Dr. Pooja Anand Sharma is the Founder and Chairperson of Vishwas Healing and Healthcare LLP, a renowned Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Alternative Healing Master with over 22 years of experience in the healing industry. Dr. Pooja’s passion for healing and counseling goes beyond just a profession; it is her true calling.
The term that is often used to describe depression is a ‘silent killer’. This is because depression does not announce its presence and slowly destroys the life of an individual. Similar to other illnesses that affect the body and are easily noticeable, depression is not easily detected as it creeps in silently and gradually undermines the mental health of an individual and their overall quality of life without their knowledge.
Understanding depression
Depression is a prevalent but severe mental health issue that impacts your mood, thinking, and ability to function. It is not a mere case of the blues or a fleeting notion of unhappiness. Depression is a disease that causes various emotional and physical symptoms and can impair a person’s performance in their job and in their daily life. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 264 million people worldwide experience depression at some point in their lives.
Symptoms of depression
The symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe and can include:
Feeling of sadness, anxiety or emptiness most of the time
Feeling of hopelessness and pessimism
Irritability
Experiencing guilt, low self-esteem, or hopelessness.
Lack of motivation or interest in work or other activities that were previously enjoyed
Lack of energy or tiredness
It can affect one’s ability to focus, to recall information, and to make decisions.
Insomnia, initial insomnia, or hypersomnia.
Alterations in appetite and/or body weight
Preoccupation with death or thoughts of suicide, or actual suicide
These symptoms can be continuous and may have a negative impact on the quality of life of the affected individual, and his or her ability to work or even interact with other people.
Depression: The unspoken disease
Depression is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ because it is not easily recognizable and its symptoms are often ignored. People can put on a facade and not show their pain, go about their business, and not let others know what they are going through. This silence is further compounded by the fact that people are still shy to come out and report cases of mental health issues due to the stigma that is associated with it. There are many individuals who feel that they will be scorned or ostracized if they share their pain and therefore, they endure it in silence.
This is because depression is a progressive disease that only gets worse if not attended to. Depression is characterized by social isolation, lack of interest in hobbies and activities, and deterioration of physical health. This isolation and decline can create a vicious cycle, making the depression even worse.
The impact of untreated depression
The effects of depression without treatment are dire. It can cause intense emotional suffering, physical illness, and in the worst-case scenario, death. According to the WHO, global suicide rates are estimated to be at around 800,000 deaths per year, which is a significant cause for concern. Depression is a global disease that not only impacts the health of an individual but also that of his or her family, workplace, and society.
Depression can also precipitate or exacerbate other diseases. Depression also contributes to the worsening of chronic diseases including heart diseases, diabetes, and chronic pain thus, increasing morbidity and mortality and rising healthcare costs.
Seeking help and treatment
The good news is that depression is curable. It is crucial to address the onset of symptoms to avoid worsening and to enhance the patient’s quality of life. The management of the condition usually includes medication, psychotherapy, and changes in daily habits and routines. Antidepressants can, in a way, regulate the level of certain substances in the brain, while therapy offers a way to understand and treat the causes of depression. Other factors that may also contribute to the recovery process include; changes in the daily routine such as exercising, taking balanced meals, getting enough sleep and ways of coping with stress.
Therefore, anyone who is having the symptoms of depression should make sure to consult a doctor. The patient can also engage with friends and family members and share the treatment process with them in order to receive encouragement and support.
Breaking the silence
It is, therefore, important to come out and speak about depression as a way of fighting this silent killer. More people should be encouraged to come forward and report mental health issues through awareness campaigns, educational programs, and talking about it. Employers, schools, and communities can help by ensuring that people are able to come forward and discuss their problems without being stigmatized.
Therefore, while depression is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’, it does not have to be. If we can identify the symptoms, ask for help, and talk more openly about mental health issues, then we can help combat this common affliction. Knowing the causes and symptoms of depression and seeking help can make a difference between life and death for millions of people around the globe.
Read more from Dr. Pooja Anand Sharma
Dr. Pooja Anand Sharma, Psychologist, Healing Therapist & Life Coach
Dr. Pooja, an exceptional communicator, seeks to revolutionize holistic healing by emphasizing the profound interconnectedness of the mind and body. Her philosophy rests on the belief that mental and physical health are inseparable. Any ailment affecting one inevitably reverberates through the other. With this vision, Dr. Pooja has transformed countless lives.
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