Depression is Advancing into Thai Society
In recent years, various media have continuously reported on celebrities, crime news, and even suicide news linked to depression. We should be aware that depression is closer to us than we think. We may not realize that we or those around us are at risk or suffering from depression because the news does not provide in-depth knowledge about the disease. Today, we will get to know depression from different perspectives to help in vigilance, prevention, or prompt treatment.
Depression and Dangerous Statistics
Currently, the world population is about 7.6 billion people, and 300 million people suffer from depression, nearly 4%. In Thailand, there are 1.5 million people with depression, or 2.2% of the total 69 million Thai population. Shockingly, 4,000 Thais die by suicide each year, with depression being the main cause of suicide.
What is Depression?
Depression is caused by abnormalities in the brain areas affecting thoughts, emotions, feelings, behavior, and physical health. However, most people only associate depression with changes in mood or mental state, thinking it results from disappointment or psychological trauma and can be treated by encouragement. In reality, depression is caused by an imbalance of three neurotransmitters: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Therefore, treatment by a psychiatrist is necessary, as proper therapy and possibly medication are required.
Genetics, Environment, and Risk Factors for Depression
Risk factors for developing depression include genetics, environment, and lifestyle.
- If one twin has depression or bipolar disorder, the other twin has a 60-80% chance of having it.
- If a direct family member (father, mother, siblings) has depression, the chance of developing it is 20% higher than the general population.
- It can be concluded that genetics and environment contribute to depression in a ratio of 40:60%.
- Some medications can cause depressive symptoms, such as certain sleeping pills, acne treatments, anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, substances, or alcohol.
9 Screening Questions for Depression
To observe whether yourself or someone around you may have depression, you can use these 9 simple screening questions. These are the criteria doctors use to diagnose depression. If 5 or more symptoms are present, including symptom 1) and/or 2), and these symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, it is considered at risk. You should consult a psychiatrist for analysis and further treatment.
- Feeling sad, bored, discouraged, or easily irritated continuously.
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy or not wanting to do things you used to like.
- Changes in eating behavior, eating too much or too little, causing abnormal weight gain or loss.
- Difficulty sleeping when you used to sleep easily, or sleeping too much.
- Feeling restless or noticeably sluggish.
- Feeling exhausted, lacking energy, not wanting to get up or do anything.
- Feeling worthless or guilty, blaming yourself for everything.
- Having difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions.
- Thinking about death, wanting to die, or frequently having suicidal thoughts.
Types of Depression
There are several types of depression, causing different behaviors in each patient, such as:
- Major Depression
In this type, patients experience depressed mood for more than 2 weeks, often feeling very sad with no happiness or interest in things they used to enjoy, difficulty sleeping, significant weight changes, irritability, fatigue, lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness. This depressive state can occur postpartum and may include delusions, hallucinations, or auditory hallucinations. Early treatment is essential to prevent worsening and reduce the risk of suicide. - Dysthymia Depression
This type is less severe than major depression but lasts continuously for at least 2 years. Symptoms are not severe enough to prevent daily activities but include loss of appetite or overeating, insomnia or excessive sleep, fatigue, weakness, low self-confidence, poor concentration, poor decision-making, and feelings of hopelessness. - Premenstrual Depressive Disorder
Symptoms occur in the last week before menstruation and improve 2-3 days after menstruation. Common symptoms include mood swings, sadness, irritability, easy conflict with others, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, anxiety, stress, restlessness, decreased concentration, fatigue, lack of motivation, changes in appetite, abnormal sleep patterns, and physical symptoms such as breast pain, breast swelling, joint and muscle pain, and swelling.
Can Children Have Depression?
Depression can occur at any age, including in children. Symptoms in children vary; some show aggression, tantrums, or cry easily, while others appear sad, withdrawn, hopeless when rejected, easily upset, use harsh language, complain of headaches or stomachaches, feel worthless, have poor concentration, or think about death, similar to adults. Some children may initially show symptoms by withdrawing from social activities. These symptoms must persist for weeks. Most children with depression also have academic problems.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression
Diagnosis begins with questioning symptoms, impacts, severity, daily lifestyle, underlying diseases, current medications, and family history. Specialists assess personality traits, conduct psychological tests, and evaluate the appropriate treatment approach, such as medication or psychotherapy.
Encouragement and Support for Depression Patients
When we encounter or are close to someone with depression, we should learn how to make them feel valued and encouraged. Encouragement and being a good listener help patients feel more relaxed. Close ones can communicate with patients using phrases like:
- You are not alone. I will be by your side.
- I may not understand you, but I care and want to help.
- Are you okay? Are you very tired?
- Your life is very important to me.
- Is there anything you want me to help with? You can tell me; I want to help.
These statements help depression patients feel less pressured and encourage them to express their thoughts more. Phrases that cause patients to compare themselves or show misunderstanding about why they are depressed, especially since patients have impaired thinking due to illness, can worsen their condition and should be avoided, such as:
- You are just imagining it.
- Everyone has gone through this kind of thing.
- Try to look on the bright side.
- There are many things in life; why do you want to die?
- Learn to help yourself.
- Stop thinking about stressful things.
- Why aren’t you better yet?
- There are many people worse off than you, and they can still fight.
How to Stay Away from Depression?
- Take good care of your health by exercising, getting enough rest and sleep, eating hygienic food, avoiding drugs, alcohol, and smoking, and having a health check-up at least once a year.
- Mentally, practice positive thinking, look at the world optimistically, avoid ill will towards others, and don’t blame yourself for everything. Find hobbies to relieve stress, join clubs suitable for your age, or volunteer. Do things that make you feel confident and valuable, stay close to people who love and care for you, and stay away from those you dislike.
- In lifestyle, find time to do enjoyable activities, avoid stress or overworking, and avoid situations or news that cause mental distress. If you are taking medication for any illness, do not stop on your own, especially psychiatric medications; take them as prescribed by your doctor without missing or stopping them.
Finally… We cannot treat or cure depression by ourselves. If you start feeling that your life is abnormal, unbalanced, or highly stressed, seeing a psychiatrist is like a mental health check-up to understand your current mental state. The doctor will recommend prevention methods and improve your mental condition by adjusting your thinking or treating with medication. Mental or behavioral problems are not caused solely by depression. Seeing a psychiatrist will help you receive proper treatment.
