Hii ni kwa lugha ya malkia lakini ni nyepesi na siyo ngumu kama unataka kuufahamu huu ugonjwa pamoja na tiba yake.
Depressive disorder (depression).
Depressive disorder (also known as depression)
is a common mental disorder. It involves a depressed
mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time.
Depression is
different from regular mood changes and feelings about everyday life. It can affect all aspects of life, including
relationships with family, friends and community. It can result from or lead to problems at school and at work.
Depression can happen to anyone. People who have lived through
abuse,
severe losses or
other stressful events are more likely to develop depression.
Women are more likely to have depression than men.
Symptoms and patterns.
During a depressive episode, a person experiences a depressed mood (
feeling sad, irritable, empty). They may feel a
loss of pleasure or interest in activities.
Other
symptoms are also present, which may include:
- poor concentration
- feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth
- hopelessness about the future
- thoughts about dying or suicide
- disrupted sleep
- changes in appetite or weight
- feeling very tired or low in energy.
Contributing factors and prevention
Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. People who have gone through adverse life events (
unemployment, bereavement, traumatic events) are more likely to develop depression.
Diagnosis and treatment
There
are effective treatments for depression. These include psychological treatment and medications. Seek care if you have symptoms of depression.
Effective psychological treatments for depression include:
- behavioural activation
- cognitive behavioural therapy
- interpersonal psychotherapy
- problem-solving therapy
Self-care
Self-care can play an important role in managing symptoms of depression and promoting overall well-being.
What you can do:
- try to keep doing activities you used to enjoy
- stay connected to friends and family
- exercise regularly, even if it’s just a short walk
- stick to regular eating and sleeping habits as much as possible
- avoid or cut down on alcohol and don’t use illicit drugs, which can make depression worse
- talk to someone you trust about your feelings
- seek help from a healthcare provider.
If you have thoughts of suicide:
- remember you are not alone, and that many people have gone through what you’re experiencing and found help
- talk to someone you trust about how you feel
- talk to a health worker, such as a doctor or counsellor
WHO fact sheet on depressive disorder (depression) providing key facts and information on types and symptoms, contributing factors, diagnosis and treatment, WHO response.
www.who.int