Psychology : Depression

1.  What is depression?

• Depression is a complex mental health disorder characterized by presistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness and lack of interest or pleasure in activities.
• It affects a person thoughts , feeling , behaviour , and overall functioning.

2. Key points of depression

(i) Symptoms

• Persistent low mood
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• changes in appetite and weight
• sleep disturbances
• loss of energy
• feelings of worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating or making depression
• Thoughts of death or suicide

(ii) Types of Depression

• Major depression disorder (MDD)

severe symptoms that interfere with daily life

• Persistent depressive disorder ( Dysthymia)

chronic, less severe symptoms lasting for at least two years

• Bipolar Disorder

Characterized by mood swings between depression and mania

• Seasonal affective disorder ( SAD)

Depression Ocearing at specific times of the year typically in the winter.

(iii) Causes

• Biological factors

Imbalances in brain chemicals such as serotonin and nonepinephrine

• Genetic factor

Family history of depression can increase the risk 

• Psychological factors

Negative thinking patterns , low self-esteem and chronic stress.

• Environmental factors

Trauma , abuse or significant life changes can contribute to depression

(iv) Diagonals

• Conducted through clinical interviews and assessment by mental health proffessionals.
• Criteria are based on the DSM - 5 ( Diagonals and statical manual or mental disorder or ICD-10 / ICD-11 international classification of dieases.

(v) Treatment

• Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavional therapy (CBT) , interpersonal therapy (IPT) and other counselling approches.

• Medication 

Antidepressants such as SSRIS ( Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitions ) and SNRIS ( Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitions ).

• Lifestyle changes

Regular excercise , healthy diet , sufficient sleep

• Alternative Therapies

Meditation, Mindfulness and acupuncture

(vi) Prevention and management

• Building a strong support network
• learning and practicing stress management techniques
• Seeking early intervention when symptoms arise 

                        Understanding and addressing depression requires a comprehensive approach , combing medical , psychological and social strategies to effective manage and improve quality.

Written and collected by

Rahul Prasad Parida

member of , 

The Modern Researchers