How to Know That You Are Suffering from Clinical Depression

Clinical depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of being sad and loss of interest in things and activities that were once enjoyable . It is different from the mood fluctuations that people regularly experience in their day to day life. Clinical Depression is a acute type of depression. If not treated, It can lead to self - harm or death by suicide. It can affect adults , adolescents and children.

Let Us Have A Look at How Can We Know if We Are Depressed ?

Clinical Depression can vary from person to person from mild to severe but there are some common signs and symptoms.

1. Loss of interest in daily activities
2. Persistent anxious and sad mood
3. Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness
4. Sleep Disturbances including insomnia or hypersomnia
5. Fatigue and lack of energy
6. Trouble Thinking or making decision
7. Unexplained physical ache and pains
8. Feelings of irritability , frustration and restlessness -
9. Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain.
10. Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death , suicidal thoughts , attempts or suicide.

If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks or making it hard for you to enjoy life or get through the day it’s time to get some support.

Take A View at How Can We Know That We Have Clinical Depression ?

A mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or a clinical social worker can diagnose your condition. You may also consider sharing your mental health concerns with a healthcare professional for an initial diagnosis. A healthcare professional can redirect you with a mental health professional for further evaluation and treatment plan.

There are certain self rating scale of depression which can also help as a screener for clinical depression. For example Mental Health Score by Mpower.

Mental Healthcare Facilites Available in India

According to WHO depression is ranked as the single largest contributor to global disability. Over 8 lacks cases have been reported that die by suicide every year. It is the second leading cause of death among the age groups of 15 year to 29 year olds.

Although there are known effective treatments for depression fewer than half of those affected receive treatment for depression. Barriers to effective care include a lack of support of resources , lack of trained health-care providers , and social stigma associated with mental disorders in the society.

Prevention programmes have been shown to reduce depression. Effective community approaches to prevent depression include school and college based programmes to enhance a pattern of positive thinking in children and adolescents.

National Mental Health Programme (NHMP) led by Government of India encompasses life-skills training and counselling in educational institutions , workplace stress management programs and suicide prevention services , among others.

It’s main objective is to ensure the availability and accessibility of minimum mental health care for all vulnerable and underprivileged sections of the population. It also encourages the application of mental health knowledge in general healthcare and in social development. It also promotes community participation in the mental health service development and stimulates efforts towards self-help in the community.

At the primary care level the health and wellness centres under the Ayushman Bharat program have provisions for mental healthcare services.