Depression is a serious emotional and mental disorder. If it is severe it can interfere with a person’s ability to conduct their daily lives. In the last few years nearly 14% of Americans suffered from depression (and over 300 million globally). With the onset of the pandemic mental health experts now believe that number could rise to 33% or a full one-third of the American population. Let us consider the facts about depression and what you can do if you believe you are suffering from it.
- Depression is ‘a period of at least two weeks when an individual feels a disinterest in daily activities or a depressed mood’. The symptoms include (but are not limited to) loss of appetite, insomnia – or an inability to stop sleeping, difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness or unworthiness, general fatigue, irritability, anxiety, recurring aches and pains that seem to have no origin, and suicidal thoughts.
- The World Health Organization claims that depression is the main cause of disability across the globe.
- The most acute symptom of depression is suicide. Nearly 49,000 people committed suicide in 2018 in the United States. The same year 800,000 people world wide committed suicide. The numbers continue to rise annually.
- There are many causes of depression. Most common among them is genetics, gender, age, biology, health conditions, trauma or grief, changes and stressful events, and medications or substance abuse. Ultimately, depression can be caused by a single factor or a combination.
- Unfortunately, depression often goes undiagnosed and therefore untreated. It is estimated that less than 50% of people who are suffering from depression have been diagnosed and are receiving treatment.
- Interestingly, with an increase in household income there is an inverse presentation of depression. Of course, there are exceptions, but this would seem to indicate that those who live in impoverished circumstances have a greater prevalence of depression. This has social implications.
- There are varying levels and types of depression. They include major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal depression, postpartum depression, and psychotic depression. Each must be addressed with different mental health and medical approaches.
- In a recent year, over two million teens suffered from severe depression.
What to do if you are depressed
- Refrain from using all substances including alcohol, drugs and nicotine. These only mask symptoms and do not make you feel better in the end.
- Begin a mild exercise regimen if you do not engage in physical activity. Movement that results from walking, bike-riding or any of the myriad other exercises available release pheromones which help to elevate your mood. You will just feel better if you get up and move around!
- Find a positive outlet. Take up a new hobby, volunteer or find other ways that will keep you from dwelling on negative thoughts while making human connections.
- Seek medical attention. There are many outlets including public health offices, telemedicine and telepsychology and more. Recognize that you are feeling depressed and out of sorts and take proactive steps to find a solution.
We care about your mental well-being at Medcare Urgent Care. Contact us if you are feeling signs of depression. We can be reached by phone at (313) 300-2549. Our clinic is located in Redford, Michigan at 26611 W 7 Mile Rd.