The word depression comes from the Latin term depressio which, in turn, comes from depressus (“dejected” or “knocked down”). It is an emotional disorder that makes the person feel sad and listless, experiencing inner discomfort and hindering their interactions with the environment.

For example: «I don’t know what to do with Uncle Augusto: depression makes me not want to eat», «I suffered from depression for eight long years but, thanks to the love of my family, I was able to get out», «I will not let the situation is beyond me: depression is not in my vocabulary.

For medicine and psychology, depression manifests itself through a series of symptoms that include sudden changes in mood, irritability, lack of enthusiasm and a feeling of anguish or anguish that goes beyond what is considered normal.

In the development of depression, there is usually a combination of a high level of stress and the persistence of some negative emotions. Drug use is a factor that can influence the appearance of depression.

According to the clinical definition of this pathology, depression is a mood disorder where feelings of deep pain, anger, frustration and loneliness appear and prevent the person from continuing with their ordinary life in a normal way for a long time. Symptoms of this disease include:

*A highly irritable mood;

* Demotivation to do usual activities;

*Insomnia or difficulty sleeping;

*Sudden increase or decrease in appetite;

*Stress, tiredness and self-destructive and guilty feelings ;

* Feelings of absolute loneliness and hopelessness;

* Suicidal thoughts.

It is important to note that one of the most damaging symptoms of depression is decreased feelings of self- esteem, which triggers other complications such as problems with social interaction. In children, declines in school performance, difficulty falling asleep, and behavioral problems are seen.

Causes and treatment

There are many causes for this disorder and according to the severity of the disease, it will be the type of treatment that should be carried out. Some types of depression are: postpartum depression (after giving birth some women fall into a deep well of bitterness and sadness. The riskiest thing about this type of depression is that the mother usually feels a certain aversion for her child, for this reason it is very important that these women receive treatment); premenstrual dysphoric disorder (symptoms appear a week before menstruation and fade once menstruation is over); seasonal affective disorder(It appears during cold seasons and is considered to be caused by the absence of sunlight. It could be the reason why some cities where the sun rarely rises have so many cases of suicides and addictions due to anguish). Bipolar disorder (although it is not considered to be exactly a depressive disorder, it is believed that their causes may be similar).

In some cases, depression is due to genetic causes, transmitted from parents to children or due to traumatic experiences during childhood that have been misdirected. Sometimes it is enough to present a predisposition for depression so that a stressful situation causes a person to develop this disease.

Other causes of this disorder can be addictions (alcoholism, certain drug addiction), certain medical treatments (cancer, insomnia, steroids, hypothyroidism), and situations where there is a high level of stress (mistreatment, separations, illness or death of a loved one)., school failure, job loss), among others.

The most serious consequences of depression can range from social isolation to the inability to fulfill work tasks, even reaching suicide. Often the person denies their problem or refuses to receive help.

There are several ways to treat depression, always taking into account the causes that caused it and what deficiencies it has in the patient. But, all the same, you need to count on active behavior of the patient. It usually includes therapy sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist. The latter may suggest, depending on the case, the supply of drugs with antidepressant action.

In addition, in all cases it is recommended that those who present the aforementioned symptoms see a specialist before the disease becomes chronic.

As prevention against this disorder, doctors recommend that you sleep properly, eat a nutritious diet and exercise daily, avoid alcohol and drug use, and above all, spend time surrounded by people you love and love. performing activities that produce satisfaction.