What is depression?

IF IT feels like we are all a bit more anxious or depressed, it might be because we are. A new national report, published by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicates that nearly one out of five adults reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety, 18.2 per cent; or depression, 21.4 per cent.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life is not worth living.

According to Dr Orlando Thomas, medical doctor and functional medicine practitioner at Thomas Medical and Shockwave Centre in Old Harbour, St Catherine, depression is characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. It affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities such as sleeping, eating, or working.

“Depression can happen to anyone. People who have lived through abuse, severe losses or other stressful events are more likely to develop depression. Women are more likely to have depression than men,” Dr Thomas said.

The World Health Organization said an estimated four per cent of the population experience depression, including 5.7 per cent of adults (4.6 per cent among men and 6.9 per cent among women), and 5.9 per cent of adults age 70 years and older.

Approximately 332 million people in the world have depression. Depression is about 1.5 times more common among women than among men. Worldwide, more than 10 per cent of pregnant women and women who have just given birth experience depression. In 2021, an estimated 727,000 people lost their lives to suicide. Suicide is the third- leading cause of death in 15- to 29-year-olds.

Dr Thomas said although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day, and may include:

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness.

• Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters.

• Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports.

• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much.

• Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort.

• Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain.

• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness.

• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements.

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame.

• Having trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things.

• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide.

• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches.

For many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships with others. Some people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

Common signs and symptoms of depression in children and teenagers are similar to those of adults, but there can be some differences.

“Depression is not a normal part of growing older, and it should never be taken lightly. Unfortunately, depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated in older adults, and they may feel reluctant to seek help,” Dr Thomas said.

Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. People who have gone through adverse life events are more likely to develop depression. Depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction and worsen the affected person’s life situation and the depression itself.

“Depression is closely related to, and affected by, physical health. Many of the factors that influence depression (such as physical inactivity or harmful use of alcohol) are also known risk factors for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and respiratory diseases. In turn, people with these diseases may also find themselves experiencing depression due to the difficulties associated with managing their condition,” Dr Thomas said.

Prevention programmes have been shown to reduce depression. Effective community approaches to prevent depression include school-based programmes to enhance a pattern of positive coping in children and adolescents. Interventions for parents of children with behavioural problems may reduce parental depressive symptoms and improve outcomes for their children. Exercise programmes for older persons can also be effective in depression prevention.

If you feel depressed, make an appointment to see your doctor or mental health professional as soon as you can. If you are reluctant to seek treatment, talk to a friend or loved one, any healthcare professional, a faith leader, or someone else you trust.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com

SOURCE: World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention