January 13: International Day of the Fight Against Depression, When to Seek a Specialist
It is the leading global cause of disability, affecting 300 million people, according to the World Health Organization. January 13 is the International Day of the Fight Against Depression, a day proclaimed with the intention of raising awareness, preventing, and providing guidance worldwide on an illness that increasingly affects more people and disproportionately grows each year.
How to Recognize Depression
It is not momentary sadness or discouragement. Depression causes individuals to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and daily tasks no longer appeal to them. People with depression tend to isolate themselves, experience eating and sleeping disorders, constantly feel sad and down, and have a persistent sense of fatigue and lack of concentration.
At Juaneda Hospitals, we recommend that patients with these symptoms seek a specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Depression is not a temporary condition that will heal on its own. It is a disorder that sometimes requires medication and must be treated to prevent it from leading to other conditions such as stress, anxiety, obsessive behaviors, or, in extreme cases, suicide.
It is important to understand that the genetic composition of the body plays a significant role, as well as the functioning of brain neurotransmitters responsible for transmitting messages between nerve cells in the brain.
Usually, a set of causes that trigger this illness are identified. Professionals point to the chemical, genetic, and hormonal composition of patients, but personal or family history, as well as external factors such as:
- Economic problems, unemployment, hostile or problematic work situations
- Illness or loss of a loved one or pet
- Social pressures such as bullying.
- Romantic breakups
- Illnesses that can cause depressive symptoms, such as mononucleosis or hypothyroidism, among others.
Types of Depression
According to the WHO, depression has many faces but can be categorized as follows:
- Dysthymia or persistent depressive disorder: characterized by a loss of interest in usual activities, changes in sleep, low self-esteem, lack of concentration, and energy. It is a moderate type of depression that requires the treatment of a psychologist and, in some cases, medication.
- Major depressive disorder: with repetitive and prolonged episodes. It affects daily activities, sleep hygiene, and eating habits. It requires treatment with medication and psychological therapy.
- Seasonal affective disorder occurs during the winter season when there is less light and usually bad weather. People suffering from it withdraw, stop going out, and avoid socializing. Phototherapy and conversational therapy are very useful in these cases.
- Postpartum depression: characterized by detachment from the baby, high irritability, insomnia, and loss of appetite. It is usually diagnosed a month after childbirth. In these cases, hormonal, psychological, and pharmacological therapy is necessary.
- Psychotic depression: presents episodes of hallucinations or psychosis, with feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt. Requires psychological and pharmacological treatment.
- Bipolar disorder or manic-depressive illness: one of the most severe and permanent. It causes cyclical mood changes with emotional peaks. In this case, experts prescribe treatments with mood stabilizers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and psychotherapy.
Tips for Dealing with Depression
Psychological and pharmacological treatments are essential, but when a person suffers from depression, they must realize that part of the healing process is in their own hands.
It is important to follow all the instructions given by healthcare professionals, which will include adopting healthy lifestyle habits free from alcohol, tobacco, or drug consumption.
In most cases, it is temporary and not permanent. Therefore, it is advised to stay active, focus on the present, and understand that it is a phase that will be overcome.
Participating in support groups or engaging in recreational, sports, or therapeutic activities is also recommended.
But most importantly, expressing what one feels and not keeping silent for fear of judgment is crucial. Anyone can experience a depressive episode. The important thing is to know that it can be diagnosed and treated on time, and that today there is a lot of information and guidance to overcome it and move forward.
Juaneda Hospitals, close to you.
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