Introduction
Depression is a crucial discussion point in this research since it is a prevalent mental condition afflicting millions. According to Stringaris (2017), it is a mental disorder that may continue for a period of time. Moreover, depression has been dubbed the “common cold” of mental diseases, and it looks to be increasing in popularity, impacting up to a quarter of the population at some point in their life (Stringaris, 2017). Ultimately, depression, when it remains unchecked, can cause detrimental effects to individuals, such as suicide, which will eventually equate to mental disorders.
Discussion and Reason for the Topic
Therefore, the topic is fundamental, hence the reason it is chosen for this study. For personal reasons, those suffering from depression have bad days and feel sombre in an attempt to rediscover themselves (Paykel, 2022). The disorder’s symptoms include mood swings, appetite changes, and decreased desire to engage in earlier pleasured activities. According to Hollon et al. (2019), it entails changes in sleep patterns and energy levels, low self-esteem, worthlessness, feelings of hopelessness, uselessness, and guilt. What is more, depression profoundly affects every aspect of a person’s mind and body, its life in general.
The disorder has been prevalent at workplaces, hence the professional reason for this topic. Today depression is a contributing factor to burnout and a mental health problem among professionals, most notably in medicine and construction. Moreover, more than half of the workers in the United States are progressively citing work as a cause of mental health stress. It occurs for a variety of causes, but it is not a sin or a curse. According to cognitive and behavioral theories of depression, persons who suffer from depression do so as a result of their unfavorable perceptions of their environment (Aardema & Wong, 2020). Although a sad mind may make a person feel unwanted and uncared for or cause them to think adversely, they may lead to unpleasant life events and stresses.
Personal Experience or Society In General, Psychologists Connected to the Topic (US & International People, Current Research, Psychologists’ Names – Historical & Modern)
Depression is not discriminatory; nevertheless, all specific groups severely impacted by depression, due to their vulnerability towards depression risk factors. These factors include gender, education, income, and race. Depression is more prevalent among individuals with lower incomes or less education, women than males. Rural women, particularly those with limited wages, have a disproportionately significant risk of depression. Furthermore, pregnant and postpartum women tend to be at an increased risk of depression and its recurrence.
The findings of research on variables for depression in the US revealed that characteristics of age, marital status, and work status are risk factors, particularly for individuals between middle-aged and adults. In the country, an approximate value of 21.0 million individuals has had at least one severe depressive episode. This figure represents 8.4 percent of all adults in the United States. Based on Major depression (2020), significant depressive episodes were more prevalent in adult females (10.5 percent) than in men (6.2 percent). Adults aged 18-25 had the most remarkable rate of severe depressive episodes (17.0 percent). Internationally, one in every 15 adults suffers from depression at some point in their lives, and one in every six persons will suffer from depression at some point in their lives. Depression is a prevalent condition around the globe, affecting an estimated 3.8 percent of the population, particularly 5.0 percent of adults and 5.7 percent of persons over the age of 60. Nonetheless, it should be noted that this is only a statistic, and depression can affect anyone.
Further, some famous modern and historical psychologists who attempted to delve into the topic of depression included.
Kline, Nathan S.
Nathan had a more substantial impact on modern psychiatric treatment than Nathan S. Kline (1916-1983). Kline is frequently referred to as the “father of psychopharmacology” for his work in the 1950s, which resulted in the pioneering of the antipsychotic and antidepressant medications.
Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy
The Romans and Greek believed that too much black bile in the spleen induced melancholia. Hippocrates used hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For Cicero, the psychological causes of melancholia were fury, fear, and mourning. Even educated Romans believed that sadness and other mental diseases were caused by demons and the gods’ displeasure in the final years before the typical period.
Solutions or Positive Outcomes (Positive conclusions, future research to help people and final opinions 10/20 years)
Depression is the most widespread mental condition in the world and hence the primary cause of disability; however, the dire situation can be controlled. On the same note, future research in advances in medical departments can help regulate the advances of the diseases. In particular, modern methods have proved vital in combating the disorder; for instance, the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Antidepressant medication (ADM), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) has been demonstrated to be effective in treating depression.
Physical activity is another excellent technique for someone to combat sadness. It produces feel-good hormones, which act as a way of relieving stress. Whereas physically inactive people were likely to have present depressed symptoms. Boxing, dancing, and jogging are excellent sports for enabling people to be alone with their thoughts while also expressing their emotions via physical activity. Physical exercise also alleviates stress and aids the body in burning off stress hormones that have been accumulated from past challenging times.
Additionally, depression has the consequence of forcing individuals to concentrate only on themselves; so, in order to combat depression, an individual must do the contrary. It will not happen immediately, but shifting one’s emphasis to assisting others in meeting their needs can assist the depressed individual in meeting their own. Depressed individuals are inwardly oriented. Concentrating on others might also help a sad person get a new perspective on their despair. They might take solace in other people’s pleasure or thanks when they realize how worse things could be.
Conclusion
Depression is a crippling condition that many people lack the willpower to battle it. Hence, it is critical for loved ones to recognize that a person’s sadness is not their fault and should thus not be addressed separately. Also, loved ones should not take it personally and should absolve themselves of responsibility if someone they care about is harmed or contemplating suicide. The most pleasing thing for a sad person is to seek effective medication and therapy sessions, pray for them and demonstrate one’s love for them.
References
Aardema, F., & Wong, S. F. (2020). Feared possible selves in cognitive-behavioral theory: An analysis of its historical and empirical context, and introduction of a working model. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 24, 100479.
Hollon, S. D., Cohen, Z. D., Singla, D. R., & Andrews, P. W. (2019). Recent developments in the treatment of depression. Behavior therapy, 50(2), 257-269.
Major Depression. (2020). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Paykel, E. S. (2022). Basic concepts of depression. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience.
Stringaris, A. (2017). What is depression? Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58(12), 1287-1289.
World. (2021). Depression. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO.