Versión en Español
Depression. The second biggest affliction of this century.
It is one of the scourges of the 21st century and on the way to becoming the second cause of incapacity for work. Modern societies aggravate the illness. When a state of deep sadness drags on for too long, see a doctor.
"Depression will be the world's second cause of incapacity for work in the year 2020, according to the World Health Organisation. This psychological disorder is more than a pathology, given its social and economic consequences.
Up until a few decades ago, depression was not treated or diagnosed, and was mistaken for episodes of sadness or generally feeling low. Nowadays it is an illness with a well-known aetiology, a precise diagnosis and effective treatment.
High risk
Depression is increasingly widespread in developed societies. Dr. Jerónimo Sáiz, President of the Spanish Association of Psychiatry, affirms that ""one in every six persons suffers, has suffered or will suffer from a depressive disorder in life, with the consequent suffering, incapacity and diminished quality of life"".
According to the White Paper on Depression, there may be 6 million people with this illness in Spain, i.e., 15% of the population, and half of whom haven't been diagnosed. It is the second cause of sick leave, and generates an annual expense of more than 23,000 million Euros. Women and the elderly suffer from depression in greater numbers, but it can affect all layers of society .
The symptoms
Depression is a low state of mind, accompanied by a feeling of emptiness and abatement, not always associated with a loss. It is often not possible to find the reason behind that deep-rooted feeling in the patient.
There is a big difference between sadness and depression. Sadness is a feeling of unease associated with external causes where the patient feels dissatisfied with life or frustrated. Depression is characterised by more serious and deeper symptoms, strong abatement, discouragement and lack of interest in life. It is estimated that 15% of the population will suffer from depression at some point in life.
Lack of perseverance in the treatment
Six percent of Spaniards suffered from depression in 2009; in three quarters of the cases they were relapses. People suffering from depression very often fail to follow the treatment prescribed by psychologists and psychiatrists, according to Dr. Jerónimo Sáiz. This is one of the main obstacles on the path to recovery.
Many people don't recognise the symptoms of depression and blame their tiredness, lack of appetite or sleep to physical problems or a passing state of mind. A delay in treating the illness will also delay the recovery.
Depression can have very serious repercussions, as it diminishes the quality of life of the sufferer and causes great suffering to the individual concerned and his or her family. It can last long periods of time, and relapses are frequent. At the first sign of symptoms, see a doctor."
Did you like Depression. The second biggest affliction of this century.?
Compártelo en
Published in Health and Wellbeing by Susana Aretio on 24/05/2010
This article has been read 1185 .
