Key Elements of Depressions

More than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and by 2030 it is expected to be the leading cause of disability. It can be treated and you can get out of it.

Jordi Mitjà Costa

Nurse at the Integrated Functional Eating Disorders Unit. Mental Health Department

Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona

Cristina Pou Matarranz

Psychiatrist. Head of the Mental Health Emergency Department, Consultation, ECT, Acute, Subacute, and Partial Hospitalization

Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu

The first Thursday in October is the European Day of Depression. This initiative was launched in 2004 on the proposal of the European Depression Association with the aim of raising awareness for depression throughout the Europe. It is also intended to promote a better understanding of the impact of depression on people's lives to address stigma and discrimination and to give a voice to people affected.

According to the World Health Organisation data, depression affects more than 300 million people worldwide.

What is Depression?

Depression is the result of complex interactions between biological, psychological and social factors. It is more common in women than in men. Biological factors that may predispose people to its development include hormonal changes, alterations in the brain's neurotransmitters, and genetic components. Physical health problems can be related to depression, worsening depression and vice versa.

Do not confuse this disorder with the usual variations in mood and short emotional responses to everyday problems. Sadness or concerns about adverse or complicated situations are normal and their presence, by itself, is not a depressive disorder. Depression is not a sign of weakness.

Depression can become a major health problem, when it is long-lasting and intense, and prevents the person from performing their usual activities in all areas of life.

It can become chronic or recurrent and make it significantly difficult to perform at work or school and to cope in daily life. In its most serious form, it can lead to suicide.

What are the symptoms?

It is important to note that not all people with depressive disorders have the same symptoms. The severity, frequency and duration of the disorder may vary depending on the person and his or her particular disorder. Also depending on the cultural context, symptoms may be expressed differently.

The main symptoms of depression are:

Loss of interest or pleasure, sadness and even suicidal thoughts
Feelings of uselessness, self-hate and guilt
Difficulty concentrating and irritability
General discomfort, feeling tired and lack of energy
Pain or discomfort, headaches or digestive problems
Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
Not wanting to leave home or the bed
Weight gain or loss

What is the treatment of depression?

The main objective of treatment is to achieve lessening symptoms and to enable the person to recover from their malfunctioning in the different spheres of life: family, social and work/educational.

There are different approaches at the psychological, psychosocial and medical levels. Treatment must be individualised according to the age and needs of each person. If mild, depression can be treated without medication, but when moderate or severe, other interventions may be needed, including hospitalisation in very severe cases.