- Symptoms of depression include pessimistic and gloomy moods, pessimistic thoughts, hopelessness, feelings of helplessness, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of interest in almost everything.
- Not all patients have all the symptoms of depression.
- Depression as a brain disorderis a cluster of symptoms of depression in which impairment of emotions, thoughts, behaviors and bodily functions occur as a reflection of impairment and irregularities in the functioning of the brain.
- Symptoms of depressionThe person is depressed most of the day, especially in the morning. There is a feeling of emptiness and everything seems meaningless.
- In peoplewith depression,it is difficult to set goals for the future and to focus on them due to a loss of motivation.
- People with depression symptomsanxiety and fears may also be present. There may be feelings of inner restlessness and tension.
- Symptoms of depressionmay include crying accompanying the sad mood, and some patients complain of being unable to cry.
- Symptoms of depression negative events from the past often come to mind, feelings of regret may intensify. In the present, the patient constantly feels worthless, inadequate or guilty and has difficulty trusting himself/herself and others.
- Depression symptoms includeincreased irritability. There may be a feeling of loneliness. There may be negative thoughts about the future.
- In symptoms of depression,thinking slows down, causing speech to slow down and decrease.
- Symptoms of depression includeforgetfulness. Attention may be impaired.
- Symptoms of depressionmake it difficult to learn new things. Energy decreases and the person gets tired quickly.
- Symptoms of depressioncan make it difficult to fall asleep. There may be sleep disturbances during the night or waking up in the morning feeling tired and unable to fall asleep again. Conversely, there may be a tendency to sleep and a prolonged period of sleep.
- Symptoms of depression may includea decreased appetite and weight loss, as well as the need to overeat.
- In severe cases withsymptoms of depression, the person may make plans to harm or harm themselves. There may be suicidal thoughts / plans / attempts.
Who Suffers from Depression?
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric illnesses.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, 350 million people (5% of the world's population) suffer from depression. Roughly one out of every six people in society will experience depression at some point in their lives. It usually occurs at a young age, However, it occurs in all age groups from childhood to old age.
The incidence of depression in women is twice as high as in men. Hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum period and menopause are partly responsible for the high rate of depression in women.
The social status of women in society, the distribution of roles within the family, caring for the elderly and excessive responsibilities are other important reasons.
The fact that depression in men manifests itself in the form of irritability, outbursts of anger and withdrawal from the family and that men are not as open as women in seeking psychiatric help may also cause depression to appear to be lower in this group.
Depressed men are less likely to seek help or even talk about their experiences.
Depression can also lead to drug and alcohol abuse in men. Suppressing their emotions can result in violent behavior, both at home and outside.
Psychological causes of depression
Negative life events play an important role in the development of depression. Here are a few examples;
- Loneliness
- Inadequate social support
- Relationship problems
- Financial problems
- Family history of depression
- Early childhood traumas
- Alcohol and drug addiction,
- Health problems and chronic pain
Biological Causes of Depression
Serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and similar chemicals are responsible for communication between nerve cells in the brain.
It is thought that a disturbance in the balance of these substances, especially a decrease in serotonin, in the so-called intercellular synaptic cleft, where two nerve cells connect to each other, can lead to symptoms of depression.
Brain imaging studies show that the parts of the brain involved in mood, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior are different in people with depression than in people without depression. However, these images do not conclusively show whether changes in the brain are a cause or a consequence of depression.
What are the effects of depression on other areas of life (occupational, social functioning)?
It is very difficult to maintain daily functions with depression. It is very challenging to work, to adapt to the flow of social life.
Some people experience depression only once in their lives. Others may experience it several times in their lives.