Updated: Sep 7, 2021
What Is Depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.
Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.
Is depression the same as sadness or bereavement?
Sadness, bereavements share some common symptoms with depression but are different in many aspects.
Our chances of getting depression in our lifetime?
Depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year.
One in six people (16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life.
When is it more likely to occur ?
Depression can occur at any time, but on average, first appears during the late teens to mid-20s.
Women are more likely than men to experience depression. One out of three women are likely to be depressed during their lifetime.
Heritability?
There is a high degree of heritability (approximately 40%) when first-degree relatives (parents/children/siblings) have depression.
Is it treatable ?
It is a very treatable condition.
Medications, counselling,lifestyle changes, attention to co- existing medical conditions and managing stress , exercise, meditation, yoga all help in the recovery process.
Do not delay in seeking help for your dear ones or yourself.Early recognition and adequate treatment results in better outcomes.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
INFORMATION PROVIDED IS TO BE USED FOR SELF ASSESSMENT. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP.
REACH OUT LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR HELP AND GUIDANCE.
Useful references.
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
https://assets.nhs.uk/tools/self-assessments/index.mob.html?variant=42
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