In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as we grappled with the visible devastation it brought upon our lives, another insidious crisis silently crept in, leaving countless individuals vulnerable and suffering in its wake. Depression, once confined to the shadows of our consciousness, has emerged as the new pandemic of this era, casting a long and ominous shadow over our collective well-being. Its grip on mental health has become an urgent and pressing concern that demands our immediate attention.
The arrival of the pandemic brought with it a multitude of challenges. Unemployment soared, social interactions became nearly non-existent, and the boundaries of our lives shrank to the four walls of our homes. After this, mental health concerns began to surface with alarming frequency.
Depression, once considered a personal struggle of people, has transcended its limited scope to become a widespread crisis affecting millions. Its impact knows no boundaries of age or demographic. Young or old, rich, or poor, depression does not discriminate. It has become a concerning matter, preying upon the minds and hearts of individuals all across the globe. Sadly, the prevalence of depression in children has witnessed a troubling rise over the years.
The COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a catalyst, intensifying the crisis of depression scales. The enforced isolation, economic hardships, and overwhelming uncertainty have negatively affected our collective mental well-being. Loss of loved ones, job insecurity, disrupted routines, and the absence of social support systems have created a breeding ground for depression to flourish.
Depression With Psychosis
Depression can co-exist with other mental health conditions too.
Depression with psychosis combines the deep despair and emotional turmoil of depression with the presence of psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions. These psychotic symptoms can easily impact the person’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior, which can further worsen the already debilitating effects of depression. The exact cause of depression with psychosis remains quite unclear until this day, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
While depression and psychosis are distinct mental health conditions, their co-occurrence can significantly complicate the diagnostic process and treatment approach. People may experience more severe symptoms, greater impairment in daily functioning, and an increased risk of self-harm or suicide. Collaborative efforts between mental health professionals specializing in such conditions are crucial for the effective management of the situation and the person affected.
Symptoms Of Depression
Depression causes one to have persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. The weight of these emotions can be overwhelming, leaving individuals in a state of constant emotional turmoil. But the impact of depression extends beyond the emotional sphere, seeping into cognitive functioning as well.
With increasing pressure to outstand at work and school, the simultaneous presence of anxiety exerts a wide-ranging impact on mental well-being. Depression and anxiety symptoms can impair concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities, making it difficult for a person to focus on tasks, retain information, or make even simple choices. The fog of depression envelops the mind, obscuring clarity and hindering cognitive processes. This cognitive burden further compounds the challenges faced by people already grappling with the emotional strain of depression. Seeking professional help from mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, is crucial in managing and treating depression effectively.
Depression Diagnosis
Mental health professionals evaluate a person’s symptoms, and medical history, and conduct a thorough psychological assessment. The diagnostic process involves considering specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The person must meet the following criteria:
- Presence of Depressive Symptoms: The person must experience a persistent depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities (anhedonia) for most of the day, nearly every day, over a minimum period of two weeks.
- Other Symptoms: In addition to a depressed mood or anhedonia, if the person experiences other symptoms, including a change in appetite or weight, disrupted sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia), psychomotor agitation or slowing, fatigue or lack of energy, pervasive feelings of worthlessness or overwhelming guilt, impaired concentration or decision-making abilities, and persistent thoughts of death or self-harm.
- Impairment and Duration: Should the symptoms result in notable distress or hinder one’s ability to function effectively in social, occupational, or other critical domains, and if they cannot be attributed to another medical condition or substance use while persisting for a minimum of two weeks.
Restore Your Mental Health With North America Behavioral Health Services
Seeking treatment for depression can be a daunting task, but you don’t have to face it alone. North America Behavioral Health Services is dedicated to assisting individuals in reclaiming their mental well-being. By simply reaching out to us through a phone call, you can access our extensive resources and initiate the process of booking appointments for depression therapy.
Simply reach out to us and initiate the process of booking appointments for depression therapy. With our expertise and available resources, we are committed to guiding you on your journey toward healing.
