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Understanding Depression and the Importance of Mental Health

September 29, 2022 By: Loura Chong-Reid

Introduction: What is Depression and How it is Different from Sadness?

Depression is a mental disorder that can make a person feel sad, hopeless, and/or irritable. It can also make a person lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Depression is not the same as sadness or grief which are normal responses to difficult life events such as death of a loved one, divorce, or loss of job. Depression is different because it lasts for long periods of time and does not respond to any treatment. 

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Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and feelings of hopelessness, accompanied by significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns. It can lead to physical health problems, such as headaches or loss of energy. Other symptoms include agitation, concentration difficulties, irritability, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, reduced motivation or self-esteem and thoughts of death or suicide.

The exact cause of depression is unclear but it appears to be a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and life events that lead to the development of low moods. Depression is different because it lasts for long periods of time and does not respond to any treatment. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and feelings of hopelessness, accompanied by significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns. It can lead to physical health problems, such as headaches or loss of energy. Other symptoms include agitation, concentration difficulties, irritability, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, reduced motivation or self-esteem and thoughts of death.


What Causes Depression?

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. It affects more than 300 million people of all ages and backgrounds.

It is typically said to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and even psychological factors. The symptoms are different for each person. Some people may have just one symptom while others have many symptoms.

The most common treatment for depression is antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. These treatments work best when combined together to create a personalized plan for each person with depression.


How to Cope with Depression Without Medication?

Depression is a condition that can be managed through various ways.

It is important to note that the causes of depression are not fully understood. However, there are quite a few factors that contribute to it. These include genetics, personal circumstances, and environmental factors. There are also different types of depression with varying symptoms and severity levels. There are also many natural remedies for depressed moods such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or even just taking a walk in nature or listening to music.


Conclusion: The Importance of Mental Health

The importance of mental health cannot be overstated because it has an effect on every aspect of life – from relationships to work to family life. The first step to improving one's mental health is recognizing that there's something wrong. Once this has been established, therapy can help with coping skills and medication can help with symptoms if needed. The following are treatment and management methods:- Cognitive behavioral therapy - Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which provide a social support system.- Talk therapy, where the individual talks to a therapist about their thoughts and feelings. This is usually done in individual sessions but can also be done through telephone counseling. 

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