Depression - Mental health conditions

Is depression a prevalent mental health condition?

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Friday, 07 Jul, 2023

Many individuals worldwide are impacted by it. Although there are effective treatments, they may not be effective for everyone. Consequently, some individuals explore the use of dietary supplements to mitigate their symptoms.

However, is there any evidence supporting their effectiveness? Medical News Today examined recent research and sought the opinions of experts regarding the potential benefits of supplements for individuals with depression.

Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness or emptiness that often occurs without a clear cause. It is not a normal mood swing and can significantly affect a person's daily life, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Globally, about 3.8% of individuals experience depression, with women and those over 60 being at slightly higher risk. In the United States, nearly 1 in 10 people dealt with depression in 2020.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mood disorder with persistent depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks. These episodes cause significant distress or impairment in important areas of life.

MDD is extensively researched and documented in reputable sources like PubMed Central, a respected database from the National Institutes of Health.

Common symptoms of depression may consist of a low mood, lack of interest in activities, fluctuations in weight or appetite, sleep problems, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of suicide.

Prevention of Suicide

If you suspect someone is at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or causing harm to others, take the following steps:

1. Ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?"
2. Listen to the person attentively and without passing judgment.
3. Contact 911 or the local emergency number immediately. Alternatively, text TALK to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
4. Remain with the individual until professional assistance arrives.
5. Remove possible sources of harm, like weapons or medications.
In case of suicidal thoughts, reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. It's available 24/7. For the hearing impaired, dial 711 followed by 988 during a crisis.