Depression is one of the most common mental disorders, which can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or social status.
In Romania, depression has become an increasingly acute problem, with an increasing number of people diagnosed with this condition in recent years. According to the data of the National Institute of Statistics, the number of people diagnosed with depression in Romania has increased significantly in recent years. In 2019, 196,190 cases of depression were recorded, up from the previous year when there were 190,680 cases. In 2018, 159,322 cases of depression were registered. These figures show an increasing trend in people seeking medical help for depression.
Depression is more common among women than among men. In 2019, women represented 63.6% of all cases of depression, and men 36.4%. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including hormonal and social differences.
In terms of age distribution, depression affects people of all age groups, but it is more common among people between the ages of 25 and 44. This can be attributed to the pressures and stress associated with life as a young adult.
What symptoms does a depressed person have?
Depression is a common affective disorder, characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and lack of energy.
These symptoms may be accompanied by difficulty concentrating, problems with sleep and appetiteas well as suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Depression can be caused by a combination of biological, genetic, psychological and social factors. Some of these causes include brain chemical imbalances, physical health problems, emotional trauma, chronic stress, and environmental factors.
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or social status, and can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the affected person.
Symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but generally include::
- Persistent feelings of sadness, melancholy, or disappointment, which may be present several days a week for two weeks or more.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, such as hobbies, work or social life.
- Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, guilt or shame, which may be exaggerated or not justified by the actual situation.
- Sleep problems, such as insomnia or prolonged sleep.
- Changes in appetite, such as loss or increase in appetite.
- Lack of energy, tiredness, or feeling drained, even after normal activities.
- Problems with concentration, memory and decision-making.
- Agitation or irritability, sometimes for no apparent reason.
- Suicidal or self-harming thoughts or behaviors.
It is important to note that not all of these symptoms need to be present to be diagnosed with depression, and that some people may have less obvious symptoms or not recognize them.
How to overcome depression
Depression can be a serious problem that affects many people, and sometimes drug treatment may be necessary. However, there are other methods that can help overcome depression without the need for medication.
Elena Ungureanu, a psychologist with a complete portfolio of skills in Psychology, presents 7 ways you can try to improve your mood:
Regular physical exercises
Exercise has been proven to be an effective way to combat depression. They release endorphins, brain chemicals that improve mood and reduce anxiety.
socializing
Being surrounded by friends and family can be very helpful in overcoming depression. Communicating with others and sharing feelings helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Meditation
Meditation can be a great way to calm your mind and reduce stress. It can help improve concentration and mood.
Adequate rest
Adequate rest is essential for mental and physical health. Getting enough sleep and adequate rest can help improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Spending time in nature
Spending time in nature can be a great way to reduce stress and improve mood. Outdoor activities such as walking or hiking can help reduce symptoms of depression.
Healthy food
Healthy eating can help improve mood and reduce anxiety. Eating foods rich in Omega-3 and vitamins can be beneficial for mental health.
Personal development course
Such a course can help understand negative emotions and thoughts, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop stress and anxiety management skills. Personal development courses can be designed to help develop positive habits and daily routines that support mental health and well-being. These courses can also provide support and resources to find and access appropriate treatment for anxiety and depression.
It is important to keep in mind that each person is different and some of these methods may be more effective for some than others. If you feel that depression is affecting your life and you cannot overcome it on your own, it is important to seek professional help.
