Our World in Data report, by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, studying the global burden of disease, estimates that in 2017, two years before COVID, 792 million people were experiencing mental health problems, accounting for 10.7% of the population. Of these, 32.7% or 3.4% of the total population were depressed. It is considered the second most common after anxiety, which is 35.5% or 3.8% of the total population.
Information from Manarom Hospital explains that “medical depression” or Clinical depression refers to depression that is more than just a sad mood. And it is a pathology that can be found in many psychiatric disorders, especially emotional disorders. depression (Major depressive disorder or Depressive episode) and Bipolar disorder, some internal medicine diseases. Certain medicinal substances can cause severe depression.
- 2 causes of depression
“depression” It is considered to be the most common psychiatric disease in Thailand. It is caused by 2 main causes which are biological or genetic factors and psychological or environmental factors.
1. Biological or genetic factors due to changes in neurotransmitters in the brain or significant fluctuations in hormone levels
2. Psychological or environmental factors are known as emotional factors. As a result of emotional stressful situations, for example, if it was childhood depression, it could be caused by family tension. severely traumatic event Depression in neurosis, which may show signs of being severely oppressed in childhood and then erupted in later life
Depression due to aging is caused by decreased ability to adapt. live alone age gap problem or a problem known as post-retirement depression (loss of self-worth, lack of work, feeling incompetent)
It also includes reactive depression, such as depression after the death of a married couple, unemployment, divorce, depression due to mental exhaustion. as a response psychological to chronic stress conditions, such as marital conflicts with endless conflicts pressure from job responsibilities job change too much burden this kind of depression Often occurs in women who are burdened both in the family and working outside the home. and among men in their 50s and 60s who are under pressure from not being able to reach the top of their careers.
- How to observe symptoms of close people
When family members or close friends are depressed simple observation principle The following behaviors should be observed.
1. Behavior caused by a change in thinking That is, they tend to have negative thoughts or negative thoughts all the time. often feel hopeless Be pessimistic, feel guilty, feel worthless and meaningless. and thought that there was no cure He eventually thought of hurting himself. only thinking about death and tried to kill himself
2. Behavior resulting from changes in learning or work Not interested in the environment, fun, hobbies, or activities that add to the fun. including sexual activity Feeling tired, lacking energy, slowing down, work performance deteriorates, lack of concentration, memory loss, poor decision-making.
3. Behavior caused by emotional changes is often feeling depressed worried all the time Often irritable, irritable, easily angered, restless, anxious, etc.
4. Significant changes in behavior For example, insomnia, waking up early, or some people sleeping too much. Some people lose their appetite and lose weight. Some people eat too much and cause weight gain. Physical symptoms that can’t be treated with conventional drugs, such as headaches, abdominal distension, chronic pain, and worsening relationships with other people
- Check yourself Depressed or not?
information from Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health Revealed that depression is a psychiatric disorder affecting the mood that can be found. The main causes are abnormalities in the brain. Other causes are genetics, substance abuse, stress, loss of loved ones, disappointment.
- Main symptoms
– sad mood Depressed, lethargic, whether you feel it or others notice it.
– bored I’m not happy with the activities I used to do.
- Other symptoms
– eating Anorexia or excessive appetite
– sleep Insomnia or sleeping too much
– behavior Slow down or restless
– body Exhausted, lacking energy, distracted, unable to concentrate, unable to make decisions.
– idea Blame yourself or see yourself as worthless. thinking about death
depression is curable with medication for at least 6-9 months or with psychotherapy
- Check out 5 of the 9 warning signs of depression.
1. have a depressed mood
2. The interest in activities is greatly reduced.
3. Weight loss or a large increase, anorexia, or a high appetite
4. Insomnia or sleeping too much
5. Fidget or slow down
6. Weakness, lack of strength
7. Feeling worthless
8. Decreased concentration, distraught, or hesitating.
9. Thinking about death or wanting to die
According to the Ministry of Public Health, if five or more symptoms are found, they persist for two weeks or more. and having symptoms all the time, almost every day, meaning depression Should receive consulting services from experts. or see a doctor for treatment You can consult the Department of Mental Health Hotline 1323 24 hours a day.
- Treatment of “depression”
Manarom Hospital explains the treatment of depression. which has both drug and non-drug treatment in which some people may have to use a combination of methods It depends on the symptoms and severity of the disease. The treatment methods are as follows.
1. Psychotherapy treatment It is a therapeutic method based on the theory of psychology. It’s one of the most effective treatments for reducing symptoms of depression. There are many forms of psychotherapy, including palliative psychotherapy. Focused Psychotherapy Behavioral psychotherapy. The therapist will consider the form of therapy as appropriate for the patient’s condition.
2. Treatment with dTMS In people with depression, the brain releases and receives abnormal chemicals. Treatment with dTMS (deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) involves releasing electromagnetic waves to stimulate the brain at the desired location. similar to drug action Induces electrical charge to balance all parts of the brain that are stimulated. Helps the chemicals in the brain return to normal functioning.
3. Drug therapy In the treatment of medication, there may be side effects as follows:
• Tricyclics. The side effects are dry mouth, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, blurred vision, and dizziness when changing posture. fast or irregular heartbeat; drowsiness
• Tetracyclics group. Side effects are dry mouth, extreme sleepiness.
• Triazolopyridines group side effects are extreme sleepiness, dizziness, low blood pressure while changing work position, headache.
• NDRI side effects are dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, and vomiting.
• SSRI group Side effects are nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, insomnia and decreased sexual desire.
• SNRI Group drugs. The side effects are dry mouth, dry throat, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and decreased sex drive.
Side effects of drugs derived from the neurotransmitter Serotonin are higher. Causes Serotonergic Effects, muscle spasms, tremors, these symptoms can be reduced by concomitant use of antihistamines or discontinuation of the drug. The symptoms will go away on their own within 24 hours.
All treatments will be assessed by a psychiatrist. to determine the drug to be used for treatment by starting at the lowest dose first Then make an appointment to follow up on the results of the treatment. before adjusting the dose every 1-2 weeks until good results are seen
Taking the pill is not going to get better as soon as you take it. but had to see a psychiatrist for evaluation of the treatment when the patient gets better May need to continue taking the drug for another 4-6 months, then gradually reduce the dose until the drug is stopped. to prevent recurrence
- Self-care when suffering from depression
1. Don’t set goals at work. acting too hard or taking too much responsibility
2. Identify big problems into small parts Also, prioritize priorities and do as much as you can.
3. Don’t try to force yourself. or set goals for yourself too high because it may add to the feeling of failure later
4. Try to do activities. It is better to be together with other people than to be alone.
5. Choose Activities That Make You Feel Better or enjoy and not too heavy, such as watching movies light exercise participating in social activities
6. Don’t make life-critical decisions, such as quitting your job, getting married, or getting divorced. without consulting close people who know the patient well and must be a person who can honestly consider the event neutral and without prejudice caused by emotion to obscure If possible and the best Postpone the decision until the depression is gone or has improved dramatically.
7. You should not blame or punish yourself for not being able to do what you want. Because it’s not the patient’s fault. should do as much as he can
8. Don’t accept that the pessimism that arises in depression is a real part of yourself. Because it is actually part of a disease or illness. and can disappear when treated
9. As people with depression become people who need help from others, there may be people around them. who do not understand the patient’s illness and may respond in the opposite direction, becoming inadvertently aggravated
- caring for patients with depression
1. Understand the understanding of the disease that the patient is It can help relatives reduce expectations, frustration, and frustration in their patients.
2. Deep listening Listening to the patient with understanding, caring and non-judgment will improve the patient’s feelings.
3. Express your feelings When the patient expresses his thoughts Bad feelings come out, especially thoughts of wanting to kill yourself. It will help ease the tension in your heart.
4. Exercise. Exercise helps the patient’s body to be strong and mentally clear. If exercising with others will help increase socialization. don’t feel alone
5. Change the atmosphere should take the patient on a trip to change the atmosphere will help clear the mind of the patient Freshen up in another way
6. Prevent self-harm Relatives must be careful of self-harm. by collecting equipment that the patient can bring self-harm to keep away from the patient
7. Observe the symptoms. Regularly observe the patient for signs of sadness, stress, or thoughts of harming themselves or not. If talking and not getting better should be brought to see a doctor to discuss the symptoms
8. Take care of the routine, keep track of medication intake Relatives should help take care of the patient’s daily routine, such as eating properly. wake up and sleep on time Including following up on taking medications as prescribed by the doctor and be patient because the treatment to see results takes time.
Depression risk can be assessed at click
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