According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 350 million people worldwide suffering from depression, with 16% of people being affected by depression at some point in their lives. By 2020, depression may become the second leading cause of death and disability in the world. It is conservatively estimated that there are about 40 million people with depression in China, of which less than 10% seek help from doctors. So, how should we deal with depression? The following text will explain.
What is depression?
Depression is a mental illness characterized by feelings of sadness that are disproportionate to one’s circumstances, loss of interest in life, avoiding others, and decreased energy.
For individuals with depression, the symptoms vary from person to person and are often initially overlooked.
What are the symptoms of depression?
The most common symptoms of depression are:
Feeling sad, feeling empty or tearful every day.
Losing interest in activities once enjoyed, almost daily.
If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it may indicate depression.
Other symptoms include:
Unintended weight gain or loss. Significant increase or decrease in appetite;
Increased or decreased sleep, almost daily;
Feeling restless, unable to sit still, or sitting quietly feeling difficult to move;
Feeling fatigued or frequently lacking energy;
Feeling worthless or guilty. Feeling inferior, worrying about being unwelcome;
Difficulty concentrating, decreased memory, decision-making difficulties, excessive anxiety or worry.
In severe cases, individuals with depression may even exhibit suicidal or self-harm behavior.
Many people often believe that depression is simply a matter of “not thinking positively,” and some think that individuals with depression can recover by “going out more and relaxing.” In reality, treating depression is far from simple.
How is depression treated?
There are many methods for treating depression clinically, usually involving medication and psychotherapy.
Medication:
Antidepressants target symptoms caused by abnormalities in certain chemicals in the brain for treatment. It may take several weeks for the medication to fully relieve the symptoms, so adhering to the medication is crucial.
Fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, and venlafaxine are known as the “five golden flowers” of antidepressants. These drugs belong to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) introduced in the late 1980s, sharing common pharmacological effects.
Classic antidepressant – sertraline:
As a long-term antidepressant medication, sertraline has been clinically tested for safety over many years.
Qu You sertraline adopts the comprehensive patented V-smart preparation technology, with higher drug purity far exceeding pharmacopeial standards, avoiding side effects from impurities in the drug. Of course, if medication is needed, it is advisable to do so under the guidance of a doctor.
Psychotherapy:
Mild to moderate depression can be alleviated solely through psychotherapy. More often, doctors combine psychotherapy with medication.
Common psychotherapies include cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and interpersonal therapy.
Cognitive therapy helps patients recognize negative thinking patterns associated with depressive emotions and teaches more positive thinking.
Behavioral therapy focuses on changing maladaptive behavior patterns.
Interpersonal therapy helps you understand how interpersonal relationships affect emotions.
In conclusion, if you suspect yourself or a friend has depression, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent the condition from worsening.
Disclaimer: The above content has been reviewed by Doctor Miaoshou, a licensed pharmacist. Popularity content cannot replace diagnosis and treatment advice, for reference only. For more questions, follow Doctor Miaoshou. Some image sources from the Internet, please contact for copyright issues.
