Depression: Silent killer
Miriam Webster’s dictionary definition of the word depression is “a psychotic disorder marked by sadness, inactivity, and difficulty in thinking and concentration”. More than 21 million people in America suffer from this disorder. It is the cause of disabilities, illnesses, (such as insomnia, chronic pain and cancer), more than 30,000 million suicides in the U.S each year and is responsible for lost productive time owing to about $31 billion per year. According to studies, depression is found mostly in people between the ages of 15-44. Those suffering from depression report having felt guilty, alone, and worthless in a days event. It leaves those suffering with an impaired concentration, indecisiveness and restlessness. Amongst these many symptoms, depression may also cause a loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, such as spending time with loved ones, extracurricular activities and even sex, overeating or appetite loss and thoughts of suicide or attempts at suicide.
Depression is a chronic disorder that over 20 million Americans face daily. It is a quiet illness and a silent killer. Depression is consuming and though treatable, many people are found victims to this disorder. It is a disability than can be cured and conquered, yet many find the idea of receiving help for such an issue “ludicrous” or “ridiculous”. Treatments include psychosocial treatment and medication. However, less than half of those suffering receive proper care. In fact, according to Dr Shekhar Saxena, Director of the Department for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, less than 10% of people who have depression receive treatment. Up to 15% of people who are clinically diagnosed with depression die by suicide. It is estimated that there are about 11 attempted suicides per suicide death, making suicide by depression the tenth leading cause of