Everything You Want to Know About Depression

Wei Qing Lee • March 25, 2021

What is Depression?

Depression is classified as a mood disorder. It may be described as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger that interfere with a person’s everyday activities.


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source estimates that 8.1 percent of American adults ages 20 and over had depression in any given 2-week period from 2013 to 2016.


People experience depression in different ways. It may interfere with your daily work, resulting in lost time and lower productivity. It can also influence relationships and some chronic health conditions.


Conditions that can get worse due to depression include:


It is important to realize that feeling down at times is a normal part of life. Sad and upsetting events happen to everyone. But, if you are feeling down or hopeless on a regular basis, you could be dealing with depression.

Depression is considered a serious medical condition that can get worse without proper treatment. Those who seek treatment often see improvements in symptoms in just a few weeks.



Depression symptoms

Depression can be more than a constant state of sadness or feeling “blue.”


Major depression can cause a variety of symptoms. Some affect your mood, and others affect your body.


Symptoms may also be ongoing or come and go.


The symptoms of depression can be experienced differently among men, women, and children differently.


Men may experience symptoms related to their:

  • mood, such as anger, aggressiveness, irritability, anxiousness, restlessness
  • emotional well-being, such as feeling empty, sad, hopeless.
  • behavior, such as loss of interest, no longer finding pleasure in favorite activities, feeling tired easily, thoughts of suicide, drinking excessively, using drugs, engaging in high-risk activities.
  • sexual interest, such as reduced sexual desire, lack of sexual performance
  • cognitive abilities, such as inability to concentrate, difficulty completing tasks, delayed responses during conversations.
  • sleep patterns, such as insomnia, restless sleep, excessive sleepiness, not sleeping through the night.
  • physical well-being, such as fatigue, pains, headache, digestive problems


Women may experience symptoms related to their:

  • mood, such as irritability
  • emotional well-being, such as feeling sad or empty, anxious, or hopeless.
  • behavior, such as loss of interest in activities, withdrawing from social engagements, thoughts of suicide.
  • cognitive abilities, such as thinking or talking more slowly.
  • sleep patterns, such as difficulty sleeping through the night, waking early, sleeping too much.
  • physical well-being, such as decreased energy, greater fatigue, changes in appetite, weight changes, aches, pain, headaches, increased cramps


Children may experience symptoms related to their:

  • mood, such as irritability, anger, mood swings, crying.
  • emotional well-being, such as feelings of incompetence (e.g., “I can’t do anything right”) or despair, crying, intense sadness.
  • behavior, such as getting into trouble at school or refusing to go to school, avoiding friends or siblings, thoughts of death or suicide.
  • cognitive abilities, such as difficulty concentrating, decline in school performance, changes in grades.
  • sleep patterns, such as difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
  • physical well-being, such as loss of energy, digestive problems, changes in appetite, weight loss or gain


The symptoms can extend beyond your mind.



Depression causes

There are several possible causes of depression. They can range from biological to circumstantial.

Common causes include:

  • Family history. You are at a higher risk for developing depression if you have a family history of depression or another mood disorder.
  • Early childhood trauma. Some events affect the way your body reacts to fear and stressful situations.
  • Brain structure. There is a greater risk for depression if the frontal lobe of your brain is less active. However, scientists do not know if this happens before or after the onset of depressive symptoms.
  • Medical conditions. Certain conditions may put you at higher risk, such as chronic illness, insomnia, chronic pain, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Drug use. A history of drug or alcohol misuse can affect your risk.


About 21 percent of people who have a substance use problem also experience depression. In addition to these causes, other risk factors for depression include:

  • low self-esteem or being self-critical.
  • personal history of mental illness
  • certain medications
  • stressful events, such as loss of a loved one, economic problems, or a divorce


Many factors can influence feelings of depression, as well as who develops the condition and who does not.


The causes of depression are often tied to other elements of your health.


However, in many cases, healthcare providers are unable to determine what is causing depression.



Depression test

There is not a single test to diagnose depression. But your healthcare provider can make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and a psychological evaluation.


In most cases, they will ask a series of questions about your:

  • moods
  • appetite
  • sleep pattern
  • activity level
  • thoughts


Because depression can be linked to other health problems, your healthcare provider may also conduct a physical examination and order blood work. Sometimes thyroid problems or a vitamin D deficiency can trigger symptoms of depression.


Do not ignore symptoms of depression. If your mood does not improve or gets worse, seek medical help.


Depression is a serious mental health illness with the potential for complications.


If left untreated, complications can include:



Types of depression

Depression can be broken into categories depending on the severity of symptoms. Some people experience mild and temporary episodes, while others experience severe and ongoing depressive episodes.


There are two main types: major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.


1.  Major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder is the more severe form of depression. It’s characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that don’t go away on their own.


To be diagnosed with clinical depression, you must experience 5 or more of the following symptoms over a 2-week period:

  • feeling depressed most of the day
  • loss of interest in most regular activities
  • significant weight loss or gain
  • sleeping a lot or not being able to sleep
  • slowed thinking or movement
  • fatigue or low energy most days
  • feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • loss of concentration or indecisiveness
  • recurring thoughts of death or suicide


There are different subtypes of major depressive disorder, which the American Psychiatric Association refers to as “specifiers.”


These include:


2.  Persistent depressive disorder

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) used to be called dysthymia. It’s a milder, but chronic, form of depression.


For the diagnosis to be made, symptoms must last for at least 2 years. PDD can affect your life more than major depression because it lasts for a longer period.


It is common for people with PDD to:

  • lose interest in normal daily activities
  • feel hopeless
  • lack productivity
  • have low self-esteem


Depression can be treated successfully, but it is important to stick to your treatment plan.



Treatment for depression

Living with depression can be difficult, but treatment can help improve your quality of life. Talk to your healthcare provider about possible options.


You may successfully manage symptoms with one form of treatment, or you may find that a combination of treatments works best.


It is common to combine medical treatments and lifestyle therapies, including the following:


Medications

Your healthcare provider may prescribe:


Each type of medication that is used to treat depression has benefits and potential risks.


Psychotherapy

Speaking with a therapist can help you learn skills to cope with negative feelings. You may also benefit from family or group therapy sessions.


Light therapy

Exposure to doses of white light can help regulate your mood and improve symptoms of depression. Light therapy is commonly used in seasonal affective disorder, which is now called major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern.


Alternative therapies

Ask your healthcare provider about acupuncture or meditation. Some herbal supplements are also used to treat depression, like St. John’s wort, SAMe, and fish oil.


Talk with your healthcare provider before taking a supplement or combining a supplement with prescription medication because some supplements can react with certain medications. Some supplements may also worsen depression or reduce the effectiveness of medication.


Exercise

Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity 3 to 5 days a week. Exercise can increase your body’s production of endorphins, which are hormones that improve your mood.


Avoid alcohol and drugs

Drinking or misusing drugs may make you feel better for a little bit. But in the long run, these substances can make depression and anxiety symptoms worse.


Learn how to say no

Feeling overwhelmed can worsen anxiety and depression symptoms. Setting boundaries in your professional and personal life can help you feel better.


Take care of yourself

You can also improve symptoms of depression by taking care of yourself. This includes getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet, avoiding negative people, and participating in enjoyable activities.


Sometimes depression does not respond to medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend other treatment options if your symptoms do not improve.


These include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat depression and improve your mood.



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The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Special Needs Children in Malaysia

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
In Malaysia, the need for specialized care for special needs children is growing, and occupational therapy stands out as a vital service. This therapy helps children with various physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges improve their skills and lead more independent lives. This article explores the numerous benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia, offering insights and success stories to illustrate its impact.  Understanding Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. For special needs children, OT involves helping them perform essential daily activities, improving their physical, sensory, and cognitive skills. Techniques used in occupational therapy can include play therapy, sensory integration, and developmental activities designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills. Benefits for Special Needs Children Enhancing Daily Living Skills Occupational therapists work with children to develop the skills needed for daily living. This can include tasks such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene. By improving these skills, children gain greater independence and confidence. Improving Fine and Gross Motor Skills Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles, such as those in the hands and fingers, while gross motor skills involve larger muscle groups used for activities like walking and jumping. Occupational therapists use targeted exercises and activities to strengthen these skills, enabling children to participate more fully in everyday activities. Boosting Cognitive Functions Occupational therapy also addresses cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help children develop these abilities, which are crucial for academic success and daily living. Success Stories in Malaysia Several families in Malaysia have witnessed significant improvements in their children's abilities through occupational therapy. For instance, a child with autism who struggled with sensory processing and social interactions might, through consistent OT sessions, develop better sensory tolerance and improved social skills. Another example could be a child with cerebral palsy who, with the help of an occupational therapist, gains better control over their movements and becomes more independent in performing daily tasks. Conclusion The benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia are profound and far-reaching. From enhancing daily living skills to improving motor and cognitive functions, occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the lives of special needs children and their families. If you are a parent of a special needs child, consider exploring occupational therapy as a valuable resource for your child's development and independence.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Special Needs Education in Malaysian Schools

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
Special needs education in Malaysia is evolving, with an increasing emphasis on integrating occupational therapy (OT) into the school system. This approach not only supports the educational needs of special needs children but also enhances their overall development. This article delves into how occupational therapy supports special needs education in Malaysian schools, helping both teachers and students achieve better educational outcomes. Integration in Schools Occupational therapy in schools involves the collaboration of occupational therapists with educators to create an inclusive learning environment. Therapists work within the school setting to assess students' needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and implement strategies that support learning and participation in school activities. Support for Teachers and Students Helping Teachers Adapt Lessons One of the critical roles of occupational therapists in schools is to assist teachers in adapting lessons to meet the needs of special needs students. This can involve modifying classroom activities, providing alternative teaching materials, and suggesting strategies to manage sensory and behavioral issues. By making these adjustments, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Providing Students with Coping Strategies Occupational therapists equip students with strategies to cope with classroom challenges. This can include sensory integration techniques to help children manage sensory overload, exercises to improve focus and attention, and tools to enhance fine motor skills required for writing and other tasks. These strategies enable students to participate more fully in classroom activities and improve their academic performance. Programs and Initiatives Several programs and initiatives in Malaysian schools incorporate occupational therapy to support special needs education. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams working together to address the diverse needs of students. For example, schools may have dedicated sensory rooms designed by occupational therapists to provide a safe and controlled environment for children to manage sensory issues. Additionally, collaborative efforts between therapists and educators ensure that each child's unique needs are met through personalized education plans.  Conclusion Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting special needs education in Malaysian schools. By helping teachers adapt lessons and providing students with coping strategies, occupational therapists contribute to a more inclusive and effective educational environment. The integration of OT into the school system ensures that special needs children receive the support they need to succeed academically and develop essential life skills. For parents and educators, recognizing the value of occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the educational journey of special needs children.

Prioritizing Mental Health: A Key to Enhancing Productivity and Profitability in the Workplace

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