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October 27, 2020Why Depression is So Common
Depression, also referred to as major depressive disorder, is a serious mental disorder that negatively affects how you think, act, and feel.
Depression can induce feelings of extreme sadness, which can cause changes in a person’s character and how they treat themselves and others. People who suffer from depression may feel isolated and lonely, and their relationships with friends and family may suffer. This medical illness can lead to additional emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at home or work.
At Banyan Mental Health, we provide treatment for depression to those who are battling with this disorder.
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Our admissions coordinators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have as you consider whether treatment at Banyan is right for you or your loved one.
Signs of Depression
It may be difficult to recognize the signs of major depressive disorder in yourself and your loved ones. Being able to identify the beginnings of this disorder can help us better understand why depression is so common. This disorder can sneak up on a person before they realize the changes it’s made in their thoughts and behavior.
Some signs of depression to look out for include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble remembering
- Fatigue
- Pessimism and hopelessness
- Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
- Sleeping too often or not at all
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in things once enjoyable
- Overeating
- Loss of appetite
- Aches that don’t seem to go away
- Digestive problems that don’t seem to go away
- Constant feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
If you recognize the signs of depression in yourself or someone you know, get help in our partial hospitalization program for mental health.
Is Depression More Prevalent Today?
As society continues to shift and change, stress and depression now seem to be more common. As mental health cases increase, many are left wondering: are people more depressed now? Although it’s tempting to answer “yes”, you should keep in mind that mental health wasn’t always a common, or even acceptable, topic of conversation. It’s only in the last decade or so that mental health is widely expressed, and only recently have people become more willing to discuss their own struggles with mental illness. The rise in the cases of major depressive disorder may result from a combination of social and technological advancements.
A study published in the Social Indicators Research Journal reported that college students in the 2010s were 50 percent more likely to feel overwhelmed than college students in the mid-1980s. The same study also reported that adults were more likely to say their sleep was restless, that they had poor appetite and everything they did required a lot of effort, which are all classic psychosomatic symptoms of depression.1 These results are some of the many that show the increase in individuals who suffer from a major depressive disorder. Fortunately, programs like our mental health residential program are available to help.
Why Is Depression So Common?
There are many reasons that could explain why depression is so common now. Two main factors contributing to the rise in the number of people with depression are social media and the home environment.
Social Media
Interacting with others without physically meeting has been made possible with technology and social media. Nowadays, people don’t have to meet face-to-face to communicate anymore. Instead, they can text, email, call, or even video chat each other. The way we communicate with each other has been affected by this advancement. Although social media allows people to communicate with anyone who has social media of their own, its use also promotes the importance of acceptance from online peers. People have become focused on the number of likes, comments, and shares they get on their content. Social media users are now heavily relying on the opinions of their online peers for self-satisfaction.
Social media also serves as a platform on which people from all around the world can talk about their mental illness. This commodity was not always available, and mental health was not always an acceptable topic for public discussion. In addition to the peak in people with major depressive disorder, it is now being widely discussed without restrictions from social or environmental pressures.
Home Environment
Divorce is also a component of the reason why depression is so common. According to research conducted at the University of Minnesota, demographers found a significant increase in divorce rates between 1990 and 2008. These rates have since doubled in the past two decades.2 Another study reported that in 1970, 84 percent of children lived with their married biological parents, whereas by 2009, only 60 percent of children lived with their biological parents.3 These children grow up experiencing social and cognitive difficulties, like problems with learning, as a result of experiencing divorce and brokenness in their homes. These children eventually grow up to be adults who develop or struggle with mental health issues.
Did People 50 or 75 Years Ago Experience Depression Less Frequently, Or Did They Just Not Talk About It?
The question of whether depression was less common 50 or 75 years ago, or if people simply didn't discuss it, is a multifaceted one. Historically, mental health treatments were not as advanced or effective as they are today. This scarcity of treatment options likely discouraged people from seeking help.
Moreover, societal norms play a significant role. Decades ago, there was a strong stigma attached to mental health issues. Admitting to feeling depressed or seeking therapy was often seen as a sign of weakness. Consequently, people may have suffered in silence rather than openly discuss their struggles.
Modern times are different. With advancements in psychology and a more open dialogue around mental health, individuals are more likely to acknowledge and seek help for depression. This shift in attitudes can make it appear that depression rates are higher today, but it could also mean that more people are just willing to talk about it now.
Because of these factors, many researchers argue that the apparent increase in mental health issues today might be due to greater awareness and openness, rather than an actual rise in the prevalence of depression.
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Why Might People Today Not Recognize Their Depression Symptoms?
Modern life is filled with stress and overwhelming responsibilities, and many individuals don't realize these experiences can signal underlying depression. It's common for people to acknowledge feeling stressed or anxious without labeling these emotions as depression. One reason is the misunderstanding that depression always manifests as severe sadness or crippling fatigue. In reality, depression can present itself through more subtle symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping or issues with memory.
Moreover, the terminology used by mental health professionals can cause confusion. When psychologists refer to stress as anxiety, it heightens the disconnect between what people feel and what they understand about depression. The key lies in recognizing that depression doesn't always announce itself loudly; it often whispers through physical symptoms and altered daily functioning. Recognizing this more nuanced manifestation of depression is crucial for seeking appropriate help.
High Expectations And Positive Self-Views Can Often Set The Stage For Increased Depression And Anxiety. Here's Why:
When individuals are constantly told, "You can be anything you want to be," they may develop sky-high aspirations that aren't always achievable. This disconnect between their dreams and reality can lead to feelings of failure and inadequacy.
Moreover, an overly positive self-view can create a fragile self-esteem. When life doesn't match up to these inflated self-perceptions, it can lead to a significant emotional downturn. People might struggle to cope with setbacks because they haven't been prepared for the possibility of failure.
Several experts have noted this trend. For instance, studies suggest that millennials, often dubbed "Generation Me," have been especially susceptible to this dynamic due to the cultural emphasis on self-esteem and personal success, which began in their formative years.
In essence, when people's expectations are set too high and their self-worth becomes tied to achieving those lofty goals, the inevitable gap between aspiration and reality can trigger anxiety and depression.
To find out more about how we can help you overcome mental illness, call us now at 888-280-2360.
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