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  • Depression
    It is a serious medical illness that affects one’s thoughts, feelings, behaviour, mood and physical health. It may be a lifelong condition in which periods of wellness alternate with recurrences of illness. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide with more than 350 million sufferers, according to the World Health Organisation. The number is growing in all age groups in every community, and with many young people falling prey to depression.  
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 28 September 2015

What causes depression

The exact cause of depression is not known. Any person can develop depression but some people are more prone to it. Depression can be triggered by life events such as relationship problem, illness, redundancy, work stress. It may also be caused by certain disorders of the thyroid and pituitary glands and hormonal disorders.

Evidence from genetics, neuroscience and clinical investigations demonstrates that depression is a disorder of brain. Modern brain imaging technologies reveal that in depression, neural circuits that are mainly responsible for regulation of moods, thinking, sleep, appetite and behaviour fail to function properly. In depression, neurotransmitters (chemicals) used by nerve cells to communicate are out of balance.

Are you at risk of developing depression

All age groups, all racial, ethnic and socio-economic groups can experience depression. About 5 in 100 adults have depression every year. Sometimes it is mild and lasts for a few weeks. Those at greater risk are:

  • Women – 1 in 4 women develop severe depression compared to 1 in 10 men. Women after childbirth and menopause are at particular risk.
  • Those with thyroid gland problems - Thyroid gland produces and regulates thyroid hormones. These hormones can effect energy levels, mood, even weight. They can also be factors in depression.
  • Genetic predisposition – You are three times more likely to get depression if your parents or siblings had it. This may be an interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
Condition

Stories

  • Management of Depression
    Apart from getting the right treatment, you should also follow these suggestions to manage depression:  Food and nutrition There is no specific diet for depression but evidence suggests that good nutrition is essential for our mental health and number of mental health conditions may be influenced by dietary factors. Do eat regularly even if you do not feel like eating. Try to eat a healthy diet that includes the following:  Lots of nutrients to keep the body functioning optimally…
  • Depression Tests and Diagnosis
    While there are no tests for diagnosing depression, doctors may administer a questionnaire to determine if the condition is depression. Doctors may also prescribe lab tests to determine if the depression is caused due to some other underlying illness.  Head trauma Central nervous system tumors Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Stroke Multiple sclerosis Syphilis Some cancers 
  • How to Prevent Depression
    Clinical Depression can not be prevented. Eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and take time out for fun and relaxation. These will help you prevent a depressed mood. However if the depressed mood continues for more than 2 weeks, do see a doctor.   
  • 5 Overlooked Signs Of Depression
    Depression can manifest itself in many different ways. Learn to recognise signs of depression in a friend or a family member.  Counsellor Animitra Ghatak shares the surprising signs of depression and how you can help.   Depression is a mood disorder that may affect any of us at some point in our lives. This can be triggered by setbacks in life, bereavement or a chronic illness. Depression is not just about feeling sad or down. It affects the mind and the body. It…
  • Why It Can Be So Difficult To Differentiate Between Fatigue And Depression
    Depression is a major mental health issue that affects many men and women worldwide each day, but it's not uncommon for their symptoms to be confused with chronic fatigue syndrome. In her book The Exhaustion Breakthrough, Dr. Holly Phillips touches on why this diagnosis can be so tricky. She also shares in this interview with Huff Post Live  "One of the most common signs of depression is fatigue, a lack of motivation, a change in mood, a change in appetite, but also if…
  • 'I Felt Empty And Directionless', Says Deepika Padukone on Her Battle With Depression
    36% of Indians suffer from depression according to WHO. 100,000 people commit suicide every year.  Deepika, her mother Ujjala, and her doctors Dr. Anna Chandy and Dr. Shyam talk about it, about the need for family support, the need to talk about it and ask for help and to undergo counselling and treatment Deepika: I think physically what is happening is this weird pittish feeling, emptiness. My breathing was different, it was not a deep breath, it was very shallow, uneven breath,…
  • Medicating women's feelings
    Women's emotionality is a sign of health, not disease. Whether a woman needs medication should be a medical decision, not a response to peer pressure and consumerism.. Women are twice as likely as men to receive a diagnosis of anxiety disorder and depression than men are. For many women, these drugs greatly improve their lives, but for others its not necessary. In the days leading up to menstruation, emotional sensitivity is heightened , women may feel more irritable, less insulated. But that…
  • What Is Depression? Let This Animation With A Dog Shed Light On It
    In collaboration with WHO to mark World Mental Health Day, writer and illustrator Matthew Johnstone tells the story of overcoming the “black dog of depression”. Probably the only dog video on the Internet that will make you reflect. Millions of people around the world live with depression, a frightening, debilitating condition at its worst. Many of these individuals and their families are afraid to talk about their struggles, and don’t know where to turn for help. Recognizing depression and…
  • 20 things to remember if your loved one suffers from Depression
    According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 350 million people all over the world with depression. With that staggering statistic, it is highly probable that we will all interact at some point with someone experiencing a bout with depression. One of the most devastating aspects of dealing with depression is the stigma and negative criticism that comes from others. Furthermore, people may not even know that their behaviors and comments are being negative or hurtful…
  • Caregiver health and wellness
    You are focused on looking after a patient with a chronic condition. But you, the caregiver, may also be at risk. Rama Murali of Care3 (Care Cubed), a support network and resource bank for caregivers, gives you some tips on how to avoid caregiver burnout. “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha Why focus on Caregiver health? Although caregiving can be truly rewarding for many, the 24×7 nature of caring for a…