Is Being ‘Sad’ Same As Depression? Find Out The Difference And Symptoms Of Depression

Bollywood actor Sushant Singh was found dead at his Bandra residence in Mumbai on Sunday morning. The actor was supposed to under depression, a health condition that is still not taken seriously. Find out what is depression and its symptoms.

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New Delhi: Bollywood actor Sushant Singh was found dead at his Bandra residence in Mumbai on Sunday morning. The 34-year-old actor was found hanging at his home by his domestic help who alerted the police. Reports say that he was under depression and the police also found anti-depressant pills in his house in the initial investigation. They have also found medical papers of him suffering from hypertension and depression. Earlier actress Deepika Padukone had also opened up about the condition and has even started a foundation 'Live Love Laugh' to help people who have been diagnosed with depression. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 264 million people around the world are affected by depression. There is still a tendency to not considered it as a serious condition many feel that it about being lazy or finding the right activity to feel cheerful. What is depression?  Occasionally, each one of us has experienced extreme sadness or a low mood and we may often term it as ‘being depressed’. But this reaction to daily life challenges is very different from depression also known as ‘clinical depression’ or ‘depressive disorder’. Depression is a mood disorder that can impact different aspects of daily life such as sleeping, eating, and working. The WHO says that ‘long-lasting, moderate to severe depression can become a serious health condition’ and can even 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.’ Different social, psychological, and biological factors can cause depression for example loss of a loved one, unemployment, or abuse. Different types of depression There are several different types of depression and it can range from mild, moderate, or severe. Some of the most common ones include: Major depressive disorder (MDD)- This is characterized by a depressed mood for more than 2-weeks. The person may experience a lack of interest in activities, fatigue, and changes in sleep and weight. The person may also have suicidal tendencies. Persistent depressive disorder (or Dysthymia)- This is considered to be less severe than MDD but lasts longer- 2 years and more. The person suffering may also have periods with MDD with intermittent episodes of less severe conditions. Postpartum Depression (PPD)- Pregnant women experience shifts in their hormones that affect their mood. Depression can occur during pregnancy (Perinatal Depression) or after delivery (postpartum depression). Symptoms include mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, inability to bond with the baby, and suicidal thoughts. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)- This type of depression is related to the onset of different seasons. In most people, it starts from late fall and early winter and it goes away during the spring and summer. It is more common in places that are away from the equator and receives less sunlight during a certain period of the year. Women are affected by it more than men. Symptoms of depression One of the coom characteristics of depression includes persistent sadness or anxiety that does not seem to fade with time or by indulging in different activities. The person may also feel

• hopelessness or pessimism
• guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• lack of interest in activities that used to give pleasure such as certain hobbies
• fatigue
• difficulty sleeping or change in sleeping pattern
• difficulty concentrating
• mood swings or irritability
• changes in weight and appetite
• aches and pains without any physical cause

Diagnosis and treatment Depending on the type of depression, healthcare workers may provide medications such as anti-depressants or even suggest psychological therapy. According to the WHO, health-care providers may offer psychological treatments such as behavioral activation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), or antidepressant medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Also Watch: Sushant's last rites to be held at Mumbai's Vile Parle crematorium