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The journey of life stretches too far ahead for anyone to go alone. It becomes a beautiful and fulfilling experience, however, when there is a caring companion to walk alongside us, making the darkest days easier to bear. It is such warm and embracing words that nudge us onward through the highs and lows, knowing deep within that no one is left alone.
We know for a fact that the number of people suffering from depression is on the rise, even as advances in science and technology have made our lives less wearisome. This worrying trend becomes more immediate when we see it reflected in the mental states of the people around us. How should we respond or show our concern when our loved ones are affected? Can we do something to help?
We need to care for our psychiatric condition as much as we care for our physical health. Don’t our moods sometimes go out of sorts at the onset of a minor flu? Doesn’t that reflect the way our bodies react? Moving forward, how should we respond when our moods succumb to attacks by the omnipresent ‘virus’?
The ‘depression’ we hear people talk about so often can be thought of as emotional flu. Serious thought must be given to this condition, even though it is natural for emotions to rise and fall. What matters is recognizing whether it is a passing phase or the start of a more serious storm.
This is where the right guidelines come into play to help us keep depression at bay with total peace of mind.
We must be clear that a state of gloom and clinical depression are two very different issues. Every one of us has experienced emotional lows at times, finding ourselves down in the dumps, depressed, and miserable. However, these feelings may escalate into a state of depression over time if they are poorly managed or dismissed with a laissez-faire attitude. On the other hand, no one should panic simply because they sense minor worries—especially when the condition is far from clinical depression.
It is crucial to differentiate between temporary low moods and clinical depression. A standard checklist is used in clinical assessments before diagnosing depression. First, let us explore the underlying causes of depression.
Earlier, we likened depression to a psychiatric flu—an entirely treatable disorder. As always, prevention is better than cure. Currently, more and more patients are being diagnosed with depression, with male cases trending upwards due to the pressures they face. Historically, depression has been more prevalent among women, often at twice the rate of men. However, the increasing number of depressed males highlights the need for greater awareness and education.
Preventing depression would be much easier if we recognized the warning signs early. A good grasp of potential triggers could help prevent this condition from taking root in our daily lives.
In general, there are three types of phobia disorder triggers. Here, we will focus on two types from a clinical perspective.
The first type is biochemical in nature, wherein certain pathological changes can be traced to hormonal fluctuations in the body. Serotonin and dopamine are two hormones closely linked to depression. Abnormal levels of these hormones can trigger depressive disorders. Most people understand depression as a state of sadness and social withdrawal, but another group of depressive patients may experience euphoria or even violent tendencies, as seen in bipolar disorder.
Some episodes of depression stem from low levels of hormones such as adrenaline and dopamine, leading to a loss of interest in surroundings. These common cases, sometimes referred to as low-mood depression, differ from manic episodes, where excessive hormone levels lead to irritability and aggression. In extreme cases, such mood swings are attributed to biological conditions seen in chronically ill patients undergoing long-term drug treatment for diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart complications.
Since all medications come with side effects, it is reasonable to suspect that prolonged drug intake can contribute to hormonal imbalances. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy put women at higher risk for depression, not just postnatally but also during prenatal and delivery stages. Mood swings during pregnancy, caused by hormonal changes, can push depression to critical levels. Family members must play their part by showing concern and monitoring the moods of expectant mothers. A loving home should provide the means and space for life to flourish, reinforcing the importance of companionship and support within the family unit.
It is also important to note that biological changes and menopausal blues affect both genders, though their implications and impacts on hormone levels may differ.
Beyond biological factors, external influences such as environmental pollution and the excessive use of chemical products can exacerbate hormonal imbalances, further contributing to depressive disorders. Understanding these contributory factors allows us to approach the issue with clarity rather than fear.
The next set of causes pertains to psychological conditions. If depression is like a flu attack, then the havoc-wreaking flu virus can be imagined as a “soul-locking pathogen.” Just as a respiratory virus affects the lungs, this ‘pathogen’ infects the mind, leading to depression.
Two types of personalities are particularly vulnerable:
Take, for instance, an elderly woman who lived blissfully with her loving husband for years. She had always depended on him, and when he passed away, she experienced an emotional breakdown. This is a typical case of extreme dependency leading to depression.
At first, her family didn’t notice anything unusual. It is common for elderly individuals to sleep less and wake up earlier, so when she started finishing all her housework by 5 a.m., no one thought much of it.
However, depression patients often wake up early, and her actions were not just a routine change. When she began experiencing sleep difficulties, migraines, and digestive discomfort, her family still dismissed her symptoms as minor issues. It was only when she saw a physician and was referred to a psychiatrist that she was diagnosed with depression.
This case highlights the dangers of excessive dependency. While her physical health remained stable, the loss of her lifelong companion left her vulnerable to depression, making her an easy target for the “soul-locking pathogen.”
What are the two types of individuals most vulnerable to depression, and why?