Recognize Depression Today

By Dr. Uche Esegbue

Depression is a common mental health disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in daily activities, affecting how you feel, think, and handle daily life. It differs from normal sadness in its severity and duration, leading to symptoms like changes in sleep and appetite, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. A medical illness that can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. Its more than just a feeling of sad; it is a serious condition and one should be diagnosed with depression when it begins to interfere regularly with your daily ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy life.

It may be caused by biological factors: Imbalances in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are believed to play a role.

Genetic factors: A family history of depression can increase your risk.

Environmental factors: Prolonged stress, trauma, abuse, neglect, and poverty are contributing factors. Psychological factors: Low self-esteem, pessimism, and a history of other mental health conditions can increase vulnerability.

The symptoms can be variable, mimicky most diseases and or complicating all medical conditions. Symptoms like; persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood hopelessness or , loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities (anhedonia), fatigue and decreased energy , difficulty with concentration, memory, and decision-making , changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia) irritability, physical aches, and appetite or weight, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness, thoughts of death or suicide.

Depression is a predominant condition that nearly everyone will experience at least once in your lifetime and is one condition that is not easily missed even by physician. It involves noticing persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or, coupled with a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Other signs include changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, Sensitivity to criticism or rejection, unexplained physical problems like headaches or back pain Trouble making decisions. There are behavioral and social changes like withdrawal from family and friends, increased anger outbursts, restlessness or agitation, increased impulsivity or high-risk behaviors, inability to meet responsibilities. Self-harm, and thoughts of death or suicide are also symptoms of severe depression. These symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life and are more than just feeling down.

Globally, about 5.7% of adults and 14.3% of adolescents (ages 10-19) suffer from depression. The prevalence rates are nearly double in women compared to men, and depression is more common in younger adults than older adults.

Depression is considered a major and common precursor or risk factor for suicide. While most people with depression do not die by suicide, it is the most common condition associated with suicide and a significant warning sign when severe or left untreated. Most people who die by suicide have a mental health issue. It may be a depressive or substance abuse disorder. They may feel lonely, depressed, or isolated. They may have had a traumatic life experience. Many of the warning signs of suicidal feelings are also signs of depression.

Suicide is a major global public health concern, with more than 720,000 people dying by suicide every year globally. Suicide is a complex issue influenced by a variety of social, cultural, psychological, and environmental factors, and data often varies significantly by region, age, and gender. An estimated 727,000 people died by suicide in 2021. Suicide was the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally in 2021.

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Nigeria has a suicide rate of 9.5 per 100,000 people, according to the World Health Organization. Suicide is often underreported in Nigeria due to social stigma and the fact that attempted suicide is a crime.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR?

Everyone who had died of suicide could have been saved by a Good Samaritan who could recognize depression. When people express frustration and worthlessness, take them seriously.

Take threats of suicide as a cry for help. Always take statements of suicidal feelings, thoughts, behaviors, or plans very seriously. Any person who expresses thoughts of suicide needs help right away.

If someone is threatening suicide: call or text for help right away, they will be connected to trained counselors. An online chat choice is could also be deployed. The person could be taken to the nearest emergency room or mental health provider can be contacted. Don’t leave the person alone, involve other people, contact friends and family members. express concern, listen attentively, ask direct questions, acknowledge the person’s feelings, offer support, don’t promise confidentiality, keep possibly harmful objects hidden. This includes weapons, firearms, and medicines, prepare for the person to need to stay in the hospital, if the healthcare provider advises this.

Depression is a treatable mental health disorder. Early intervention is key, especially for adolescents, to prevent long-term difficulties. Despite its prevalence, depression is often underdiagnosed and undertreated.