Solutions for Depression

Solutions for Depression 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in the United States alone, about 5.7% of adults suffer from depression ("Major Depression"). While this statistic may seem insignificant, the solutions and treatments for this epidemic are essential. Depression is an increasingly prevalent epidemic in today's world. Although depression is not like most epidemics, neither contagious nor sickness-inducing, its presence takes a heavy toll on those impacted by it.  Because of this fact, finding structured solutions for the treatment and prevention of this disease is critical for the wellbeing of today's society. Through both individual and community efforts, depression can be combatted one day at a time.

 

To begin, one must analyze and understand the signs of depression. An individual suffering from depression may notice prolonged sadness, fatigue, change in appetite, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities (Mufson). Many assume that the symptoms correlating with depression are predominantly emotion-based, without reference to the variables responsible for influencing it; "Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors" (Mufson). To properly find solutions for the disease, individuals must acknowledge the impactful factors prompting its presence. Once these components are understood, true healing can begin for the afflicted individual. 

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There are several vital steps individuals, who are suffering, must take in order to treat this disease. One example is the use of antidepressants for treatment. While antidepressants serve to treat the disease itself, they can also be helpful in combatting other diseases, such as "anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder" ("Antidepressants"). There are several antidepressants available for treatment; however, individuals must find what works best for them. Because of this, it can be difficult for those suffering from the illness to get relief, as they test to see what medications best suit their needs. Additionally, researchers from Cleveland Clinic report that "1 in 10 people in the United States take antidepressants", which is roughly 33,000,000 people (“Antidepressants”)s. Individuals who are opposed to taking antidepressant medication, however, have other options available. For example, there are a variety of therapies available for the treatment of this disease. One form of therapy accessible for those with depression is interpersonal psychotherapy or ITP. Members of the American Psychological Association highlight the purpose and goals of interpersonal psychotherapy:  

IPT aims to improve the person's relationships with others by learning strategies to communicate emotions and needs effectively as well as problem-solve within a significant relationship. Therapists using IPT emphasize a biopsychosocial explanation of depression, in that adverse or distressing events people experience within their lives can exacerbate feelings of sadness and worthlessness. As relationships with others improve, the depressive symptoms may subside, and the person will hopefully experience improved functioning in multiple areas of their life. On average, adults receive 16 to 20 weekly sessions of IPT. Interpersonal psychotherapy is recommended for the treatment of depression in adults. ("Depression Treatments for Adults")  

Another version available is cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy focuses on addressing and preventing the negative thoughts associated with depression. Furthermore, "cognitive behavioral therapy," according to Emily Wagner, "gives you coping skills and helps you change your thinking to better deal with stressful or difficult situations that contribute to your depression". This is a form of talk therapy that prepares individuals with coping techniques for specific situations.  

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While many individual steps can be taken, such as medication and treatment, community efforts are also essential parts of the solution for treating depression.  In order for individuals to experience true healing, their community must also take steps to prevent and treat it. For example, in the primary years of schooling for young children, curriculums formed around emotional awareness and coping strategies should be placed in the classroom. One method that has been studied is the concept of the mood meter. Members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children say that "the mood meter is a concrete tool that can shift conversations about feelings from rote responses like good to more nuanced responses like curious, excited, or worried. Accurately labeling and discussing feelings helps adults and children acknowledge the role that emotions play throughout the day" (Tominey). By developing a system of open discussion of feelings and recognizing their internal emotions, young students will grow into emotionally intelligent adults. Moreover, this emotional intelligence allows them to notice when they are feeling depressed and act on that emotion productively and positively as teenagers and into adulthood.  

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Another way that community members can combat this epidemic is through public service announcements and promoting available resources. By investing in promotional displays, like billboards or flyers, it will bring the signs and impacts of depression into the light. By normalizing the concept of depression, the doors to conversations about this disease open, which leads to the ultimate treatment and prevention of this disease. Likewise, the more time and consideration put into spotlighting this disease, the more likely people will feel comfortable asking for help when needed. Vijender Singh, Akash Kumar, and Snehil Gupta expand on the importance of mental health promotions and, ultimately, its impacts:  

Mental health promotion is a broad concept that encompasses the entire population, and it advocates for a strengths-based approach and tries to address the broader determinants of mental health. The objective is to eliminate health inequalities via empowerment, collaboration, and participation. There is mounting evidence that mental health promotion interventions improve mental health, lower the risk of developing mental disorders, and have socioeconomic benefits. In addition, it strives to increase an individual's capacity for psychosocial wellbeing and adversity adaptation. (Singh)  

These seemingly miniscule factors will create insurmountable healing and prevention for both those who are suffering from depression as well as those at risk. While all of the elements mentioned have been proven to treat and prevent the epidemic of depression, there are risks that must first be assessed, before the afflicted individual can take steps toward healing.   

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To begin, as previously discussed, the use of antidepressants can pose serious risks for individuals. One example is the side effect of suicidal thoughts. This, in correlation with depression, is a dangerous mix. Individuals must monitor their symptoms and keep their doctors informed to find the best medications for them. Next, therapy is an excellent resource for individuals who don't want to be medicated, as well as for working on coping skills to overcome the negative feelings associated with depression. While therapy is an outstanding resource for people with any mental illness, it can be hard to maintain services financially. Many insurance companies don't accommodate for all counseling services, resulting in the individual being left with the burden of covering the cost of therapy. According to Emma Caplin, a reporter for healthline.com, in-person individual sessions for therapy range from about $100 to $250 (Caplin). Many individuals have weekly sessions with their therapist; the cost alone could prevent people from seeking the help they need. The community efforts listed previously pose problems of financial issues as well. Moreover, they are dependent on the local and national governments' funding and regulation.  

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As depression becomes increasingly common in today's society, it is crucial to understand its impacts and use that knowledge in its treatment and prevention. Through both individual steps and communal efforts, the burden of depression can be alleviated for those afflicted. Depression is a complex disease. Unfortunately, many people may carry the weight of this diagnosis with them for the remainder of their life. However, the solution put into action will ultimately lead to the proper healing of the afflicted party.