What is Depression?
Depression is a common mental disorder characterised by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activity, isolation and decreased energy that affect one’s ability to enjoy a full life.
How to distinguish depression from mood changes:
The symptoms mentioned are not exclusive to depression and can be part of “normal” mood changes. However, when these feelings get so intense that they interfere with one’s ability to think, work, eat, sleep, enjoy being with others, or care for themselves, the person may be afflicted with depression.
How to distinguish depression from mood changes:
The symptoms mentioned are not exclusive to depression and can be part of “normal” mood changes. However, when these feelings get so intense that they interfere with one’s ability to think, work, eat, sleep, enjoy being with others, or care for themselves, the person may be afflicted with depression.
What Causes Depression?
- There is no single cause of depression, and something that causes one person to become depressed may have no effect on another
- Psychosocial factors, as well as genetic and biological factors can influence the onset of depression
- Experiences that are known to contribute to the development of depression include: a chaotic, unsafe or dangerous environment, serious loss or trauma in early life, traumatic experiences later in life, and unhealthy social conditions such as poverty or homelessness
What Cures Depression?
The most effective treatment for depression consists of antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
Because feeling connected to people during one’s daily life enhances everyone’s ability to surmount the stress that might trigger depression, supportive network groups for vulnerable people are an effective method of prevention.
Because feeling connected to people during one’s daily life enhances everyone’s ability to surmount the stress that might trigger depression, supportive network groups for vulnerable people are an effective method of prevention.
