(drawing)
(inspirational music)
(pinging)
- [Narrator] Hey, Psych2Goers.
Welcome back to another video.
Before we start, we would like to thank you,
for all the support you've given us.
Psych2Go's mission is to make psychology
and mental health more accessible to everyone.
Now, back to the video.
Do you know someone, or have had experience with depression?
It's a common mental health condition,
that affects a large portion of the population.
So, it's important to be aware of
and recognize what depression is like.
Misconceptions and inaccurate information,
have contributed to a lot of people
misunderstanding what depression is
and how it affects people.
So, Psych2Go presents 12 things
about depression you need to know.
Before we begin, we would like to mention
that this video is created for educational purposes only
and is not intended to substitute a professional diagnosis.
If you suspect you may have depression,
or any mental health condition,
we highly advise you to seek help
from a Qualified Mental Health Professional.
Number one: Nobody is immune to depression.
Did you know that globally more than 264 million people
suffer from depression, or that it's estimated
that a 15% of adult population,
will experience depression at some point in their life?
Depression can affect people of all ages,
races and socioeconomic statuses.
Research even indicates that those in certain professions,
such as in law and in medicine,
are at a higher risk for depression.
The rates of depression are also higher
among those with a history of substance use.
Number two: Men are reported to have
a lower rate of depression than women.
Studies have reported that 8.7% of women
and 5.3% of men, have depression.
This may be because men are less likely
to report their depression due to the stigma
and fear of being seen as weak.
According to Brooklyn, New York based therapist,
Justin Lioi, who specializes in men's counseling,
depression in men is often masked by anger and irritability.
Number three: Untreated depression
is the most common cause of suicide.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness,
45% of those who commit suicide, are suffering
from some sort of mental illness, including depression.
Therefore, proper diagnosis and treatment for depression,
is very important, as it may help prevent suicides.
If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts,
call your local suicide prevention number, or helpline.
Number four: Many who suffer from depression,
also have anxiety.
Did you know that nearly 50% of all people
diagnosed with major depression,
also suffer from an anxiety disorder?
While not everyone with depression will also have anxiety,
these two mental illnesses are closely linked.
So, it's important to discuss your symptoms with a doctor,
to receive the correct diagnosis.
Number five: People with depression,
can't just snap out of it.
The biggest misconception about being depressed,
is that you can just snap out of it,
but depression is actually much more complex than that.
More often than not,
someone with depression or any mental illness,
has very little control over how they feel.
Saying that they can just stop being depressed,
is insensitive and frustrating to those
who are experiencing and struggling to cope with it.
Number six: Being depressed, is not the same as being sad.
While many people may use depression
and sadness interchangeably, they mean two different things.
Sadness is a common emotion and reaction
to when you get upset.
And it usually lifts after a few hours or days.
However, depression is much more persistent,
lasting for weeks, months, or even years
and it can negatively impact your daily functioning.
Number seven: Depression is linked
to changes in brain chemistry.
Did you know that depression has been linked
to an imbalance of neurotransmitters in your brain?
This includes dopamine, which regulates emotion and memory.
Serotonin the feel-good chemical,
that regulates mood and sense of wellbeing
and norepinephrine which impacts your heart rate
and blood pressure, during fight or flight situations.
The theory is that having too much or too little
of these neuro-transmitters,
can cause or contribute to depression.
Number eight: There are different causes of depression.
While the causes of depression aren't completely understood,
it is likely that it's caused by a combination of factors.
Genetics, or environmental factors may play a part.
Seasonal affective disorder, which is a depressive disorder,
caused by changing seasonal patterns, is triggered
by disruptions of the circadian rhythm of the body.
Changes in the production or function of hormones,
including pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid issues
may contribute to depression.
Grief, trauma, and chronic stress
are also possible triggers of depression.
Number nine: Depression is treatable.
Some people may believe, that depression isn't treatable
and therefore refuse to ask for help.
However, there are actually so many different
and effective treatment options
and therapeutic approaches available.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills therapy,
supportive counseling and behavioral activation,
are only some of the options to choose from.
Number 10: Depression isn't a choice.
It's important to know that no one chooses to be depressed.
While being depressed, or having any other mental illness,
is not a choice, how you decide to deal or cope with it, is.
Choosing to do nothing, or deny you have a problem,
may only result in worsening your symptoms.
Number 11: Chronic pain can be
another symptom of depression.
There are many factors that can cause someone
to become depressed.
One of which can be chronic pain or discomfort.
Being in physical pain for a long period of time,
may lead to depressive thoughts and eventual depression.
Number 12: Depression distorts your thinking.
When you are depressed, it may feel like your mind
is starting to play tricks on you.
Negative thinking patterns, may distort your view
of your relationships with others,
as well as your environment and contribute
to feelings of paranoia, anxiety,
and even thoughts about self-harm.
Therefore, it's crucial to seek help and support,
so your negative and distorted view of the world,
doesn't worsen your symptoms.
Do you relate to any of the things mentioned in this video?
If you do, know that you're not alone and help is available.
If you enjoyed this video, please "Like" and "Share"
it with others, who may find it helpful too.
Don't forget to "Subscribe" to Psych2Go
and hit the "Notification" bell for more content.
All the references used, are added
in the description box below.
Thank you for watching and we'll see you in our next video.