Depression – What You Need to Know and Simple Solutions for Prevention

Depression is a significant issue in modern society, threatening the health of individuals worldwide. This debilitating mental illness causes severe human suffering and results in billions of USD lost to the global economy.

The dangers of depression have become the focus of this year’s World Health Day, with the campaign slogan “Let’s talk.”

Currently, approximately 350 million people of all ages and from all walks of life are suffering from depression globally. It inflicts emotional pain and impacts daily functioning, even in the simplest tasks. The consequences of depression can also affect relationships with family and friends, as well as overall survival. More alarmingly, depression can sometimes lead to suicide, which is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29. For these reasons, depression affects people of all ages and impacts lives across all countries.

Currently, there are up to 350 million people suffering from depression worldwide.

The World Health Organization particularly focuses on three groups: adolescents and young adults, women of childbearing age (especially postpartum), and the elderly (aged over 60).

1. Key Information for Preventing Depression

Introverted Individuals Are More Prone to Depression

Some studies indicate that introverted individuals have a higher risk of experiencing depression and its symptoms compared to others. Traits commonly associated with introverts, such as fearfulness or mood swings, can lead to depression if negative emotions persist. Loneliness and Facebook addiction can also be symptoms of depression.

Brain Size May Predict Depression Risk

Loneliness and Facebook addiction can also be symptoms of depression.

Individuals suffering from depression or anxiety disorders often have less gray matter in the brain, particularly in areas responsible for various functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, cognitive function, decision-making, and emotional processing. This can lead to emotional processing disorders, resulting in depression symptoms.

Pay Attention to Sleep

The relationship between sleep and mental health is closely intertwined. Numerous studies reveal that lack of sleep increases the risk of depression. Furthermore, those with severe depression are more likely to experience nighttime sleep disturbances, exacerbating their symptoms.

2. Simple Solutions to Prevent Depression

Travel Instead of Taking Medication

You should take some time each year to plan a long getaway.

According to some scientists, depression corresponds to a human hibernation reflex, an instinctive response found in mammals. Therefore, it is not surprising that victims of depression become lethargic and despondent. Consequently, rather than waiting for the body to show signs of depression, you should allocate some time each year for a long getaway.

Regular Exercise

A lack of physical activity can lead to a stiffening of the brain, resulting in fewer stimulating factors, causing stress and anxiety to accumulate and manifest as depression symptoms. The Amis community in the United States, where nearly no one suffers from depression, exemplifies the benefits of physical labor. This small community in Pennsylvania rejects modern lifestyles, maintaining a way of life reminiscent of their ancestors, primarily relying on outdated agricultural practices and producing only the necessary tools for their needs.

Cold Temperatures Improve Health

Utilizing low temperatures is a newly popular method helping patients regain their joy.

Using low temperatures for treatment is not a new invention; however, it has recently gained popularity as a method to help patients regain their mood. Patients enter a sealed chamber with extremely low temperatures (ranging from -110°C to -160°C) for 2-3 minutes. After such treatment, they often feel relaxed, comfortable, and this elevated state of mind can be maintained for an extended period.

Americans and Japanese have widely adopted low-temperature treatments for depression. However, cold therapy cannot serve as the primary remedy for this disorder. At home, taking cold showers can be considered an effective alternative.

Outdoor Walks

Even a short walk outdoors each day can significantly improve emotional states.

Typically, we tend to want to sleep more during the fall and winter months, sometimes losing our appetite or overeating. The culprit behind this abnormality is a lack of sunlight. According to recommendations from the UK Department of Health, even a short outdoor walk each day can significantly improve emotional states.

Physical Activity

Establishing a daily exercise routine often yields noticeable benefits.

Regular physical exercise stimulates the body to produce endorphins—the hormones that create feelings of happiness. However, if someone has been fatigued, sad, or disheartened for several days, it’s essential to be considerate and understanding when encouraging them to engage in stimulating activities. Exercise should not become a mandatory obligation and a mental burden, but it cannot be denied that establishing a daily exercise routine often yields noticeable benefits.

Depression can be prevented and treated. Understanding and preventing depression will help reduce the stigma associated with the condition and create opportunities for many affected individuals to seek help.