Depression

Depression? Have you ever heard that term? There are many people nowadays who easily feel depressed. Adult, teenagers or even children tend to be depressed over something that they cannot handle it.  Even a child can get extreme depressed from case such as bullying. Have you ever know that percentages of suicidal cases become higher day by day? Major reason of people committed suicide was depression.

 Let's take a look at one example. I guess most of kpop fans of shinee knew about Jonghyun's death, right? Firstly, I give my deepest condolences to his family. I'm sorry for bringing out this topic as to give awareness to everyone. Who knew one seems to be cheerful outside but actually empty and lonely inside their soul? I think he had done a good job in his career but yeah no one knows his problem. Actually, I don't want to highlight the story about Jonghyun's death since I assume many of us know depression was the cause of the death. I just want to point out that we should never take depression lightly.

DEFINITION

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by low mood, a feeling of sadness, and a general loss of interest in things. Sadness, feeling down, having a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities - beware if you notice these symptoms in your beloved people because they might have a depression without your knowing. 



CLASSIFICATION

     Depression may be classified as:

•   mild
•   moderate
•   severe, also called “major”

1) MILD DEPRESSION
Mild depression involves more than just feeling blue temporarily. Your symptoms can go on for days and are noticeable enough to interfere with your usual activities.

Mild depression may cause:

• irritability or anger
• hopelessness
• feelings of guilt and despair
• self-loathing
• a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• difficulties concentrating at work
• a lack of motivation
• a sudden disinterest in socializing
• aches and pains with seemingly no direct cause
• daytime sleepiness and fatigue
• insomnia
• appetite changes
• weight changes

If your symptoms persist for most of the day, on an average of four days a week for two years, you would most likely be diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder. This condition is also referred to as dysthymia.

Though mild depression is noticeable, it’s the most difficult to diagnose. It’s easy to dismiss the symptoms and avoid discussing them with your doctor.

2) MODERATE DEPRESSION

     In terms of symptomatic severity, moderate depression is the next level up from mild       

     cases. Moderate and mild depression share similar symptoms. Additionally, moderate 

     depression may cause:

• problems with self-esteem
• reduced productivity
• feelings of worthlessness
• increased sensitivities
• excessive worrying

    The greatest difference is that the symptoms of moderate depression are severe enough  

    to cause problems at home and work. You may also find significant difficulties in your 

   social life.

   Moderate depression is easier to diagnose than mild cases because the symptoms 

   significantly impact your daily life. The key to a diagnosis, though, is to make sure you talk 

   to your doctor about the symptoms you’re experiencing.

   SSRIs, such as sertraline (Zoloft) or paroxetine (Paxil), may be prescribed. These 

   medications can take up to six weeks to take full effect. Cognitive behavioral therapy  

   (CBT) is also used in some cases of moderate depression.

    3) SEVERE DEPRESSION

     

     Severe (major) depression is classified as having the symptoms of mild to moderate 

     depression, but the symptoms are severe and noticeable, even to your loved ones.

     Major depression last an average of six months or longer. Sometimes severe depression   

     can go away after a while, but it can also be recurrent for some people.    Diagnosis is especially crucial in severe depression, and it may even be time-sensitive.

    Major forms of depression may also cause:

• delusions
• feelings of stupor
• hallucinations
• suicidal thoughts or behaviors

  Severe depression requires medical treatment as soon as possible. Your doctor will likely  

  recommend an SSRI and some form of talk therapy.