January 13 marks World Day to Fight Depression. It is a common mental disorder, affecting more than 300 million people in the world, according to figures from the World Health Organization (WHO). In turn, it is the leading global cause of disability and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.
According to the WHO, depression is different from the usual mood swings and brief emotional responses to the problems of everyday life. It can become a serious health problem, especially when it is of long duration and moderate to severe intensity, and can cause great suffering and disrupt work, school, and family activities. In the worst case it can even lead to suicide, being the second cause of death in the age group of 15 to 29 years.
Regarding the symptoms, depression is characterized by a marked decrease in mood, loss of interest and the ability to enjoy, and a reduction in energy that produces a decrease in activity, all for a minimum of two weeks.
Many people with depression also suffer from anxiety symptoms, sleep and appetite disturbances, feelings of guilt and low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, and even medically unexplained symptoms. Depending on the number and intensity of symptoms, depressive episodes can be classified as mild, moderate or severe.
There are various factors that contribute to the appearance of this disorder. Depression is the result of complex interactions between social, psychological and biological factors. Therefore, those who have experienced adverse life circumstances (unemployment, psychological trauma or other causes) are more likely to suffer from depression.
In turn, it can generate more stress and dysfunction, and worsen the life situation of the affected person. There is also a relationship between depression and physical health; Thus, for example, cardiovascular diseases can cause depression, and vice versa.
To prevent depression, the WHO recommends programs that aim to reduce it. Among the effective community strategies to achieve this, programs that promote a positive thinking model, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and social contact are mentioned. Furthermore, according to their classification and taking into account professional criteria, combined treatments between psychological therapies and/or treatments with psychotropic drugs may be carried out. Likewise, the effectiveness of psychosocial treatments and the need for support during treatment must be considered, to guarantee its comprehensiveness.
The stigmatization of mental illnesses, including depression, continues to be a barrier to people around the world seeking help. Talk about depression, either with a family member, friend or health professional, or in broader contexts (such as school, workplace and social settings) as well as in the public sphere (media, social networks). social, etc.), helps eliminate said stigmatization, helping affected people initiate appropriate treatment.
