International Day Against Depression (24/03)

Every year, March 24 is International Day Against Depression, with the aim of drawing people's attention to mental health problems.

Depression (from Latin «deprimo» – « suppress», «press») – is the most common mental disorder in which the patient loses interest in life, self-esteem and ability to work decrease, bad mood, depression and strong feelings of guilt prevail. According to doctors, this is a serious disease that requires professional treatment. Hippocrates also described it under the name «melancholy».

Depending on the number of symptoms and their severity, depression is divided into mild, moderate or severe. The latter option leads to complete inactivity of a person – loss of sleep, appetite, slow thinking and suicidal tendencies, therefore requiring hospitalization.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 350 million people around the world suffer from depression. According to statistics, every tenth person after 40 years of age faces various forms of depressive mental disorder, most of them women. The disease occurs in 5% of children and adolescents aged 10 to 16 years, and a higher percentage of suicides occur during youthful depression. One in five women suffer from depression after the birth of a child. The development of the disease can be provoked by some groups of drugs, cardiovascular and endocrine diseases.

It is important to remember that depression – is a disease that can be treated, but requires qualified assistance from specialists. Lack of timely therapeutic intervention can lead to severe health consequences. To attract the attention of people, doctors, specialists, and social services to such diseases, today’s international date was established.

One of the ways to treat depression – is to normalize the level of the hormones serotonin and dopamine, which is ensured by maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, proper nutrition, staying in brightly lit places, and regular physical activity. But someone can only get out of this oppressive state with the help of doctors. Doctors have a lot of products that have proven their effectiveness in practice, for example, taking antidepressants, acupuncture, relaxing massage, psychotherapy sessions, etc.

Depression – is a disease that can be treated, but requires qualified assistance from specialists (Photo: Olimpik, licensed from Shutterstock.com)

Also, do not forget about the prevention of this disease. Therefore, you need to regularly improve your mood and well-being so as not to bring your disorders and experiences to a serious illness. How to deal with depression at home? Understand the cause of your worries and try to solve them yourself or with the help of loved ones. Stop focusing on the problem, communicate more with different people and in different environments, not be afraid to show emotions and be yourself, without comparing yourself with others. Filter incoming information, do sports and what you love, lead an active lifestyle, or just start walking more.

Today, this international date is celebrated by a wide range of specialists directly related to the diagnosis, treatment and research of the disease. These include: psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, students of medical universities in specialized specialties, social service workers who help cope with psychological problems.

Activities within the framework of the Day are educational and informational in nature about the prevention and treatment of depression. Educational and medical institutions organize seminars, conferences, and lectures for a wide audience. Experience exchange events are taking place in medical circles. Consultations with psychologists, psychotherapists, and trainings with their participation are organized. Charitable foundations raise funds to help people susceptible to depressive syndrome.



• Infographics – poster «March 24 — International Day Against Depression» • Article «Stop whining – go to the doctor» • Stories: «Stretch your hand» «One step to death»

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