Things You Should Know About Depression As A Nigerian

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, anger, loss of interest in life, low morale, long-term lowering of enjoyment of life or inability to visualize a happy future. Feeling sad or angry to life challenges or loss of life is normal, but intense sadness, feeling hopeless and helpless for many days and weeks may mean clinical depression.

Depression affects one’s daily active, concentration and leads to reduced productivity. It also worsens the following health conditions;

Arthritis
Asthma
Obesity
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
Cancer

Symptoms Of Depression

Symptoms of depression ranges from feeling sadness, hopeless and helpless to other physical symptoms too. They symptoms includes;

Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

Symptoms In Children

The symptoms of depression in children may take a different form which includes;

Sadness
Irritability
Clinginess
worry
Aches and pains
Refusing to go to school
Being underweight.

Symptoms Of Depression In Teens

Withdrawal from friends and family
Decline in their performance at school Use of alcohol or drugs
Sadness
Irritability
Feeling negative and worthless
Anger
Feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive
Eating or sleeping too much
Self-harm ( unnecessary aggression)

Symptoms Of Depression In Older Adults

Depression is not a normal part of growing older, and it should never be taken lightly. Unfortunately, depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated in older adults, and they may feel reluctant to seek help. Symptoms of depression may be different or less obvious in older adults, such as;

Memory difficulties or personality changes
Often wanting to stay at home, rather than going out to socialize or doing new things
Physical aches or pain
Suicidal thinking or feelings, especially in older men

Causes

The exact cause of depression is not known. Often times, depression may be triggered due to some Life-changing events, such as

Bereavement
Rape for women
Heart breaks
Losing your job
Giving birth, can bring it on.

People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves. But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason

Treatment

Depression is treatable, and managing symptoms usually involves three components, which includes;

Support: This can range from discussing practical solutions and possible causes to educating family members.

Psychotherapy: Also known as talking therapy, some options include one-to-one counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Drug treatment: A doctor may prescribe antidepressants.

Prevention

Depression isn’t generally considered to be preventable. It’s hard to recognize what causes it, which means preventing it is more difficult.

But once you’ve experienced a depressive episode, you may be better prepared to prevent a future episode by learning which lifestyle changes and treatments are helpful, they includes;