Depression disorders may have onset at a young age, reducing people’s functioning and often are recurring. The demand for depression’s restriction as well as other mental health conditions is on the rise globally. (WHO, 2012).
So what is depression?
Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, and poor concentration.
Moreover, in depression symptoms of anxiety occur. These problems may become chronic or relapsing and lead to substantial impairments in an individual’s ability to take care of his/her everyday responsibilities. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Almost 1 million lives are lost yearly due to suicide. (WHO, 2012).
Is depression impossible to manage?
Of course not, depression is a disorder that can be reliably diagnosed and treated. As summarized in the WHO mhGAP Intervention Guide, preferable treatment options consist of basic psychosocial support combined with antidepressant medication or psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy or problem-solving treatment.
