Depression and Your Health!

It is possible for someone to experience depression without being fully aware of it. 

Depression can manifest in various ways, and the symptoms may be subtle or easily overlooked. Here are a few reasons why someone may not realize they are depressed:

1)  Masking symptoms: some individuals may unconsciously mask their depressive symptoms, putting on a facade of normalcy or happiness when interacting with others. They may suppress or deny their feelings, making it challenging to recognize their own emotional distress.

2)  Lack of awareness or understanding not everyone has a deep understanding of mental health or the symptoms of depression. Some individuals may not recognize the signs or attribute their feelings to other factors such as stress, fatigue, or temporary mood changes.

3)  High functioning depression: some people with depression can continue to function at a high level in their personal and professional lives, masking their internal struggles. They may appear successful, driven, or highly productive on the outside, making it harder for them and others to recognize the underlying depression.

4)  Stigma and shame: the stigma surrounding mental health can discourage individuals from acknowledging or seeking help for their depression. They may fear judgment, rejection, or perceive depression as a sign of weakness, leading to a reluctance to admit their struggles.

5)  Physical symptoms dominating attention: depression can present with physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, or unexplained pain. If the focus is primarily on these physical symptoms, the underlying depression may be overlooked or attributed solely to physical causes.

6)  Minimizing or normalizing feelings: some individuals may downplay or normalize their feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or low mood, assuming that it is just a passing phase or a natural part of life. They may not realize the persistence or intensity of their emotional state.

SCREENING:

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely used self-report screening tool that helps assess the Presence of and the severity of depressive symptoms. It consists of nine questions. 

total score ranges from 0 to 27. The PHQ-9 score can be interpreted as follows:

0 to 4: Minimal depression

5 to 9: Mild depression

10 to 14: Moderate depression

15 to 19: Moderately severe depression

20 to 27: Severe depression

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) consists of nine questions that assess the severity of depressive symptoms. The questions are:

1.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by little interest or pleasure in doing things?

2.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?

3.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much?

4.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling tired or having little energy?

5.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by poor appetite or overeating?

6.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling bad about yourself or feeling like a failure?

7.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by trouble concentrating on things such as reading, watching TV, or having conversations?

8.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite—being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual?

9.  Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way?

It's important to note that this is a screening tool & not definitive diagnostic tools but serve as an initial screening to identify potential depressive symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation by competent MD is necessary for a proper diagnosis.

Depression can have a significant impact on various aspects of your health, including:

1.  Mental Health: Depression is a mental health disorder that affects your emotional well-being. It can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness, making it difficult to experience joy or find motivation in daily activities. Depression can also lead to changes in cognition, such as difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.

2.  Physical Health: Depression is not just limited to emotional symptoms but can also manifest physically. It can cause fatigue, decreased energy levels, and a general lack of motivation to engage in physical activities. Individuals with depression may also experience changes in appetite, leading to weight loss or weight gain. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleep, are common in depression and can further impact overall physical health.

3.  Relationship and Social Impact: Depression can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. The symptoms of depression, such as irritability, withdrawal, and a lack of interest in social activities, may make it challenging to maintain healthy relationships and connections. Feelings of isolation and loneliness can exacerbate the negative effects on mental health.

4.  Work Performance and Productivity: Depression can impact work performance and productivity. Difficulties concentrating, making decisions, and experiencing low energy levels can hinder one's ability to perform well and meet work-related responsibilities. This can lead to a decrease in job satisfaction and potential professional setbacks.

5.  Increased Risk of Substance Abuse: Individuals with depression may turn to substances such as alcohol or drugs as a means of coping with their emotional distress. Substance abuse can further exacerbate mental health issues and create a cycle of dependency, worsening the overall health and well-being of individuals.

6.  Impact on Physical Health Conditions: Depression has been linked to various physical health conditions. It can increase the risk of developing or worsening conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and chronic pain. The relationship between depression and physical health is bidirectional, with each influencing the other.

7.  Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior: Severe depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It is crucial to take any thoughts of self-harm or suicide seriously and seek immediate professional help or reach out to a helpline in such situations.

It is important to remember that depression is a treatable condition, and with counselling and lifestyle changes, individuals can manage their depression effectively and improve their overall health and well-being: