It is a state in which a patient suffers from mental health disorders like depressed mood, loss of
interest in activities which ultimately leads to impairment of daily life. It can even change
a person’s thoughts, behavior, and many more things. According to research out of every 5 person
1person is depressed all around the world. Signs and symptoms may or may not be present.
person’s thoughts, behavior, and many more things. According to research out of every 5 person
1person is depressed all around the world. Signs and symptoms may or may not be present.
Causes:
1. Genetic
2. Hormonal
3. Psychological
4. Social
Sign and symptoms:
1. Mood swings.
2. Anxiety
3. Lack of interest in day to day activities
4. Hopelessness
5. Excessive crying
6. Irritability
7. Impulsive
8. Insomnia or early awakening.
9. Loss of appetite/ poor appetite
10. Fatigue
11. Weight gain/ loss
12. Lack of concentration
13. Thoughts of suicide
14. Social isolation
Risk Factors:
Experiencing acute stress.
Having a close relative with depression.
Having sustained a head injury.
Having had a previous episode of major depression.
Having a lack of successful coping strategies.
Types of depression experienced in different age/sex:
1. In females:
Depression is nearly twice as common among women as men. Below are
some symptoms of depression that tends to appear more often in females:
Irritability
Anxiety
Mood swings
Fatigue
Also, some types of depression are unique to females, such as:
Postpartum depression
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
2. In males:
Around 9% of men are more likely to drink alcohol in excess, display anger, and
engage in risk-taking as a result of the disorder. Other symptoms of depression in males
may include:
Avoiding families and social situations.
Working without a break.
having difficulty keeping up with work and family responsibilities.
Displaying abusive or controlling behavior in relationships.
3. In college students:
Time at college can stressful, and a person may be dealing with
other lifestyles, cultures, and experiences for the first time. Symptoms of depression in
college students may include:
Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork.
Insomnia
Sleeping too much
A decrease or increase in appetite.
Avoiding social situations and activities that they used to enjoy.
3. In teens:
physical changes, peer pressure, and other factor can contribute to depression in
teenagers. They may experience some of the following symptoms:
Withdrawing from friends and family.
Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork.
Feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless.
Restlessness, such as an inability to sit still.
3. In Childern:
In children, symptoms can makes schoolwork and social activities challenging.
They may experience symptoms such as:
Crying
Low energy
Clinginess
Defiant behavior
Outbursts
Food and diet for better mental health and fewer symptoms of depression are:
Deficiencies of certain minerals and vitamins can lead to depression:
Vitamin B6:
it helps the production of neurotransmitters (which send message from
brain to the rest of the body). Various sources of vitamin B6 are:
Chicken, fish, egg, pork
Wheat, cereals, oatmeal, brown rice
Bread, vegetables, soya beans, peanuts, milk, potatoes.
Vitamin B12:
it is an essential element that aids in the creation of red blood cells and
nerves. Sources are as follows:
Meat, eggs, salmon
Milk, cheese
Cod liver oil
Vitamin D:
it helps regulate cell growth, plays an important role in maintaining the
immune system and protect bones. Sources include are:
Fish, red meat
Egg yolk, cereals
