Depression is a common and dangerous mental illness, about 16 out of every 100 people suffer from depression. Not only does it affect the patient's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors psychologically, it also has an impact on the patient's physical well-being. People suffering from depression may experience sadness or a loss of interest in their favorite hobbies. In addition, it can lead to a variety of mental and physical issues, including one’s capability to function or work.
One of the causes of depression can be the innate physical resistance to depression, but external pressure can also be a factor. Abnormalities in brain chemical levels (serotonin and noradrenaline) may lead to depression, which prevents patients from feeling happy or positive. This mental illness can be caused by family inheritance, or resulted by long-term absorption of chemical toxins (such as alcoholism). When the brain is unable to resist external pressure, it is prone to depression.
Symptoms of depression:
1. Low mood or sadness:
For most of the day, patients will feel sad or depressed.
2. Loss of interest or pleasure
Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities such as sex, hobbies or sports.
3. Reduced appetite and weight loss:
Despite the lack of a diet, the weight has drastically dropped or increased
4. Sleep pattern:
The patient will oversleep or not get enough sleep, which is called insomnia.
5. Sluggishness:
Patient may become sluggish in thinking, speaking or body movements, it’s easy to sense his/her restlessness or sluggishness.
6. Fatigue:
Easy to feel tired or lack of energy
7. Self-worth:
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, obsessing over past failures or blaming themselves.
8. Concentration︰
Indecisive and has difficulty thinking or paying attention.
9. Thoughts of death:
The patient has repeatedly thought of death, suicide (planned or unplanned), or suicide attempts.
Based on the nine symptoms of depression listed above, if you or someone close to you has five of the above symptoms and lasts for more than two weeks, it indicates that you or them are probably suffering from depression. Most people with depression are able to recover if they seek treatment at an early stage. Some patients, on the other hand, refuse to think that they will be cured even if they are diagnosed with depression. Therefore, understanding depression is critical to preventing depression and developing comprehension of mental illness.