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Depression: The Overall Global Burden Of Disease

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According to the World Health Organization, more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression each year. It is also stated to be a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. Almost everyone knows someone battling depression if we aren't ourselves. Looking at this can help people better understand depression and all its effects. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders that affects many people globally, but can be treated (WHO). To understand depression, first one must comprehend the illness and its causes, how it affects the victim and how it is currently being treated. Depression is a very misunderstood issue. Lately, researchers have been looking at the several ways it is caused. First, to understand …show more content…

First, the effects on the victim are mainly on their health which can be a risky thing to deal with. Depression is a mental illness, but can also lead to physical problems. Some victims of depression can develop eating disorders such as binging or anorexia. Depression can also weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to diseases (Pietrangelo). Victims suffering from depression can experience physical issues which can put them at risk for many things. Secondly, families need to understand how to cope with someone that battles depression. When a family member has depression, the rest of the family usually doesn’t know how to cope. This can result in families driving apart and not want anything to do with it or it can cause the complete opposite. Some family member try too hard and they try to do their best. Family members should educate themselves on depression to help them understand what their family member is going through (Angela). The Families for Depression Awareness website stated that families that discuss depression can have a positive and long-lasting change in their relationships. Lastly, society has one of the biggest impacts on depression because of its stigma. The stigma on depression remains as it always has. The National Mental Health Association stated that 43% Americans still believe depression is caused by the result of weak will. Many people …show more content…

First, in looking at what depression is and what its genetic and societal causes one can see how depression may be prevented. Second, the effects on the sufferer ranging from tense relationships and the stigma reveals how important it is to find treatments. Finally, there is still work being done to help those with depression including therapy, programs and a change in how depression is understood. Educating yourself in depression and learning things can make a difference in many peoples' lives, including yours. Depression affects millions of people each year, but it needs to come to an end and we need to ice the stigma. How can we prevent

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