Depression is a common mental disorder affecting more than 264 million people worldwide. It causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness. Depression can be mild to moderate with symptoms of apathy, little appetite, difficulty in sleeping, low self-esteem, muscle pain and fatigue. Depression is a leading cause of disability around the world and contributes greatly to the global burden of disease. More women are affected by depression than men. It is the fourth most significant cause of suffering and disability worldwide behind heart disease, cancer and traffic accident.
The exact cause of depression is unknown. It may be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Life events such as childhood adversity, workplace issues, loss, drug use and unemployment contribute to and may catalyze the development of depression. Some people may experience a few symptoms, and others might experience many. How often symptoms occur, how long they last and how intense they may feel can be different for each person. Many people who experience depression also have other mental health conditions. Anxiety disorders often go hand in hand with depression.
The ways people respond to their own symptoms of depression influence the duration of these symptoms. People who engage in ruminative responses, that is thinking about things over and over again, prolong and intensify depressive episodes, create a level of passivity and negativity that are likely to raise the level of depressive symptoms in individuals over time.
Insomnia and loss of energy are the most common symptoms of depression across cultures and women had a higher rate in all countries. In fact, women are twice as likely to develop clinical depression as men. Up to one in four women is likely to have an episode of major depression at some point in life.
Psychological and pharmacological treatments exist for moderate and severe depression. However, in low- and middle-income countries, treatment and support services for depression are often absent or underdeveloped. An estimated 76–85% of people suffering from mental disorders in these countries lack access to the treatment they need.
There are effective treatments for moderate and severe depression. Psychological treatments such as behavioral activation, cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy or anti depressant medication. Antidepressants can be an effective form of treatment for moderate to severe depression but are not the first line of treatment for cases of mild depression.
Depression and associated mental disorders can have a profound effect on all aspects of life. Especially when long-lasting and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health condition. It 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. Around 800 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.
There is a strong relationship between depression and physical health, including tuberculosis and cardiovascular disease. Depression affects all types of people young and old, rich and poor in all countries. The performance of depressed person is affected at school, productivity at work, relationships with family and friends, and ability to participate in the community.
Barriers to effective care include a lack of resources, lack of trained health-care providers and social stigma associated with mental disorders. Another barrier to effective care is inaccurate assessment. Management of depression should include psychosocial aspects, including identifying stress factors, such as financial problems, difficulties at work or physical or mental abuse, and sources of support, such as family members and friends. The maintenance or reactivation of social networks and social activities is important.
Depression can be severe and life-altering, affecting the quality of life and the happiness of those who live with it. It’s also a common condition. Many helpful treatments for depression are available. There are many things that do help with treating depression, Exercising regularly is one of the best things, balanced diet, proper sleep, continuing prescribed medications, and never stopping them abruptly and in certain cases willpower can help too. Family members and friends can push them to not procrastinate and do what they have to do, anything is possible.
Generally, it appears that adherence to Islamic lifestyle can be effective in depression management.