Depression

Clinical depression is a debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by a low mood, associated with changes in behavior, activity level, and thinking. It can become chronic or recurrent, significantly impairing the ability to cope with daily life. It affects more than 350 million people worldwide and is the leading global cause of disability.

The exact causes of depression are unknown, although, as with other mental disorders, various factors may occur such as physical changes in the brain, alterations in neurotransmitter levels, and/or changes in hormonal balance (for example, during pregnancy and postpartum).

In addition to the above, there are a number of risk factors that may trigger depression. These include:

• Age: it is more common in adults, although it can appear at any time in life.
• Women are more likely to suffer from it.
• Having low self-esteem or being overly dependent can increase susceptibility to depression.
• Traumatic or stressful situations, such as the loss of a loved one or financial problems.
• Family history of other mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, alcoholism, or suicide.
• History of other disorders such as anxiety or eating disorders.
• Abuse of alcohol and drugs.
• Having other illnesses such as cancer or those associated with chronic pain.
• Certain medications.

Depression can occur once in a lifetime or appear recurrently. During this period, symptoms may include:

• Feelings of sadness or downheartedness, wanting to cry, or hopelessness.
• Mood swings and irritability.
• Loss of interest in most usual activities.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Fatigue and lack of energy.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss.
• Slowness in speaking, reasoning, or moving.
• Feelings of guilt.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Negative thoughts that may include suicidal thoughts.

There are prevention programs that have been shown to reduce the risk of depression. Among community strategies, school programs to promote positive coping models among children, interventions aimed at parents of children with behavioral problems, or exercise programs for older adults stand out.

Additionally, there are other strategies that can be useful:

• Avoiding stress.
• Relying on family and friends to overcome moments of crisis.
• Seeking treatment at the first signs of a problem (especially psychological issues).
• Undergoing long-term support treatments to prevent the recurrence of symptoms in cases of recurrent depression.