Depression Top Reason for Disability
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that one out of every 10 Americans is affected by depression and that number continues to rise 20% every year. Globally about 7% of adults experience a major depressive episode in any given year and is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
The Impact of Depression
Depression left untreated affects how you think, feel and behave, which leads to emotional, cognitive and physical problems. Depression robs you of motivation, excitement with life, strength and energy, and the ability to perform basic every day activities and routines. This illness affects your family, friends, peers at work, and can keep you imprisoned.
Depression Research Data
For many that suffer from diagnosed depression the focus has centered on treating the illness. New research in its early stages has shown there are multiple triggers giving fuel to the idea that depression has more root causes than previously thought. Exposure to chronic stress is one root cause that is receiving intense study.
Chronic Stress Tied to Depression
Healthline reports the results of a study published in Molecular Psychiatry where it was discovered that disturbances in one type of brain cell has a direct causal relationship with depression. This specific type of brain cell, microglia, accounts for the 10% of brain cells that represent the brain’s immune system. Exposure to chronic stress causes the microglia to change, with the change directly tied to depression symptoms.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression is also known as major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression. The top signs or symptoms include:
- Loss of interest in life and normal activities
- Persistent feeling of sadness
- Feeling helpless and hopeless
- Complaints of general aches and pains that do not respond to treatment
- Lack of energy; easily fatigued
- Finding it difficult to concentrate or make any decisions
- Sleeping too much or not sleeping enough
Stop Debilitating Depression
Mental health practitioners with the proper knowledge and experience can better target the type of depression and its triggers to start improving their patient’s quality of life sooner.
Call an Atlanta depression psychiatrist Dr. Darvin Hege today!