{"id":1624,"date":"2020-07-04T07:28:53","date_gmt":"2020-07-04T07:28:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4inbandana.com\/blog\/?p=1624"},"modified":"2026-03-10T06:32:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T06:32:17","slug":"what-is-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/4inbandana.com\/blog\/what-is-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Depression and What you can do about it?"},"content":{"rendered":"
A question that needs the enlightenment of many also happens to be frequently shied from\u2014what is depression?<\/h6>\n

A considerably large part of the human population share one secret\u2014a secret so oftentimes wrongly believed as shameful, unspeakable,\u00a0 and horrible, yet ironically,universal. It\u2019s called depression.<\/p>\n

As with many mental illnesses, depression is badly misunderstood. Not everybody has dared to delve deeper into its very nature for reasons of fear, miseducation, and judgment.<\/p>\n

And yet, it’s our very job as human beings to understand this all-too-common topic as it affects most of us, if not all, more than anybody else on the planet.<\/p>\n

Hence, it’s our goal to be informed about depression and to understand the ways to cope with it. Right here and now, let’s walk through this topic together, and hopefully shed of light at the end.<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of depression?<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

An important thing to clarify about depression is that there is no shame in having it. More than anything else, it is a call for attention, help, and treatment, not judgment nor passivity.<\/p>\n

But because of the misconceptions surrounding it, humans have gradually mastered the art of filtering feelings. We grew to be exceptionally good at hiding the not so pretty parts of human nature. We put on masks and bury what\u2019s inside as if how we feel is an incredibly detestable thing.<\/p>\n

Although it\u2019s not easy to detect depression in a person, there are sure signs that commonly manifest this emotional ailment.<\/p>\n

\"detect<\/p>\n

To put it simply, depression is a mood disorder, which is more persistent and prolonged than sadness. It lasts for 6 to 8 months and is considered as the most common illness by the World Health Organization (WHO), affecting over 350 million people worldwide.<\/p>\n

Usually, the signs are loss of energy, reduced or lack of interest in activities, and depressed mood. It\u2019s comparable to a paralyzing feeling that overwhelms you. It affects many areas of your personal and professional life.<\/p>\n

A side from that, a person displaying unusual psychomotor agitation, or fatigue and restlessness also count. Another thing is insomnia. However, it can also be seen in people who sleep excessively. These can be complemented by feelings of guilt, worthlessness, shame, and self-loathing.<\/p>\n

On a repeated or a very alarming basis, people who are depressed may be visited by thoughts of suicide or death.<\/p>\n

How is depression tested?<\/h2>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

When one recognizes the existence of the above mentioned symptoms, it\u2019s best to seek professional help as early as possible.<\/p>\n

Upon consultation, a series of steps are followed which will be commenced by inquiries, history-taking, physical examination, and questionnaires. A reliable questionnaire known to assist doctors in evaluating depression is the Hamilton depression rating scale<\/em>. This is instrumental in gauging the severity of a person\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n

That being said, it is not enough for a person to have the awareness of the condition. There must be the aid of a health professional in firmly uncovering and understanding the causes of depression, arriving at an accurate diagnosis, and finally, obtaining appropriate treatment.<\/p>\n

Are there many types of depression?<\/h2>\n

\"Are<\/p>\n

There are, indeed, many faces of depression.<\/p>\n

Reportedly, women are most likely to be affected by depression. Such an example is known as postpartum depression.<\/strong> This affects women after childbirth and is graver than the usual baby blues. It is long-lasting and accompanied by severe mood swings, withdrawal, loss of appetite, along with difficulty in sleeping and concentrating.<\/p>\n

Another common type of depression is Unipolar and Bipolar depression. <\/strong>The former is strongly characterized by an extremely depressed mood, anxiety but without manic tendencies. However, the latter is more commonly featured by symptoms of alternating manic and depressive episodes.\u00a0 This was formerly known as manic depression.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, if a person has both depression and psychosis, it leads to another type called Major depressive disorder with psychotic features. <\/strong>People with this condition experience hallucinations, and delusions which are commonly nihilistic.<\/p>\n

Another subtype of Major depressive disorder has something to do with the seasonal change. Compared to the previous types, this is a rare one. But for people diagnosed with this condition, it happens each year at a specific time, usually provoked in the winter season. It is referred to as Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern,<\/strong> previously termed as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).<\/p>\n

What causes depression?<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

None of us are immune to depression. It can happen to almost anybody\u2014the emotionally mature friend you have, the stoic neighbor you know, that one person you look up to who seems to have it all together\u2014even you.<\/p>\n

A person with depression usually has a hard time indicating the causes of his or her condition. The sources may be long buried, ignored, or unattended.<\/p>\n

Different life events that catch us off guard are the most often source. These may include previous life trauma such as childhood neglect or abuse, divorce, the abuse of both recreational drugs and prescription drugs, financial problems, bereavement, medical concerns, and head injuries. All these, in a way, affect our toolbox of coping strategies.<\/p>\n

Likewise, genetic, biological, and environmental factors also contribute. Without the proper acknowledgment and confrontation of these sources, it becomes harder to cope up. Nevertheless, there are several potential treatments that have successfully helped people over the years.<\/p>\n

How can depression be treated?<\/h2>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

Despite the towering cloud of depression, there exists an effective series of steps for recovery. With the support and proper help of expert professionals, this illness can be treated in due time. Let\u2019s examine some of these examples below.<\/p>\n