Depression And Public Health Essay

Throughout the nation and our world people are suffering from this disease. Depression affects people of both genders, all ages, and any background. The history of mental illness, specifically depression were extremely helpful in today’s treatment and diagnosis. We know that all individuals are different and because of this, we can assume that each case of mental illness, more specifically depression, is unique in its own way as well. One treatment that is very effective for one person may not be equally as effective in a similar case simply because of the differences in patients. History, types of depression, symptoms, and treatments are all equally important in finding ways to help one who is suffering from depression.

"Men pray to the gods for health and they ignore that it is in their power to have it."

Depression is a leading cause of death among adolescents- So why aren’t we doing more about it? “Experts estimate that 5% of all adolescents will suffer from depression. Unfortunately, only 20% of depressed adolescents are appropriately diagnosed and treated” (DBSA). A depressive disorder is a disease that affects mood, thoughts and behavior. It is also the reaction of the human to the unfavorable surroundings or environment. DBSA otherwise known as Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance states, “When a bad day turns into a bad week, month or more, there may be a medical explanation for this change in behavior of feelings of hopelessness” (DBSA). Many parents may think that a young adolescent is moody or unhappy because it is a natural part of being young and growing up. However, “Persistent unhappiness or moodiness is not normal for anyone” (DBSA). If depression was better recognized, treatment was more readily available, and depressed adolescents adhered to treatment, adolescent life could be enjoyed by millions that would otherwise suffer.

Depression is a common disorder throughout the world that affects all age groups. Although rare in young children, depression disrupts the lives of many teenagers. In the United States, 11.2% of 13 to 18 year olds are affected by depressive disorders annually (National Institute of Mental Health). Depression during youth is particularly destructive since it not only causes a loss of relationships and

Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders among school-aged youth, with high prevalence and far-reaching consequences (Probst, 2008). “School Phobia and excessive clinging to parents may be symptoms of depression in children. Poor academic performance, substance abuse, antisocial behavior, sexual promiscuity, truancy, and running away may be symptoms of depression in adolescents” (Sadock & Sadock, 2003, p. 554). Depression in adolescents often is an unremitting disorder that predicts ongoing depression and psychosocial impairment (Kratochvil et. at., 2005). It affects the developmental process, resulting in difficulties with concentration and motivation, leading to poor academic performance,

Depression is a major predictor of a myriad of negative outcomes such as poor academic achievement, low self-esteem, decreased pro-social relationships, and higher risks of substance abuse (Healy, 2016). Additionally, these negative outcomes experienced by depressed teens may be even more apparent if the depression remains untreated. Findings mentioned earlier by Jones (2013) have also confirmed that this sensitive period in an individual’s life is particularly vulnerable to depressive symptoms that could lead to dire outcomes. These negative outcomes found by Jones (2013) concur with many of the same outcomes Healy mentioned. Moreover, research by Jaycox, Stein, and Paddock (2009) further delves into the impact of teen depression on these negative outcomes. Their study broadens knowledge on negative outcomes in teen depression by examining them over a long period of time. The data is compared to teens that are not depressed, but experience the same negative consequences. Results from the research concluded that the negative outcomes such as school achievement and poor relationships were significantly more severe in depressed teens. After stating the major consequences depressed adolescents experienced, their study further found that treating adolescents may not only have clinical symptom benefits, but also greatly

Major Depressive Disorder and Major Depressive Episodes affect many across the country in various forms and degrees. Though many are affected by MDD/MDE most do not receive the help they need. A group that may not always be acknowledged in suffering from major depressive disorder/major depressive episodes are adolescents. Consequently, more often than not, adolescents do not receive a diagnosis or support with their struggles. Mental illness symptoms in adolescents may be dismissed for various of reasons, but can have a serious impact on various aspects of their lives.The struggles could be mitigated and managed by a public health approach. Public health approach may help to first collect the information on the extent of the issue. The

It is estimated that 20% of adolescents will experience a major depressive episode by the age of 18. According to the 2014-2015 National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement, adolescents diagnosed with a major depressive disorder have a lifetime prevalence rate of 11%, and a 12 month prevalence rate of 7.5%. Of those diagnosed with depression, only about 60% receive treatment. Which lends to the questions of why some adolescents receive treatment and others do not, and what treatment options are most effective in reducing depression among adolescents. However, before those questions can be addressed, it is important to understand how and where adolescents are screened for depression.

Depression, a mental illness, with symptoms dealing with mood and emotion affects Americans of all age, gender, and race. While depression affects all individuals it is concluded that African American and other minority races had a higher rate of depression than a white individual. While this conclusion exists depression did not differ among races due to socioeconomic status. “The symptoms of that depression were expressed took shape from those who stated they had trouble at work, home, or social events. Depression can take different forms dealing with mood which is sad or loss of interest in daily activities, Cognition symptoms are having trouble focusing on tasks, and the physical or lack of energy and feeling of restlessness.” “The severity of these depression symptoms among others vary depending on the individual which is measured by the PHQ-9 questionnaire.” (Pratt, 2014)

Depression has become a serious disorder among adolescents, affecting 11% of American teens (Avenevoli, Swendsen, He, Burstein, & Merikangas, 2015). Adolescent depression is associated with impairments in various important psychosocial areas, such as school, peer, and family functioning (Jaycox et al., 2009). As adolescence is an important time for development and a very vulnerable time, it is important to treat anything that may cause impairments as quickly and as effectively as possible. It is also important to understand the causes of the teen’s depression when working towards recovery.

Most families think that their moody teen is just in a phase that all adolescents go through. Puberty, that time when an individual goes from a child to a teen. It marks a time of physical changes, but for many teens may also mark the start of something that will stay with them for many years; depression. Depression effects an estimated 19 million Americans, making it one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in the United States (Hell, 2015). The National Institute of Mental Health (2016) found around 12.5% of all American adolescence (ages 12-17) experienced at least one depressive episode in 2015. I am among that 12.5%. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2015 after experiencing depressive symptoms for almost five years. For five years, I had experienced increases of depressive episodes until I knew I needed to make a change, and that decision was one of the best I have ever made. Through my experience, my family, friends, and I learned what can cause, advance, and help cope with depression.

This paper introduces a 35-year-old female who is exhibiting signs of sadness, lack of interest in daily activities and suicidal tendencies. She has no interest in hobbies, which have been very important to her in the past. Her lack of ambition and her suicidal tendencies are causing great concern for her family members. She is also exhibiting signs of hypersomnia, which will put her in dangerous situations if left untreated. The family has great concern about her leaving the hospital at this time, fearing that she may be a danger to herself. A treatment plan and ethical considerations will be discussed.

     Depression has been around for a longer period of time than we can imagine. Depression has been considered to be the major psychiatric disease of the 20th century, affecting approximately eight million people in North America (http://www.ndmda.org). It is a matter of whether it is diagnosed and treated or left alone. This is a problem that can affect everyone whether they themselves are diagnosed or simply by knowing someone with depression.

Depression a word we’re familiar with especially when it comes to adults, we know adults get depress and we understand the reasons, with the high demands in life it’s not uncommon to get lost in the shuffle. Depression in adult is something we have known for many years, but what has surprised many of us is that adolescents also get depressed. I myself still don’t fully understand the reasons why or how this happens. I see it very often adolescent coming in to the ER because they are depressed and want to hurt themselves, and each and every single time I’m shock. What could be so bad in their lives that would make them think they have no way out? This is the reason why I choice this topic, I want to learn more of how this disease affects so many children and teens and what we can do to stop it.

When a child reaches the adolescence stage, it can be an amazing time of discovery, learning and building friendship; but it is also a time of rapid change and emotional highs and lows, where things can feel really tough. In this stage, the area of the brain, that is responsible for planning ahead, and assessing risk, is still immature in teenagers, which is why teens are more likely to participate in high-risk behavior leading to different results in which in today’s time, the most common is Depression.