According to the World Health Organization, depression affects more than 260 million people in the world; therefore, it is important to take care of our mental health, even more so in these times of pandemic where cases of depression have been increasing due to the various circumstances that have arisen, such as: the loss of family members, not being able to hug loved ones, not having a face-to-face social life, working long hours and cutting back on rest hours, among others. Next, Antonella Galli, psychologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, gives us more insight into this pathology.

What is depression?

Depression is a disorder that affects mental health, characterized by sadness that persists over time and loss of interest in things that were previously enjoyed.

What are the symptoms?

Among the main symptoms are:

• Signs of exhaustion
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Sensitivity
• Loss of enjoyment of things
• Sleep problems
• Concentration and forgetfulness

In addition, the affected person finds it difficult to deal with day-to-day activities, because their senses are turned off. These symptoms occur almost every day for at least 2 weeks.

What causes depression?

Depression distorts the way of thinking in three aspects:

• About oneself: self-reproaches, loss of confidence and self-esteem
• About others: ranco or resentment towards third parties returns
• About the future: he does not see it or he sees it uncertain

Levels of depression: mild, moderate or severe

When this disorder is in its initial stage, it is possible to do all the activities that are carried out on a daily basis, but without the same encouragement as always. On the other hand, when depression affects the performance of daily activities and/or there are thoughts of wanting to disappear, a psychiatrist should be consulted, as he himself will prescribe the appropriate medications to overcome this stage.

Support network: what does it consist of?

A support network is family members or friends who agree to be by the side of the person suffering from depression, in order to support them throughout the process so that they can get ahead and overcome depression. this disorder. It is important that the companion has his own spaces so that he can carry out activities that are good for him and recharge him with energy.

Depression can greatly affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it. That is why it is very important to seek professional help to treat it in a timely and efficient manner and thus obtain a good prognosis.

Antonella Galli
Psychologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma