Running head: Who and what of depression 1

What is Depression and Who does it Affect?

Zachary J. Serapin
University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Who and what of depression 2

Table of Contents
Abstract................................................................................................................................3
[Title Here, up to 12 Words, on One to Two Lines]............................................................4
Depression and What is Does..............................................................................................4
SDOH and Relationship to College Students..................................................................5
Stigmas Affecting Those with Depression...................................................................6

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Abstract
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by an extended deep sadness, loss of interest in
activities and a difficulty concentrating. It is caused by chemical imbalances within the brain
but, there is no known primary reason why this occurs. It can best be summed up by a
culmination of genetics, biological differences and individual experiences. Countless number of
risk factors mostly relating to some sort of trauma increase the risk of being diagnosed with
depression. It is usually treated by a combination of prescription antidepressants and
psychotherapy. Treatment response and type is different from individual to individual. It is
quite prevalent among college students and can develop serious symptoms like suicide if not
treated. Stress and Social Gradient are two huge Social determinants of health that effect the
development and treatment of depression. Many social stigmas still exist towards depression and
increased public awareness is a way to combat these stigmas.

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Depression and What is Does

Depression is a mental health disorder causing a prolonged period of deep sadness,
difficulty concentrating and loss of interest in personal as well as day-to-day activities (Lerner,
2014). It is classified as mood disorder and is also referred to as major depressive disorder and
clinical depression (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Other symptoms include; a drastic increase/decrease in
sleeping and eating as well as feelings of hopelessness, fatigue and thoughts of death or suicide
(Blackwell & Manar, 2015). Depression is caused by the reduced amount and activity of
neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine inside the brain (Lerner, 2014).
Unfortunately, there is no known underlying cause or reason it occurs. Instead depression is
caused by a culmination of many different factors that ultimately lead to diagnosis. Genetics or
heredity are one of the believed factors based on the fact that around twenty five percent of
people suffering from Depression have a blood relative suffering from some type of mood
disorder (Blackwell & Manar, 2015). However, there is not a known gene that causes or related
to depression. Biological differences and hormone imbalances are also considered triggers of
depression. There is a long list of risk-factors that increase the risk of depression. Most of these
risk-factors are related to some sort of stress or traumatic event(s) experienced or witnessed.
Other risk factors include; alcohol and drug abuse, serious chronic illness, lack of support from
loved ones, certain medication side effects and personality traits like low self-esteem, self-critical
and pessimism (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Most people that suffer from depression are treated through
the use of prescription medications called antidepressants (Blackwell & Manar, 2015). Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (also called SSRIs) are the most common antidepressant and is
usually the first drug prescribed by doctors to treat depression (Mayo Clinic, 2015).

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Psychotherapy is commonly used along with or instead of medication to combat depression.
Unfortunately, treatment success takes weeks or months to evaluate which can make it difficult
for doctors to prescribe the right combination of drugs for each patient (Blackwell & Manar,
2015).
SDOH and Relationship to College Students
According to the Word Health Organizations social determinants of health stress is
defined by the psycho-social risks of continuing anxiety, insecurity, low self esteem, and lack of
control over one's public and private life negatively impacting individual and collective health
outcomes.

Stress is one of the more common risk factors or triggers that can lead to

depression. Traumatic events like the loss of a loved one, sexual/physical abuse and any other
actions causing trauma cause a great deal of stress. Not being happy with yourself like having
low self-esteem, unhappy with body image and being pessimistic are also huge stressors. With
stress being linked to other physical and mental health problems it makes sense why everyone is
seeking low-stress lifestyles. Social gradient has a huge impact on people with depression.
People who are at lower income level might have difficulty receiving treatment for the disease.
Depression is a very high cost disease to treat for individuals who suffer from it. Medication
includes countless antidepressant drugs, and if a patient has difficulty finding the right
combination of antidepressants he or she could through hundreds of thousands of pills before
they are cured. Psychotherapy is another treatment method for depression and is something that
is extremely expensive and is usually not covered by health insurance. People who are unable to
afford all the pills or therapy sessions are likely to go without which can have detrimental effects
to their health. This puts people who are more wealthy at an increased advantage than poorer
individuals to treat the disease. Being at a lower social gradient also puts you at an increased

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risk for depression. Struggling to make ends meet, being in a negative environment and various
other factors are all prime stressors or risk factors that could lead to the development of
depression. In a 2013 survey done by the Association for University and College Counseling
Center Directors found that 36% of college students suffered from some sort of depression
(bestcolleges.com, 2015). Depression is also the number one reason college students choose to
drop out. With the new independence and increased responsibility many students struggle to
adjust and it could lead to some sort of depression. If depression is left untreated it could lead to
more serious issues like suicide. (bestcolleges.com, 2015)
Stigmas Affecting Those with Depression
In todays society people who suffer from any mental health issues deal with countless
stereotypes and stigmas. Despite people becoming more aware and knowledgeable about the
truth of mental health issues stigmas still exist about depression. One of the main stigmas
towards depression is that you can just get over it. People think it is just a sad, blue feeling
you can get over with ease and if you cant you are weak or something is wrong with you. A
survey conducted by the National Health Association discovered that 43% of Americans believe
that depression is a result of someones lack of will or fault in character. The perception that
being clinically depressed makes you weak, some people especially men, will be less likely to
see a doctor about the concern out of fear for themselves. Social-Distancing is another stigma
affecting people with depression and is when people fear a person with a mental illness
(Friedman, 2014). People will avoid individuals with depression and other mental illness
because, it bums them out, saddens their own day or fear they might catch the disease. This
one is especially dangerous to those with mental illnesses as they may experience social rejection
and isolation which could worsen their disease and lead to self stigmas. Self-Stigma is when

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people who are affected by depression and other mental illnesses internalize societies stigmas
and cause harm to themselves (Friedman, 2014). These individuals start to ask questions like
what is wrong with me, why should I even try and why cant I be like... This can
worsen symptoms and make people affected feel ashamed of their illness and refuse to seek help.
According to the bioethical principal of Beneficence it is the responsibility of the health care
providers to help individuals and society as a whole. There needs to be a push from the
healthcare system as whole to pay more attention to mental illnesses as whole and really combat
the stigmas society has created relating to depression and mental illness. Doctors need to inform
patients from a young age about mental health symptoms and test for them more often. There
also needs to be a push to teach about mental illness in more detail in school health and gym
classes. Informing more people about the truths of mental health is the solution to eliminating
stigmas and by informing the youth now stigmas will decline for future generations.
Serapin, 2015

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References
Depression. (2014). In K. L. Lerner & B. W. Lerner (Eds.), The Gale Encyclopedia of Science
(5th ed.). Farmington Hills, MI: Gale.
Depression. (2015). In A. H. Blackwell & E. Manar (Eds.), UXL Encyclopedia of Science (3rd
ed.). Farmington Hills, MI: UXL.
Depression - Causes, Symptoms and Solutions. (2015, October 19). Africa News Service.
Friedman, M., Dr. (2014, May 13). The Stigma of Mental Health is Making Us Sicker.
Psychology Today.
Social Determinants of Health. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2015, from globalhealtheurope.org
website: http://www.globalhealtheurope.org/index.php/glossary-71/institution/468-socialdeterminants-of-healthThe Top Mental Health Challenges Facing Students. (n.d.). Retrieved October 28, 2015, from
bestcolleges.com website: http://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/top-5-mental-healthproblems-facing-college-students/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, July 22). Depression (major depressive disorder).

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