TYLER WODEN | MENTAL HEALTH | WHAT IS DEPRESSION? | NEW WRITERS WELCOME
What Is Depression? What To Do When Someone Is Depressed
Clinical Depression. Severely Depressed. There Are Many Signs, But How Do We Spot Them, And What Should We Do If Someone Is Struggling?
Clinical depression
Throughout my time in mental health, depression has always been a factor in most cases I see. Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a prevalent and grave mood disorder that profoundly impacts one’s emotions, cognition, and daily actions.
However, the silver lining is that it’s manageable. Those experiencing depressive feelings often encounter deep sadness and a diminishing desire or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities, impairing their professional and personal lives.
The Signs
The signs and symptoms of depression span a spectrum from mild to intense and can encompass:
- Pervading feelings of sorrow or a depressed state of mind
- Diminishing passion or joy in previously cherished activities
- Fluctuations in appetite leading to either unintended weight loss or gain
- Sleep disturbances, either insomnia or excessive sleep
- Exhaustion or amplified fatigue
- Amplified aimless physical behaviours like fidgeting or slowed movement and speech noticeable by others
- Overwhelming feelings of worthlessness or undue guilt
- Challenges in focus, contemplation, or decision-making
- Contemplation of ending one’s life or suicidal tendencies
How Are These Feelings Classified?
To classify these feelings as depression, symptoms must persist for a minimum of two weeks and should indicate a departure from prior behavioural patterns.
Additionally, various medical conditions, such as thyroid irregularities, brain anomalies, or certain deficiencies, can manifest symptoms akin to those of depression. Thus, it’s crucial to consult a mental health professional to eliminate underlying medical issues.
Figures In The US
Here’s information on US figures from Gallup:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The percentage of U.S. adults who report having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetime has reached 29.0%, nearly 10 percentage points higher than in 2015. The percentage of Americans who currently have or are being treated for depression has also increased, to 17.8%, up about seven points over the same period. Both rates are the highest recorded by Gallup since it began measuring depression using the current form of data collection in 2015. Quoted From Gallup.
U.S. Depression Rates on the Rise: Key Points
- 29% of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime, a 10% increase from 2015.
- Currently, 17.8% are dealing with or getting treated for depression, a jump of 7% since 2015.
- These are the highest rates since Gallup started tracking in 2015.
Figures In The UK
Here’s information from The Office of National Statistics:
The percentage of adults in the UK reporting very high levels of life satisfaction decreased in the latest quarter (Quarter 4, October to December 2022) to 23.3%, compared with 25.2% in the same quarter last year (Quarter 4 2021); while adults reporting very high levels of feeling things they do in life are worthwhile (32.1%), and happiness (29.4%) and very low levels of anxiety (33.8%) remained similar between Quarter 4 2022 and Quarter 4 2021. Quoted from The Office of National Statistics
Sorry, they did no fancy chart, but here’s a picture of Morgan Freeman doing the Cha Cha…
UK Life Satisfaction and Well-being Snapshot: Key Points
- In Q4 2022, adults with very high life satisfaction dropped to 23.3% from 25.2% in Q4 2021.
- Very high feelings of worthwhile activities stood at 32.1%, happiness at 29.4%, and very low anxiety at 33.8% in Q4 2022.
- Levels of happiness, worthwhile feelings, and anxiety remained consistent with Q4 2021 figures.
Comparing The Data — U.S. Depression Rates vs. UK Life Satisfaction & Well-being
Let’s compare the data. Why? Because this part is important. It shows us what’s going on in these two particular parts of the world.
Depression vs. Life Satisfaction
- The U.S. has witnessed a significant spike in depression rates with 29% of adults having been diagnosed in their lifetime, which is a 10% growth since 2015.
- Contrarily, in the UK, life satisfaction has seen a decline. Within just a year, from Q4 2021 to Q4 2022, there’s been a 1.9% drop in adults reporting very high life satisfaction.
Current Mood and Treatment
- 17.8% of U.S. adults are currently grappling with or undergoing treatment for depression, reflecting a substantial 7% increase since 2015.
- Meanwhile, in the UK, despite the decrease in life satisfaction, figures concerning feelings of happiness, the perception of activities being worthwhile, and very low anxiety levels have remained relatively stable.
Thoughts and Predictions
- The U.S. trend suggests a growing need for mental health awareness, resources, and interventions. If unchecked, this could have ramifications on workforce productivity, societal relationships, and overall quality of life.
- The UK’s consistent figures around happiness and worthwhile feelings, despite the decline in overall life satisfaction, may indicate a resilience in the general mood. However, the dip in life satisfaction might signal underlying societal or economic factors that need to be addressed.
- It would be interesting to further probe whether global phenomena or country-specific events are influencing these metrics. External factors like the global pandemic, economic challenges, or sociopolitical climates might be playing roles in these shifts.
- If both countries don’t implement strategic mental health and societal welfare measures, we might see further declines in overall well-being and increased mental health challenges in the coming years.
Treatments
For those diagnosed with this form of depression, a range of treatment options is available, from talk therapy to more advanced treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
However, it’s essential to be informed about potential side effects and work closely with healthcare providers to determine the best course of action.
With the right care, living a balanced life is within reach for those affected by conditions like postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, or other types of depression outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Empowered with knowledge, balanced living awaits. ~TW~
Factors Influencing Depression
No one is immune to depression — it can strike individuals regardless of their external life situations.
Multiple elements can influence its onset:
- Brain Chemistry: Variations in certain neurotransmitters in the brain might be linked to depressive symptoms.
- Hereditary Factors: A familial predisposition to depression exists. For instance, if a twin is diagnosed with depression, their identical sibling stands a 70% probability of facing the condition at some point.
- Character Traits: Individuals with low self-worth, those easily stressed, or inherently negative thinkers are more susceptible to depression.
- External Conditions: Prolonged exposure to trauma, maltreatment, destitution, or neglect can heighten the risk of depression in some.
Depression Management
Depression ranks high among the list of curable mental health issues.
A significant 80% to 90% of individuals with depression witness a positive turnaround with the right treatment, and nearly all experience symptom alleviation.
Prior to establishing a diagnosis or proceeding with treatment, a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare professional is essential.
This might encompass an in-depth interview, a physical evaluation, and potentially blood tests to rule out medical conditions (like thyroid irregularities or nutritional deficiencies) that might be causing depressive-like manifestations.
The objective of this evaluation is to pinpoint specific symptoms, understand medical and familial backgrounds, and assess societal and environmental influences to devise an appropriate treatment strategy.
Medication
Considering the possible role of brain chemistry in depression, antidepressants might be prescribed to adjust this balance.
These drugs aren’t stimulants, sedatives, or tranquillisers, nor are they addictive. Generally, they don’t have a stimulating effect on those without depression.
It might take a week or two before antidepressants show initial signs of efficacy, but their full impact may only be evident after two to three months.
If there’s no significant improvement, the psychiatrist might adjust the dosage or switch to another drug.
In some cases, other types of mental health medications might be beneficial. Always communicate with your doctor about the drug’s efficacy and any side effects you experience.
It’s typically recommended that patients persist with the medication for at least six months post-symptom improvement. For those with higher relapse risks, extended treatment might be advised.
Therapeutic Conversations
Therapeutic conversations, often referred to as ‘talk therapy,’ are a common approach to address mild forms of depression.
In more intense cases, combining therapeutic discussions with antidepressant medications tends to be more effective.
A prevalent technique within this realm is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT centres on addressing current issues and equips individuals to identify and alter negative thought patterns, striving to adapt to challenges more constructively.
While some may undergo therapy on an individual basis, it’s not uncommon to incorporate other participants.
Family or couples counselling, for instance, delves into relational dynamics.
Similarly, group counselling sessions offer a collective space for those with comparable struggles, fostering mutual learning and support.
The duration of therapy largely depends on the individual’s needs and the intensity of their depression.
However, it’s noteworthy that many can witness substantial progress within 10 to 15 meetings.
Transforming minds, one conversation at a time. ~TW~
Electroconvulsive Treatment (ECT) For individuals grappling with acute major depression, especially those unresponsive to conventional treatments, ECT can be a consideration.
This procedure administers short electrical pulses to the brain while the patient is anaesthetised. Typically, one undergoes ECT two to three times weekly, culminating in six to 12 sessions.
A proficient medical team, including a psychiatrist, anesthesiologist, and nursing staff, oversees the process.
Having its origins in the 1940s, continuous research over the decades has refined ECT, establishing its credibility as an effective primary option, not just a last recourse.
Personal Well-being and Resilience
There’s a gamut of personal strategies that can be instrumental in mitigating depression symptoms.
Activities like routine exercise can catalyse positive emotions and uplift mood. Prioritising quality sleep, embracing a nutritious diet, and limiting alcohol intake also play pivotal roles in well-being.
It’s paramount to recognise that depression is a genuine health concern, but assistance is accessible. A majority of those affected can triumph over it with the right interventions.
If depressive signs are surfacing, consulting a trusted primary care provider or mental health specialist is imperative.
Open dialogue about one’s feelings and securing a comprehensive assessment lays the foundation for addressing mental wellness.
In Wrapping It Up…
Navigating our mental landscapes is akin to journeying through a dense, mystifying forest. But with the right map, compass, and companionship, we can find our way out, transformed by the adventure.
It’s not just about pinpointing symptoms or picking up a pill bottle. It’s the heart-to-heart talks, the shared silences, the small victories in changing a single thought pattern.
Every moment of introspection, every therapeutic conversation, every acknowledgement of our feelings is a beacon lighting our way.
In this shared journey of understanding depression, let’s be each other’s guiding stars. Because mental well-being isn’t a mere endpoint, it’s the rich tapestry of stories we weave along the way.
That’s all from me. Until next time.
~TW~
