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| Depression is one of the most commonly encountered chronic conditions in primary care, yet it remains substantially underdiagnosed and undertreated. According to American Psychiatric Association (2017), depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. In addition to this, depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life (WHO, 2017). It may become a serious health condition, especially when it is long-lasting and with moderate or severe intensity. This disorder causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home. However, fortunately, this is also treatable.
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| This has been a rampant problem around the globe that makes it a common illness worldwide with more than 300 million people affected (WHO, 2017). In a recent study conducted by the researchers at Australia’s University of Queensland, it came out that the Middle East and North Africa suffer the world’s highest depression rates and it is costing people in the region years off their lives. The most depressed country is Afghanistan, where more than one in five people suffer from the disorder. The least depressed is Japan, with a diagnosed rate of less than 2.5 percent. “In the case of North Africa/Middle East, conflict in the region increased the prevalence of [depression], leading to a higher burden ranking,” they write. In sub-Saharan Africa, on the other hand, diseases such as malaria and AIDS have crowded out depression as a top public health risk.
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| Depression can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school and in the family. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. According to the University of California, suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people. A major cause of suicide is mental illness, very commonly depression. People feeling suicidal are overwhelmed by painful emotions and see death as the only way out, losing sight of the fact that suicide is a permanent "solution" to a temporary state—most people who try to kill themselves but live later say they are glad they didn't die. Most people who die by suicide could have been helped. An individual considering suicide frequently confides in a friend, who may be able to convince them to seek treatment. When the risk is high, concerned friends and relatives should seek professional guidance.
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| == Signs and Symptoms ==
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| There are signs to know whether a person is at risk of depression. According to National Institute of Mental Health, if you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:
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| • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
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| • Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
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| • Irritability
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| • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
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| • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
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| • Decreased energy or fatigue
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| • Moving or talking more slowly
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| • Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
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| • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
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| • Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
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| • Appetite and/or weight changes
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| • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
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| • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
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| However, it is also said that not everyone are experiencing some of the symptoms. Some may experience a few, some experiences many. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last will vary on the individual and his or her particular illness. Symptoms may also vary on the phase of the illness.
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| == Ways to Cope Up With Depression ==
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| Depression is never easy, most especially to people suffering with it. Professor David Richards (2016), a professor of mental health at the University of Exeter, provided self-help tips regarding on how to deal depression.
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| First is to ''stay in touch''. Try not to pull back from life. Mingling can enhance your mood. Staying in contact with loved ones means you have somebody to converse with when you feel low.
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| Second is to ''be more active''. Take up some type of activity. There is evidence that exercise can help lift your state of mind. In the event that you have not practiced for some time, slowly begin by strolling for 20 minutes consistently.
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| Third is to ''face your fears''. Try not to avoid to things that you find difficult. At the point when individuals feel low, they sometimes avoid communicating with others. Some people might lose their confidence about going out. If this starts to happen, looking up to these situations will enable them to feel at ease.
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| Fourth is ''not to drink too much alcohol''. For a few people, liquor can turn into an issue. You may drink more than expected as a method for adapting to or concealing your feelings, or just to fill time. However, liquor would not enable you to take care of your issues and could likewise influence you to feel more discouraged.
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| Fifth is to ''try eating a healthy diet''. A few people do not crave eating when they are discouraged and are in danger of getting to be underweight. Others discover comfort in eating and can put on excess weight. Antidepressants can likewise affect your appetite. In case you are worried about weight reduction, weight pick up or how antidepressants are influencing your hunger, converse with your General Practitioner.
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| Lastly, ''have a routine''. At the point when individuals feel down, they can get into poor sleep patterns, remaining up late and dozing amid the day. Attempt to get up at your ordinary time and adhere to your usual routine as much as possible. Not having a routine can influence your appetite. Attempt to bear on cooking and eating consistent suppers.
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| == 24/7 Suicide Prevention Lifeline ==
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| This sadness disease is treatable and there are a lot of ways in treating it such as therapies, antidepressants, and self-help. The government has also prepared a 24-hour suicide prevention hotline which can be a great help in time of need, that is: '''1-800-273-8255''', '''(02) 804-4673''', or '''0917-5584673'''. ''Always remember to not hesitate in seeking for help''.
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| == References ==
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| NHS choices. 2016. ''Tips for coping with depression''. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/dealing-with-depression/ on March 15, 2018.
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| Parekh, R. 2017. ''What is Depression''. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression on March 15, 2018.
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| World Health Organization. 2017. ''Depression''. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/ on March 15, 2018.
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| University of California Santa Cruz. 2017. ''Depression and Suicide''. Retrieved from https://caps.ucsc.edu/resources/depression.html#suicide on March 15, 2018.
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