Depression - Mental Health Awareness Campaign

Depression

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN Information you need to know to stay healthy and reduce depressive symptoms.

01 About us

ABOUT US SolaVieve is a progressive health and technology company focused on empowering people from all around the world to live consciously, healthily, and enthusiastically. Our international team of experienced researchers, practitioners, and creators work closely to bring you high-quality, extensively researched content that can expand your knowledge about different aspects of holistic, preventive, and integrative health. You can be confident that you are making sound decisions about your health based on facts, studies, and scientific research, as our number one priority is to consistently provide scientifically proven content.

SolaVieve, in partnership with the World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS), has created this mental health awareness campaign, which aims to increase public visibility and increase awareness of preventative interventions in mental health.

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02 Risk Factors

RISK FACTORS Find out what factors can increase your chances of developing depression.

03 Risk Factors

Depression affects more than 260 million people worldwide.

According to WHO, depression is one of the main causes of disability in the world, affecting an estimated 264 million people. However, according to WHO, less than 50% worldwide receive treatment.

Depression can occur at any time during life.

The number of people with common mental disorders is increasing worldwide. Although depression can occur at any time, it first appears, on average, during the late teens to mid-20s. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.

04 Risk Factors

Women are two times more likely to experience depression than men.

Some experts believe that mood changes or depressed feelings are related to normal changes in hormones. However, it is important to note that these hormonal imbalances do not cause depression on their own. Other factors also play a big role, such as a build-up of stress, grief, serious life changes, possible sexual or physical abuse, work overload, and low economic status.

My mother developed depression - am I at risk?

Some studies have shown that a history of depression in a first-degree relative (parents or siblings) increases the probability of developing depression by up to three times. Some genetic variants have been linked to this higher risk for developing depression.

Here are some factors that play a significant role in the development of depression.

Biochemistry: differences in certain chemicals in the brain can contribute to the development of depression.

Personality: some people are more likely to experience depression. These include people with low self-esteem, people who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or generally pessimistic people.

Environmental factors: people who have gone through adverse life events, such as unemployment, bereavement, or psychological trauma are more likely to develop depression. Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse, or poverty can also make some people more vulnerable to depression.

Genetics: even though there is no single gene that causes a mental disorder or any behavioral variant, different studies performed amongst families, twins, and adoptions have established that the risk of depression runs in families. All of those studies confirm that multiple genes act together with non-genetic factors to produce a risk of mental disorder.

05 Symptoms

SYMPTOMS Find out what symptoms to look out for.

06 Symptoms

I have been experiencing persistently low moods and feelings of sadness for three days.

Am I depressed?

Usually, to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder or another depressive disorder, people typically need to display symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. Before diagnosing depression, healthcare providers evaluate a combination of signs and symptoms.

Weight loss is a sign of depression.

Changes in appetite, with significant weight loss or weight gain, are common signs of depression.

Other signs often include: low moods that persist, or sad, anxious, or empty feelings; irritability, frustration, or restlessness; feelings of guilt or low self-worth; loss of interest or pleasure in activities or hobbies once enjoyed; lack of energy or fatigue; difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; changes in sleep patterns; aches, pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that cannot be explained and that do not improve with treatment.

It is possible to develop depression without these symptoms, or they may not be so evident, especially in the early stages. Make sure to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.

07 Symptoms

Can depression lead to suicide?

In its most severe cases, depression can lead to suicide.

Over 700,000 people die due to suicide every year, with depression being the fourth leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. Please make sure you contact your doctor and seek help if your symptoms get unbearable and you feel unable to cope.

I have been diagnosed with depression. Is it treatable?

Depression is among the most treatable of all mental disorders, with people usually responding favorably to treatment. Depending on the severity of the depression, healthcare providers may offer psychological or psychiatric treatments. Some common treatments include behavioral activation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and antidepressant medication.

08 Healthy Lifestyle Choices

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES Hands-on! Tips to apply to your daily life to prevent depression and achieve mental wellbeing.

09 Healthy Lifestyle Choices

There is a connection between physical and mental health.

Physical and mental health are interconnected, meaning that physical health plays an important role in preventing depression.

Depression may be triggered as a result of other mental disorders and illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and chronic pain. Depression can make these conditions worse, and vice versa.

Taking care of your physical health while focusing on your mental health is vital.

Healthy eating can play a role in preventing depression and supporting mental health.

Some evidence links depression and nutrition.

Here are some nutrients that can play a role in combating depression.

Vitamin B-12 and folate: good sources of these are fish like salmon and trout and fortified cereals.

Folate can also be found in dark leafy greens, almonds, and dairy products.

Omega-3 fatty acids: the best sources of these are fatty fish like salmon, catfish, and sardines.

Other sources include ground flaxseeds, walnuts, and fortified eggs. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease stress and promote a healthy emotional balance and positive mood.

Reducing fast food consumption is also important, as studies have shown that it increases the risk of developing depression, while there is evidence to suggest that healthy foods reduce depressive symptoms.

10 Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Here are some lifestyle habits that can help prevent depression.

Regular physical exercise: 20 minutes of exercise, three times per week, at a moderate intensity, can significantly reduce depressive symptoms.

Healthy sleeping patterns: set regular sleeping hours and aim for around seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

Enhanced social connections: don’t forget to reach out to friends and family members, as social interactions will increase your happiness and make you feel supported.

Active avoidance of alcohol: for depression patients, even non-dependent levels of drinking should be of concern, since drinking can interfere with the success of the treatment and have a negative effect on depressive symptoms.

Relaxed meditation and breathing exercises: relaxation techniques can play a crucial role in helping a person cope with depression and deal with its symptoms.

There are many different types of relaxation techniques that can help reduce depressive symptoms and boost your wellbeing, varying from deep breathing and meditation to yoga and tai chi.

11 Healthy Lifestyle Choices

I was diagnosed with depression. Can lifestyle choices make a difference?

Secondary prevention also plays a huge role. Ways to prevent the progression of depressive symptoms include: taking any prescribed medication properly; going to psychotherapy; being active and exercising regularly; maintaining regular sleeping patterns; following a healthy diet; avoiding alcohol; setting realistic goals for yourself; trying not to self-isolate, and accepting the help of others; continuing to educate yourself about depression.

Does alcohol have any link with depression?

Alcohol is a depressant, affecting the chemistry of the brain and increasing the risk of depression. At the same time, it is often used as a coping mechanism.

It can cause problems, such as arguments with loved ones, trouble at work, and memory issues, or lead to an individual drinking to alleviate the stress of these problems - it can be difficult to separate cause and effect. Every year the harmful consumption of alcohol is responsible for 3 million deaths and 5% of the global burden of disease, contributing to disabilities and the poor health of millions of people.

For depression patients, even non-dependent levels of drinking should be of concern. Drinking alcohol can interfere with the successful treatment of depression and can have a negative effect on depressive symptoms.

12 When to ask for help

WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP When to seek help and when to talk with someone you trust.

13 When to ask for help

Is depression treatable?

Fortunately, depression is among the most treatable of disorders, and 80-90% of people respond well to treatment.

I have been experiencing signs and symptoms of depression, but I am afraid people will judge me. What should I do?

It is important to understand that depression is not a sign of weakness. Depression is a real and complex mental health disorder, and it is always the right moment to speak up. Asking for help is the first step toward coping with depression.

If you know someone experiencing depression, here are some ways you can help.

Offer support and encouragement while being understanding and patient.

Extend invitations for walks,outings, or other social activities.

Help them stick to their treatment plan, by motivating them to be committed and organized. Setting reminders to encourage them to take prescribed medications is one example of how to help.

Make sure they have transportation to and company for therapy appointments.

Remind them that, with time and treatment, the depression will lift.

14 When to ask for help

How should I prepare for my doctor's consultation?

Here are some tips to help you organize yourself.

Keep a journal to record any necessary information.

Write down any symptoms, upsetting events, stressful events, etc. It might also be helpful to write down what you would like to talk about to make sure you don’t forget anything.

Make a list of medicines and illnesses. Make a list of your medical information, including other conditions you might be dealing with and the names of medications, herbal remedies, or supplements you take.

Write down all your questions. This will help you make sure you don’t forget or leave anything unexplained.

What should I expect from a consultation?

Before a diagnosis or treatment, a health professional should conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation, including an interview and a physical examination. Through the evaluation, the health professional can identify specific symptoms and explore medical and fa m ily histories a s well a s cultura l a n d environmental factors. This enables them to arrive at a diagnosis and plan a course of action.

Treatment usually includes medication and psychotherapy. However, it’s important to note that no two people are affected by depression in the same way, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” for treatment.

15 Sources

Sources American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.-a). What Is Depression? American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression Buydens-Branchey, L., Branchey, M., & Hibbeln, J. R. (2008). Associations between increases in plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids following supplementation and decreases in anger and anxiety in substance abusers. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 32(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2007.10.020 Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Adults with Mental Illness: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness. (2014). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK253746/ Carek, P. J., Laibstain, S. E., & Carek, S. M. (2011). Exercise for the treatment of depression and anxiety. International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 41(1). https://doi.org/10.2190/PM.41.1.c de Manincor, M., Bensoussan, A., Smith, C. A., Barr, K., Schweickle, M., Donoghoe, L.-L., Bourchier, S., & Fahey, P. (2016). Individualized Yoga For Reducing Depression And Anxiety, And Improving Well-Being: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Depression and Anxiety, 33(9), 816–828.

GBD 2017 Disease and Injury Incidence and Prevalence Collaborators. (2018). Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The Lancet, 392(10159), 1789–1858.

Mandolesi, L., Polverino, A., Montuori, S., Foti, F., Ferraioli, G., Sorrentino, P., & Sorrentino, G. (2018). Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Functioning and Wellbeing: Biological and Psychological Benefits. Frontiers in Psychology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00509 Mayo Clinic. (2017, September 27). Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms.

Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495 Mischoulon, D. (2018, August 3). Omega-3 fatty acids for mood disorders. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/omega-3-fatty-acids-for-mood-disorders-2018080314414 Mosel, S. (2017, April 20). Alcohol and Depression: What is the Connection? American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/depression

16 Sources

Sources National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.-a). Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression#part_6149 National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.-b). Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression#part_2257 National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.-c). Major Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression Ramsey, S. E., Engler, P. A., & Stein, M. D. (2005). Alcohol Use Among Depressed Patients: The Need for Assessment and Intervention. Professional Psychology, Research and Practice, 36(2), 203.

Sarris, J., O’Neil, A., Coulson, C. E., Schweitzer, I., & Berk, M. (2014). Lifestyle medicine for depression. BMC Psychiatry, 14, 107.

Solmi, M., Radua, J., Olivola, M., Croce, E., Soardo, L., Salazar de Pablo, G., Il Shin, J., Kirkbride, J. B., Jones, P., Kim, J. H., Kim, J. Y., Carvalho, A. F., Seeman, M. V., Correll, C. U., & Fusar-Poli, P. (2021). Age at onset of mental disorders worldwide: large-scale meta-analysis of 192 epidemiological studies. Molecular Psychiatry, 1–15.

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Depression. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression World Health Organization. (n.d.). Depression and other common Mental Disorders.

World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/depression-global-health-estimates World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental disorders. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_1 Solmi, M., Radua, J., Olivola, M. et al. Age at onset of mental disorders worldwide: large-scale meta-analysis of 192 epidemiological studies. Mol Psychiatry (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01161-7