolates or sweets.
•Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
This often strikes people during the winter months, due to a lack of sunlight, exercise and fresh air and in turn causing irritability and lethargy.
•Postpartum depression
Occurs often with women who have recently given birth. The time of onset varies, it can occur as early as 3 months or as late as a year after delivery. It is moderate to severe.
While the signals for depression are mostly uniform across all types, including a withdrawal from socializing, Loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies, constant irritability or sadness and feelings of inadequacy and self- loathing, depression also affects sufferers physically, easy things to look out for include: :
• Loss of appetite
•Erratic sleep habits
• Constant fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Head aches
• Back pains
Managing Depression
Depression is a disorder that can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary care. Preferable treatment options consist of basic psychosocial support combined with antidepressant medication or psychotherapy. As an adjunct to care by specialists or in primary care, self- help is an important approach to help people with depression, this has led to Innovative approaches involving self- help books or internet based self- help programs which have also been shown to reduce or treat depression. There can also be the use of prevention programs which focus on several actions that surround the strengthening of protective factors and reduction of risk factors. Examples of these strengthening protective factors include school- based programs targeting cognitive, problem- solving and social skills of children and adolescents as well as exercise programs for the elderly.
Depression is a mental disorder that is pervasive worldwide and affects us all. However understanding the problem is a good start to solving it and this is where tackling it begins.
