Stigma And Treatment Of Depression

“Recent data estimate the overall prevalence of depression at about 11.1% of the American population, or nearly 35 million individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). A predictive models suggest that up to 50% of the population will experience at least one episode of depression during their lives” (Life Extension, 2014). Depression has negatively affected the lives of many individuals throughout the world. Look around you there may even be someone close to you that is demonstrating signs of its stifling affects. Depression does not discriminate with its suffocating

To many a stigma is a disgraceful flaw, that of a negative presence. In mental health this stigma is overwhelming. Approximately 57.7 million Americans experience a mental health disorder in any given year. (National Alliance on Mental Illness) People in dire need of help are not seeking it. Mental illnesses are going undiagnosed. The mental health stigma is having a negative impact on the proper diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses.

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

Most people with mental health illness feels diminished, devalued, and fearful because of the prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviours that society held towards them. The stigma associated with mental health illness often marginalized and disenfranchises the affected individuals and families in the society, which means that they “may experience discrimination in areas of health care, employment, education, justice, and housing”(1). The feeling of fear to be discriminated against limited the affected individuals and families to seek help and access benefit, which leading to poverty and unhealthy coping strategies such as substance abuse.

According to the World Health Organization, depression is an illness that affects more than 300 million people (World Health Organization, 2018). Depression is the manifestation of complex intersecting social, psychological factors and can significantly disrupt the day-to-day functions of sufferers (WHO, 2018). As a mood disorder, depression causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Common symptoms of the disorder included feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, anxiety and a myriad of other troublesome symptoms (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Depression, unlike a host of other morbidities, has a unique manifestation in all those it affects and may not

There are many issues in the world that are in need of being addressed; one problem I'd like to concentrate on are the stigmas surrounding mental illness. 1 out of every 4 people will be diagnosed with a mental disorder in their lifetime, but only 2 in 3 people will seek help. Social stigma, discrimination, and the idea of being ostracized by society stop many from reaching out for the help they need. Often times, people do not understand the obstacles people with mental disorders face; those with mental disorders or disabilities are treated with prejudice and inequity. Those with a history of mental health issues are seen as attention seeking, they face isolation, and can be generally unhappy. People with psychiatric disabilities are

“It’s more than just a bout of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness and you can’t simply ‘snap out of it’” (Mayo Clinic Staff 1). One of the most common mental disorders in the United States is Major Depression. It typically ends up with significant impairments that can interfere with one’s daily activities (“Major Depression” 1). Depression is a mental disorder that drastically can change the affected person’s outlook on life and how they handle the world around them. Depression rates have consistently increased worldwide, but, luckily, there are methods to help with the symptoms. This disorder has been made more well known over the years, leading to an increase in preventative measures.The following paper will discuss the rising rates,

According to Mayo Clinic (2017), Major depression is often treatable, with the most effective modalities of treatment being psychotherapy, antidepressant medications such as Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or a combination of the two. Depending on the severity, residential treatment may be necessary (Mayo Clinic, 2017). Although there are multiple routes of treatment for this disorder, there are many severe cases in which patients are resistant to the more commonplace, aforementioned treatments. In these cases, the patient’s psychiatrist may recommend treatment through brain stimulation therapies such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or Electro-convulsive shock therapy (ECT), and sometimes deep brain

There are various stigmas associated with mental illnesses, many of which, are both incorrect, and uninformed. There will be several articles discussed in this paper. All of the articles mentioned here with deal with such mental illness stigmas, such as stigmas that affect the current generation, how the mentally ill are discriminated against in everyday life, and how one’s culture affects how he or she views mental illnesses. Discussed here will also be said article’s findings, such as the results of its experiment, and what measurements were used. These articles agree that stigmas are every where, regardless of culture, age, or social standing, but that the intensity and importance of those stigmas do vary.

Depression is a highly prevalent mental disorder with estimates indicating that it affects up to 6.7 percent of the United States population age eighteen and older in a given year for Major Depression and 1.5 percent for Persistent Depressive Disorder. The prevalence of mental disorders is the greatest among those who are ages 16 to 24 years of age (ADAA, 2016). The prevalence of youth with mood disorders is 11%, with nearly 50% of youth aged 8 to 15 did not receive mental health services in the previous year. The prevalence of adults with major depression is 6.9%, with nearly 60% of adults with a mental illness did not receive mental health services in the previous year (NAMI, 2017). So, as we can see there are numerous studies regarding

In today’s society, ‘depression’ has become a broad term that often gets thrown around in multiple different contexts. However, depression is a serious concern that is diagnosable and can lead to several complications. In 2011, it was found that while 10.7 percent of U.S. college students were diagnosed or treated for depression, up to 50 percent of college students are vulnerable to developing symptoms of depression while attending school (Egbert, Miraldi, & Murniadi 460). Although depression has remained a concern among mental health professionals for decades, there is still a lot to learn about how to treat and prevent this illness.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 350 million people suffer from depression (CITATION).  Even with such a large number of people affected by depression, stigma is an issue in our society because it can result in prejudice.  This prejudice can affect many aspects of everyday life, especially social aspects (Bellanca & Pote 2013).  The stigma surrounding depression is also frequently cited as a barrier to seeking help (Wang citation).  Because of these severe consequences, it is essential to research and implement stigma reduction efforts into society.  Better informing people about depression can change how they view the disorder, which can consequently reduce stigma (Han and chen) (Schiller). Ways to reduce stigma should

When I hear of people being coerced into therapy or any form of human repair, so to speak, it feels alien to me in terms of relating. Why would anyone refuse or avoid help and needing persuasion. The logic is flawed. Me, I am first in the queue concerning help if I need it. Whether the help works is secondary but the seeking behaviour is definitely unabashed on my account and probably why any stigma associated with therapy never stood in my way. Why should there be stigma for seeking and accepting help. In part, the stigma is due to people wishing to avoid admitting their problems to themselves and others’ and fear of being branded dysfunctional. Yet, my definition of dysfunctional people seldom involves those who visit therapists, call them

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.