How many people actually suffer from depression? What forms of depression are there and how can depression be detected early? Since this topic is often still a taboo, we want to take a closer look at it. Of course, the topic of depression is huge but somewhere you should try to start. First of all, there is therefore a small insight into the clinical picture, treatment and possible offers of help.
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Depression is a mental illness that relates to mood. More than 264 million people worldwide are affected by depression, making it one of the most common mental illnesses according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020). The main symptoms are, according to those affected, a depressed, sad mood, loss of interest and joylessness as well as listlessness and fatigue. In addition, there may be other symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt, loss of appetite or sleep disorders.
Is there only “one” depression?
No – depression can come in different forms and severity. Some researchers also differentiate according to the cause.
- The most common form is unipolar depression. For a diagnosis, several typical symptoms of the disease must be present for at least two weeks.
- A chronic depressive mood (dysthymia) is when mildly pronounced mood changes occur that resemble depression in signs, such as a depressed, dissatisfied, melancholic feeling. These complaints last at least two years and are distressing due to their duration, even if they do not affect those affected in their everyday lives as much as those of a depressive episode.
- Seasonal depression occurs mainly in the dark months between autumn and winter and is mainly due to lack of light.
- Postnatal depression, also known as postpartum depression, affects mothers after childbirth, but also fathers. Between 10 and 20% of women and 5 to 10% of fathers are affected. Causes are, for example, the strong changes after birth, hormonal fluctuations, excessive demands, lack of sleep, relationship conflicts and fears.
- Bipolar disorder is accompanied by alternating depressive and manic phases: depression shows the typical symptoms of a depressed mood, in mania the mood is euphoric. Those affected are extremely active, creative and absent-minded. They sleep little, are prone to megalomania and sometimes lose touch with reality.
Whether mild, moderate or severe depression is present depends on the number and intensity of symptoms. With regard to the temporal course, a distinction is made between the single depressive episode, the recurrent (recurrent) depressive disorder as well as chronic depression and dysthymia. Depending on the causes, psychogenic (caused by life history, i.e. environmental events), organic (caused by physical causes) or endogenous depression (without the presence of environmental influences, for example due to a genetic disposition) may be present.
WHAT PREJUDICES DO THOSE AFFECTED HAVE TO deal WITH?
Despite increasing education about mental illness, people with depression are still stigmatized. Stigmatization includes the characterization of groups of people by negatively evaluated characteristics. Thus, many, especially mental illnesses are associated with prejudices. Through stereotypes and false assumptions, the behavior towards those affected can be determined. The consequence for the sufferers: exclusion and discrimination. Through stigma, for example, people with depression are seen in society as weak, unpredictable or dangerous. The consequences of stigmatization of mental illnesses such as depression include a delayed or prevented use of professional help due to fear, shame or isolation. Stigmatization of mental illness is a global problem, which is why destigmatization is of great importance nationally and internationally in the field of public health. But what exactly can be done?
HOW CAN STIGMA BE COUNTERACTED?
In order to reduce the public stigma of mental illness, research has identified three approaches: protesting against misrepresentations of mental illness, education to convey facts, and contact between citizens and people with mental illness to reduce prejudice. Various anti-stigma campaigns try to change the population’s knowledge and attitudes towards mental illness through workshops, seminars, lectures and media-based public relations.
And what can you personally do about stigma? Question your own prejudices, which you may have borrowed from Hollywood movies, newspaper reports, or prevailing stereotypes. Try to meet people with mental illness without prejudice. Educate yourself about the topic by, for example, reading a book or watching a documentary.
In America, for example, it is perfectly normal to have a “coach” – for sports, relationships, business or mental health. A coach is valued there and coaching is also becoming more and more popular in Germany. But in the case of mental illnesses such as depression, coaching alone is often not enough. By using professional help, the symptoms of mental illness can be alleviated and the quality of life improved. So you can see “psychotherapy” as a treatment of the soul. We finally go to the doctor with a broken arm.
In the following, you will find out when it is advisable to seek professional help and which contact points are available.
EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT
Early signs of depression are often nonspecific. Possible symptoms are, for example, non-specific headache or abdominal pain, lack of energy and constant fatigue, listlessness and apathy, anxiety and sleep disorders.
If you have felt often and for no reason down, sad, depressed or hopeless in the last month and have significantly less desire and fun in things you otherwise like to do, then this may indicate depression. In this case, it is advisable to discuss your complaints with a doctor.
Early diagnosis helps with successful treatment. In case of mild signs of depression, treatment can be waited after consultation and observation. In some cases, the symptoms subside on their own. Vitamin D and St. John’s wort supplements can help. Sports and exercise such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or yoga can boost mood and drive. In addition, relaxation methods such as progressive muscle relaxation or autogenic training are also suitable. In winter depression, light therapy is used with a special lamp. Moderate and severe depression can be treated well with psychotherapy or, if necessary, supplemented with antidepressants.
where can i get help?
The first point of contact can be the family doctor, a psychosocial counselling centre or directly a psychotherapeutic practice. If you do not get an appointment at the practices, you can contact the appointment service point of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV). This arranges available appointments for an initial consultation with psychotherapists. In Germany you can reach them on the telephone number 116117 seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Further information can be found here.
There are also offers of help in the workplace: For example, those affected can contact the company doctor within the framework of medical confidentiality. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), which are externally, also offer independent and holistic support and counseling for depression. Voluntary participation in a company integration management (BEM) is also possible if employees are unable to work continuously or repeatedly for more than 6 weeks within a year. At BEM, the causes of the inability to work can then be found together and solutions can be developed.
HOW CAN DEPRESSION BE DEALT WITH?
What can I do if I am affected?
- Keep in touch with family and friends (e.g. make a fixed appointment during the week)
- Keep moving (e.g. walking, cycling)
- Having routines (following fixed everyday structures)
- (Professional) Accept help
What can I do for other affected people?
- Understanding and patience
- Taking the disease seriously
- Offer help in finding professional help
- Being there and listening
- Also take care of yourself and, if necessary, get professional advice yourself