To mark World Mental Health Day, HONG KONG BUZZ takes a look at depression. It is a serious matter when you see that one in three Hong Kong youngsters suffers from stress, anxiety or depression (Hong Kong Playground Association) and the suicide rate for people aged 15 to 24 is 9.5 per 100,000 (Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention). Depression can strike at any age.
On medical matters go to a reputable source. Here is the USA’s Mayo Clinic on depression:
SYMPTOMS:
- Melancholic appearance
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
- Loss of interest in normal activities and social withdrawal
- Sleeep disturbances or over-eating or under-eating
- Anxiety, agitation, restlessness
- Slowed thinking and inability to concentrate.
The illness is also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, the Mayo Clinic says. Most people with depression will feel better with medicine or psychotherapy or both.
CAUSES
People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. Neuro-transmitters are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that effect mood. Changes in the body’s hormone balance can trigger depression, such as pregnancy or after giving birth. Other causes: thyroid problems, menopause and others. People are more likely to develop depression if their relatives have suffered from it.
RISK FACTORS
Still with the Mayo Clinic they include:
- Stressful events such as abuse, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship or financial problems
- Low self-esteem or pessimism
- Alternative sexuality with associated mental angst
- Serious illness
- Some medications such as high blood pressure medicine and sleeping pills
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
The clinic says you can prevent depression by controlling your life and avoiding anything that will cause you stress. Reach out to family or friends and get treatment. The safest medicine with the least side effects is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor such as Celexa or Prozac. These must be prescribed by a medical professional. Other medicines include serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, atypical anti-depressants, tricyclic anti-depressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
HOME REMEDIES
Study the illness by reading reputable books and websites, so you will understand what is happening to you. Pay attention to warning signs such as the onset of symptoms (above). Avoid alcohol and drugs. Eat healthily and be physically active, walking, running or swimming. You may use supplements but be careful because they can interfere with medicines and don’t overdose. Mayo Clinic mentions two, St John’s Wort and Omega 3 fatty acids.
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