Skip to main content
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

Stories

  • 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…
  • DSC_7568
    The Truth about Stress and Your Skin
    Does stress cause acne and eczema to flare up? Does it cause dark circles and pigmentation to appear? Yes, stress does all that and a lot more. Dermatologist Dr. Vinu Kripalani recognizes the mind-skin connection and recommends tips to reduce stress and make your skin glow skin naturally.    What is stress? Stress is caused when the pressure on the individual exceeds their coping mechanism. It is the mental/emotional response to adverse or demanding circumstances. Skin can react in…
  • A person at the gym lifting weight while looking at the mirror
    Perils of Body Weight Going Up and Down Rapidly
    When actors go through phases of rapid weight gain to rapid weight loss in preparation for film roles, many eyebrows are often raised among health professionals. Dr Shital Raval lists out reasons why it is medically dangerous and unhealthy of such yo-yoing. Imagine going from 68 kg to 93 kg in six months and then back again to original size. Well...That’s what actor Aamir Khan did recently oscillating from rapid weight gain to rapid weight loss. While Khan’s bulging - thinning programme…
  • How I Survived Severe Depression
    Shubhrata Prakash, an officer with the Indian Revenue Service currently on sabbatical in Bangkok, went through a very long episode of depression. At the end, she was inspired to write a book The D Word: A Survivor’s Guide to Depression that not only became therapeutic but grew into a handbook on depression. 1.    Would you consider depression a mental illness? Depression IS a mental illness, which also has physical dimensions. Unfortunately, most people who have not had a close…
  • Image shows a women holding a brush with clumps of hair during PCOS
    How Do I Deal With PCOS?
    Could Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) be the cause of your hair loss or excessive facial hair? If it isn't treated or the underlying causes not addressed, over time it can lead to infertility, diabetes and heart disease. Obstetrician & gynaecologist Dr. Chandan Dubey advises on the key treatments for PCOS: What is the first line of treatment for most PCOS patients? PCOS is characterised by and diagnosed when two of the following 3 features are seen in a woman: Menstrual cycles coming at…
  • Heart Friendly and Diabetes Friendly Healthy and Tasty Recipes
    Are you looking for recipes that are heart friendly, reduce cholesterol and cardiovascular risk and are diabetes friendly? Have you got tired eating the same bland diet that you have been put on? Did you think that healthy foods cannot be tasty?  You liked our previous book on weight loss and are looking for more nutritious recipes?  Download our healthy cookbook prepared in conjunction with our panelled dietitians by clicking here or on the image below. If you are already…
  • No Stigma for a Person with Diabetes!
    Diabetes Awareness and You (DAY), Kolkata says that food and lifestyle habits play a significant role in the prevalence of diabetes in West Bengal. PatientsEngage talks to DAY on the steps to help manage diabetes especially among women.   What are the challenges of Diabetes Mellitus in WB? Is it different from the rest of the country? (Kolkata has the second highest prevalence rate of diabetes among Indian metros) The world is moving on the wheels of scientific advancements, adding years…
  • Diabetes Friendly Bengali Recipes to Tickle your Taste Buds
    Bengal has a reputation for food and fish is, of course, the piece de resistance. These vegetarian and non-vegetarian Bengali specialities help you retain your taste while also keeping them diabetes-friendly. Certainly worth a try!   Lau Payesh (Serving size 4 persons) Pic above Ingredients Lau 250Gm (Grated) Milk 500 Ml Bay Leaf 2 Pcs Cardamom 4Pcs Almonds for Garnishing Oil 10 Tbs Stevia 2g (sweeteners) Instructions Heat oil in a kadhai, add bay leaf, grated lau and stir fry for…
  • Patient Stories: Lifestyle changes that helped control Diabetes
    Little changes in your daily routine go a long way in managing and controlling Diabetes. We asked people in Singapore and India on the most challenging aspect of diabetes management and the advice/tip they would like to share with the Diabetes Community:  1)    What was the most difficult lifestyle change for you to make and why? JAYESH: The biggest problem I had was to start working out; there was a huge inertia and getting over it was not easy. It helps if you don’t think…