Maniebo, Christine Joyce L.

HM – 101

References:

According to Holthaus (2016) Mental illnesses affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of

teenagers and 13% of children each year. People struggling with their mental health may be in

your family, live next door, teach your children, work in the next cubicle or sit in the same church

pew. However, only half of those affected receive treatment, often because of the stigma attached

to mental health. If untreated, mental illness can contribute to poorer performance at school and

work, fewer employment opportunities and increased risk of suicide.

One of the most common mental health conditions is Depression, based on World Health

Organization (2017), Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 300 million

people affected. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional

responses to challenges in everyday life. Especially when long-lasting and with moderate or severe

intensity, depression may become a serious health condition. It can cause the affected person to

suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school and in the family. At its worst, depression can

lead to suicide. Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading

cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.

As indicated by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2016) states that

Depression, also called “clinical depression” or a “depressive disorder “is a mood disorder that

causes distressing symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as
sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms

must be present most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.

Based on National Institute of Mental Health (2016) The two most common form of

depression are Major depression, having symptoms of depression most of the day, nearly every

day for at least 2 weeks that interfere with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy life.

An episode can occur only once in a person’s lifetime, but more often, a person has several

episodes. Persistent depressive disorder having symptoms of depression that last for at least 2

years. A person diagnosed with this form of depression may have episodes of major depression

along with periods of less severe symptoms. Scientists at NIMH and across the country are

studying the causes of depression. Research suggests that a combination of genetic, biological,

environmental, and psychological factors play a role in depression. Depression can occur along

with other serious illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease.

Depression can make these conditions worse and vice versa. Sometimes medications taken for

these illnesses may cause side effects that contribute to depression symptoms.