15 Important Facts you should know about Depression

Submitted by PatientsEngage on 4 April 2017

The theme of the World Health Day 2017 is ‘Depression: Let’s Talk’. Encourage people with depression to talk about their feelings. Depression can easily be treated with psychological therapies and medicines. Learn about these and some other basic information on depression issued in public interest by SCARF (Schizophrenia Research Foundation).

The wounds of depression are unseen, but they hurt more than the ones that bleed. Seek professional help and get better.

Facts about Depression

  1. Depression is the commonest disorder of the mind and affects people of all age groups.
  2. It is caused by imbalance of chemicals in the brain.
  3. Stress plays a major role in this disorder.
  4. Feelings of sadness for over 2 weeks without a clear reason, with changes in sleep, appetite, energy and interests, and difficulty in performance at work/school are signs of depression.
  5. It is very different from usual mood swings that occur in everyday life.
  6. Unexplained physical symptoms like persisting aches and pains in one or more parts of the body (eg: headache, backache), palpitations, chest pain and gastric symptoms can be signs of depression.
  7. Women of all age groups are more prone for depression and exhibit more physical symptoms.
  8. Depression is very common in people with chronic physical problems like cancer, diabetes, cardiac ailments, thyroid problems, etc.
  9. Persons with depression can feel hopeless and worthless and may wish to end their lives.
  10. A large number of suicides are the result of underlying depression
  11. Alcohol abuse/dependence can cause depression and also be an effect of depression.
  12. It can be easily treated with medicines, psychological therapies, cognitive behavior therapy and life style modifications
  13. Talking to someone who cares will help. Do not hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
  14. If it is not treated, depression affects quality of life adversely.
  15. Healthy food habits, adequate sleep, regular physical exercise, hobbies, good socialization, and avoiding smoking and drinking can reduce the risk of depression significantly and also help recover from it.

Issued in public interest by SCARF [SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION(I)]

Changed
04/Apr/2017
Community
Mental Health and Wellbeing
SCARF Schizophrenia Exchange
PatientsEngage General Community
Condition
Cancer
Depression
Diabetes
Stress

Stories

  • Photography Lessons for Kids to Fight Cancer
    Rajen Nair, a freelance photojournalist and writer, teaches skills of photography to children with cancer to bring hope, optimism and laughter in their lives. How long have you been a photographer? I became a photographer by default in the year 2004, after I lost my hearing in the right ear and later developed tinnitus due to botched ear surgery. I had no option but to wind up my business. To earn a living, I studied journalism, as writing was my passion, and learnt photography later to…
  • Love in the Times of Cancer
    Mukesh’s love for his college sweetheart, Shachi, remained resolute even after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Here is a Valentine’s Day story to warm your heart. It was in 2001 that I first saw her. She walked into my tutorial class and it was love at first sight for me. I know most people say love at first sight is just an infatuation, but I felt an instant romantic attraction for her. It could be an infatuation, or young adult crush…I don’t know. All I knew was that my head was…
  • Time to Bust some Insulin Myths and Fears
    Bhavya Munjal, Clinical Nutritionist & Certified Diabetes Educator at Fortis CDOC (Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic diseases & Endocrinology) debunks 12 prevailing myths about insulin used to treat type 2 diabetes. Insulin is the most misunderstood drug. Many patients with type 2 diabetes avoid it and some accuse it of causing diabetic complications. Yet insulin is one of the best treatments available for keeping blood glucose levels in target range. For people who have…
  • A cancer patient, shown as bald due to chemotherapy eating food
    How to Take Care of Yourself during Radiation Therapy
    Nearly two thirds of patients with cancer will undergo radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan. There are a variety of common side effects associated with radiation therapy. Read about prevention and management of radiation side effects excerpted from a booklet of Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA). Radiation Treatment Radiation therapy is an extremely important treatment option in the management of cancer. In the last two decades spectacular progress in technology has led to…
  • Picture of meat, fish, eggs and cheese
    White Meat vs Red Meat: Which is Healthier?
    Is it true that red meat should be avoided, while white meat encouraged? Bonnie Lau, an Australian-trained dietitian, answers. Here, we compare the pros and cons of both and helps you decide which type of meat you should eat in the future. Meat is a great source of protein and lots of vitamins and minerals. But there are claims that red meat (mutton, lamb, beef, pork) should generally be avoided, while white meat (chicken, duck, fish) is encouraged. We look at this closer and compare pros and…
  • 3 Books on Cancer that Inspire and Change Perspective
    Geetha Paniker, a survivor of triple negative cancer with double mastectomy, shortlists 3 books on cancer that had a great impact on her. When you're dealing with cancer, a daily dose of inspiration may make a big difference in the outlook on life. Keeping a positive outlook is proven to help with stress management, but when someone says to "think positive" or "be optimistic" during a traumatic phase of any disease, it can be much easier said than done. Knowing cancer isn't all rainbows and…
  • We need a Holistic Approach to Treating Cancer
    Susmita Mitra, Director - Special Projects at Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), underlines the concerns and worries of cancer patients and emphasizes the importance of Psycho Oncology, a comparatively recent addition in cancer care, to build a positive frame of mind, ease trauma and facilitate recovery. It is well recognized that compared to any other disease, a diagnosis of cancer results in immense trauma to the patient on one hand, and his family members on the other, as they grapple…
  • Never Too Old to Sing
    The Choir of the Loaves and Fish, a musical ensemble of senior citizens, started by Pervin Varma with Regina Thomas in Bengaluru has been immensely therapeutic for the elderly and has helped bring loads of warmth and sunshine into their lives. Picture above: Ammachy taking a bow with Pervin Varma Imagine a group of people – all senior citizens between 65 and 96 – people who have suffered strokes or are living with cancer, arthritis, heart disease, dementia, physical disabilities, people with…
  • Hypnosis for Pain Relief and Anxiety Management
    Worldwide, medical hypnosis is being increasingly accepted to ease acute and chronic pain arising from burns, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis and reduction of anxiety associated with surgery. What is hypnosis? Hypnosis is a state of increased suggestibility with constriction of peripheral awareness and increased focal concentration on task at hand. Heightened suggestibility is an essential characteristic in hypnosis. Hypnosis is like a meditative technique that encourages inner search and the…
  • Can You Make Your Favourite Foods Healthier?
    You don't have to feel guilty digging into that pizza! Nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju suggests ways of reducing calories of your favourite food like pizza and fried rice and making them wholesome and healthy. Check out the calorie counts! Wholesome Pizza Everyone loves pizza. But mind you…it can be a sinister source of calories and fats. Is there any way of giving it a nutritional upgrade, instead of ruthlessly banishing it as junk food? Yes definitely. You can make your pizza a whole lot…