Depression is just a woman's thing. Discuss Essay

Depression is just a woman's thing. Discuss - Essay Example Animals do not have mind and therefore cannot suffer from mental sickness. They are only liable to biological sickness, and this can be properly taken care of by the veterinary doctors. Because of the presence of the mind, man can suffer from depression. In this study, we are going to look into the meaning of depression with an attempt to probe the causes, as well as the symptoms. We are also going to look at certain factors that determine depression as well as how it occurs in the two genders; male and female. What is depression? Depression is a period when one feels sad and anxious with symptoms such as extreme sadness and lack of sleep. It is normal for a person to feel sad or disappointed in life. This is not something that should give one a major concern, but something is really wrong when such feelings exceed more than two weeks. (What is depression? 2005). It becomes a sign that someone is suffering from depression. Hence, temporary feeling of sadness cannot be called depressi on because it does not have a medical concern, but major depression is something that needs a medical attention. This is because of its drastic effect on the whole person both psychologically and physically. In Britain, 1 out of 4 people experiences depression in any given year. This is the statistics that is commonly quoted in the United Kingdom. It has the most research evidence which is largely supported by a study published in 1980, and updated in 1992. The statistics received a further support from the result of all the three Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Surveys. Below is a breakdown of the treatment which those who experience mental health in the United Kingdom will seek and get 300 people out of every 1,000 will experience depression in Britain 230 of these number will visit GP 102 of these are likely to be diagnosed as having mental problems 24 of these people will get a referral to a specialist psychiatric hospital 6 will become patients that are fully admitted to in psychia tric hospitals (mental health facts and statistics, 2003). Symptoms of depression According to the research carried out by the National Institute of Mental Health, people suffering from depression have various symptoms according to the severity of their depression. Some symptoms are more severe than others. How long the depression lasts will equally affect the symptoms of the depressive disorder. How long depression will last in a person equally depends on how the person is ready to cope with treatments. Nonetheless, below are the common symptoms that characterize depression. Having difficulty in concentration, memory, and making decisions Feeling of fatigue and constant decrease in energy Feeling guilty, worthlessness, hopelessness, pessimism and helplessness Insomnia or difficulty to sleep, hypomania or an excessive sleeping, waking up early in the morning Feeling of irritability and restlessness Losing interest in activities or hobbies which one hitherto has interest. This might include sex Over-indulgence in eating or loss of appetite Total loss of pleasure Having a persistent aches or pains, having headaches, digestive problems or stomach aches especially the ones that do not ease even when treated Feeling of emptiness Persistent sadness Having a suicide attempt or constant thought of suicide These symptoms are not limited to depression since they could be symptoms of other disorders other than depression, but it must be admitted that generally, they