Depression Needs to Be Taken Seriously- Here’s Why!

Jun 01, 2019

Depression is a serious and common medical illness that has a negative effect on how a person feels, thinks or acts. It causes feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities that one used to earlier enjoy. Hence, it's important to be aware if there are any symptoms of depression. Depression decreases a person’s ability to function at home and work and is emotionally and physically stressful. However, thankfully, the disease is treatable.

Anyone around you could have it!

Depression is one of the most common diseases all over the world. In fact, the problem is so severe that the World Health Organization has declared depression as the main cause of ill health. The sad part is that we often do not take depression seriously just like other mental illnesses. However, anyone around you, from your neighbour to the friend who visits less often, can have the illness and frankly, it is not safe.

Symptoms of Depression: Identifying if someone has depression

Depression is a serious issue and if you identify someone who has depression, it would be easier to cure the person. The symptoms of depression may vary from mild to severe and must be closely watched for. Some of the symptoms of depression are-

Feeling Sad/ a depressed mood
Appetite changes- Unrelated weight loss/ gain
Loss of interest in activities
Insomnia or excessive sleeping
Increased fatigue/ less active
Slowed Movements
Changes in speech easily observable by others
Increase in unnecessary physical activities
Decreased concentration
Suicidal thoughts

If the above symptoms last for at least two weeks, it can be termed as a case of depression. However, medical conditions like thyroid, brain tumour or vitamin deficiency may also have similar symptoms as depression. To confirm that a person is suffering from depression, it is mandatory to visit a doctor and rule out general medical causes.

Not Everyone Has the Same Symptoms

People with depression do not necessarily experience all the symptoms or the same symptoms. While some people experience only a few symptoms, a few others experience many. The severity and frequency of symptoms depend on the individual’s illness. Moreover, symptoms vary depending upon the stage of depression one is suffering from.

Depression needs more attention

In any given year, depression affects close to 15 adults. While depression can strike at any time without prior warning, it first appears in the mid-’20s. Women are more likely to experience depression than men. A number of factors like hormonal, biological and psychological factors are linked to the higher depression rate. Often, depression is confused with sadness which is something everyone experiences at least once. However, sadness is a completely different feeling which usually passes with time. It is nothing but a normal reaction to any tough times. Depression, on the other hand, interferes with the daily life and functioning of a person. It can be extremely draining for both the people, i.e., the one with depression and those concerned. This is termed as clinical depression or depressive disorder and IT IS A REAL ILLNESS. Mostly, people with depression undergo treatment and take medications to get rid of the disease.

Depression is Treatable

As severe as the disease is, it is treatable with proper care and attention. It is best to start treatment as early as possible as it turns out to be effective. Treatment options like psychotherapy, regular talks, antidepressant drugs or a combination of all help getting rid of depression. If you suspect you or someone around you is suffering from depression, make an appointment with a doctor right away. However, be sure about the disease because a number of other medications can cause the same symptoms as depression. Moreover, two people are never affected by depression in the same way. Only a doctor can explain the severity of the disease.