2023-11-14 23:06:35
Talk about depression, It is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness and lack of interest in all activities that were previously pleasurable.
Depression is a medical condition that requires treatment, since if not treated in a timely manner it can have major consequences.
According to National Institute of Geography and Statistics (Inegi) In Mexico, 34.8 million people have experienced some depressive episode in their lives.
Given this chilling figure, Mexicans want to know exactly what depression is and what its symptoms are.
Well, here we will tell you what depression is, its symptoms and the most common types of disorders according to the World Health Organization.
What is depression?
The first thing you should know is that the exact causes that cause depression are not known; there are various factors that contribute to the appearance of this disorder, with the interaction between social, psychological and biological factors being the main causes of this disease.
The genes that we inherit from our parents and that are influenced by the experiences we have in our lives, can predispose us to suffer from depression.
Depression is a mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It’s more than just feeling sad or going through a difficult time.
Given all this, specialized medical intervention is necessary for a timely diagnosis and adequate treatment.
Symptoms of depression
The symptoms that this presents disorder in people regardless of age, sex, economic position or race are:
Persistent sad or irritable mood Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be pleasurable Changes in appetite and weight Problems sleeping or sleeping excessively Fatigue or loss of energy Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Thoughts of death or suicide ⇒READ ALSO: The 23 new occupational diseases that could be approved in Mexico: From depression to endometriosis
What are the types of this disorder?
There are various types of depression, which are differentiated by their duration, evolution and level of impact on the performance of routine activities and interpersonal relationships, from an emotional, behavioral, cognitive and somatic point of view.
Below, we present the most common types of disorders according to the World Health Organization:
Major depressive disorder or major depressive disorderA: This type of depression is considered the most serious, since it is prolonged over time and with the possibility of repetitive episodes. It affects daily activities such as eating, sleeping, as well as concentration. Pharmacological treatment and psychological therapy are required.
Persistent depressive disorder: It is a type of moderate depression, with the following symptoms: loss of interest in normal activities, changes in sleep, low self-esteem, hopelessness, loss of appetite, lack of energy and concentration. Treatment includes the use of medications and talk therapy.
Postpartum depression: It is diagnosed in the first month following birth or delivery. The main symptoms are insomnia, irritability, detachment from the baby, loss of appetite. Treatment is based on therapy, antidepressants and hormonal therapy.
Seasonal affective disorder: It generally occurs during the winter season, coinciding with the reduction in sunshine hours. The characteristic symptoms are hopelessness and social withdrawal. The application of phototherapy, medications and conversational therapy is required.
psychotic depression: It is characterized by the presence of hallucinations or psychotic episodes with feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or guilt, constant fatigue, social withdrawal and irritability. Pharmacological treatment is required, together with psychological therapies.
Manic depressive illness or bipolar disorder: It is a permanent disorder that generates cyclical changes in mood, with emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and feelings of sadness or depression. Treatment includes mood-stabilizing medications, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and psychotherapy.
Can you overcome depression?
The answer is yes. Overcoming a depressive episode requires specialized medical guidance and support from the emotional and family environment of the affected person.
To prevent depression, the WHO recommends programs that aim to reduce it. Among the effective community strategies to achieve this, programs that promote a positive thinking model, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and social contact are mentioned.
Depending on their classification and taking into account medical criteria, combined treatments between psychological therapies and/or treatments with psychotropic drugs may be carried out.
The effectiveness of psychosocial treatments and the need for support during treatment must also be considered, to guarantee the integrity of the people.
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