Components of depression

Introduction

            Depression is a pervasive mental disorder commonly characterized by a depressed mood and lack of interest in activities causing significant impairment in day to day life. With the World Health Organization (WHO) reports registering close to 270 million affected cases worldwide, depression has risen to be a global health concern. Reports suggest grief, loss of a job, medical conditions, among other environmental factors, as the causes of the common mental illness. The impact of the biological factors seems to be more prominent, manifesting itself through typical symptoms and signs such as weight, changes in libido, dysmenorrhea, and sleeping disorder. The behavioral aspects, on the other hand, directly influence the social life of the victim. However, depression has effective treatment recovery mechanisms and has proven manageable through support, psychotherapy, and drug treatment (Goldman, 2019).

Biological and behavioral components of depression

Depression varies in different people; however, the components broadly categorize into behavioral and biological components. Firstly, behavioral aspects of depression are those that change the life of the victim more visibly. The behavioral models of depression suggest that the negative occurrence of events and one’s mindset in perception and reaction to these events may impact one’s mental health (Halverson, 2019). The victim, therefore, creates a mentality of negative thinking and judgment, which negatively affects their social relationship. Consequently, the patient suffers from low self-esteem, anxiety, withdrawal from social life, and uncontrollable emotions.

On the other hand, studies have shown biochemical and genetic causal attributions for depression. Biological components relate to the biochemical changes that may causally link to the metal illness. Scientific research supports that depression results from a simple chemical imbalance in the brain. The impact seems more prominent with typical signs and symptoms ranging from the weight, changes in libido, sleeping disorders, and dysmenorrhea. Some of the biological effects of depression are sleep disorders, lack of appetite, brain-related complications, and general body fatigue.

Remedies to depression

For effective response against depression, it is critical to note that depression is a medical condition that requires both medical and psychological interventions. With a reliable support system, healthy lifestyle, therapy, and prescribed medical treatment, victims of depression often show a positive response to treatment. The biological components of depression call for a competent medical reaction to address these patients’ mental health. On the other hand, psychotherapy and support from those around them tend to address the psychological components of depression. Besides, prevention has proven a successful tool in fighting depression. Consequently, there are several lifestyle changes and stress management techniques recommended for mental stability. Regular exercise, healthy dietary habits, managing chronic conditions, and establishing a good support system through stable relationships can be a remedy for depression and other mental illnesses.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, depression is a mood disorder causing a persistent loss in the general interest. Reports by WHO indicates a current rise in the burden of various mental health conditions globally, majorly depression. Its biological and behavioral effects range from moderate emotional responses to many lethal effects as suicide. Psychologists around the world have linked the mental illness to certain medical conditions, loss of employment, and other environmental factors being the primary causes. However, treatment often makes the symptoms manageable. Managing symptoms of depression involve establishing a reliable support system, psychotherapy, and prescribed medication….

References

Goldman, L. (2019). What is depression, and what can I do about it? MEDICAL NEWS TODAY.

Halverson, J. L. (2019). What is the cognitive-behavioral model of depression? Medscape.