Why do I have depression? Why do I feel guilty? Will I be cured? These are some of the most frequent doubts among patients and which “In 30 questions” aims to solve, the first interactive guide on depression that seeks to put an end to misinformation.
Cover of ‘In 30 Questions’, the interactive guide to depression. Image provided by Lundbeck
The large amount of misinformation that circulates on the internet ends up affecting the population to a greater or lesser extent, but especially people with depressionwhich are more vulnerable to bumping into bulls.
This is according to a report prepared by the medium damn sciencefrom which it follows that during the covid-19 pandemic, the 46% of people with symptoms of depression had one more likely to believe misinformation.
In this way, the pharmaceutical company specializing in brain diseases Lundbecknext to the Spanish Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health (SEPSM)the Spanish Society of Primary Care Doctors (SEMERGEN)the National Association of Help for Patients with Depression (ANAED) i the La Barandilla Associationthey have launched ‘In 30 questions’.
This is an interactive guide on depression that aims to answer all these doubts that arise regarding the disease and put an end to misinformation.
‘In 30 questions’
The purpose of the guide is to answer the thirty most frequently asked questions that a person who has just received a diagnosis of depression raises in consultations of primary care, psychiatry and psychology, according to Lundbeck.
Divided into five blocks with interactive videos, it goes deeper into each aspect with different questions.
Why is it happening to me?
Sometimes depression can appear after taking a certain drug (corticosteroids or beta-blockers) or after ingestion toxic substances (alcohol, cannabis or cocaine), according to the guide.
In others, it may be associated with some chronic disease or come preceded by genetic factor.
Faced with this situation, the doctor Guillermo Lahera, full professor of Psychiatry at the University of Alcalá de Henares (Madrid) and head of the Psychiatry section at the Prince of Asturias University Hospitalhe emphasizes: “don’t look for culprits and try to become aware of the problem”.
For her part, the doctor Eva Trivillo, specialist in Family and Community Medicine, CS Campo de Belchite, and vice president of SEMERGEN Aragópoints out that some cognitive symptoms of depression are:
- Lack of concentration.
- Memory loss
- Attention difficulties.
- lack of energy
Also, these are the last to go away, while sadness or the urge to cry are corrected first.
Treatment and recovery from depression
In most cases, depression responds well to treatment (pharmacological and/or therapeutic).
“Depression, properly diagnosed and treated, can be cured”, points out Lahera.
Along these same lines, he points out that you don’t always need to take antidepressants to treat depression, as it will depend on each particular case.
Likewise, the general health psychologist and collaborator with the ANAED Foundation, María Pavónhe emphasizes that “therapy to get out of depression is a fundamental part”.
As for the relapsesLahera explains that “depression can be chronic and recurrent, therefore, yes it can come back”, in this way, it is important to pay attention to residual symptoms.
The importance of a healthy lifestyle
According to Dr. Trivillo, the sport and the healthy food they will contribute positively to the evolution, recovery and prevention of new relapses of depression.
And to avoid new depressive episodes, the protective factors will be essential. Dr. Lahera notes:
- Maintain social relationships.
- Do outdoor sports regularly.
- Do not consume alcohol or other toxic substances, as they affect depression in a very negative way.
- Practice meditation.
- Take care of the food.
- Take care of your sleep habits.
- Maintain preventive, pharmacological or psychotherapeutic treatment.
Family and social environment, a key role in depression
“Listen carefully, without prejudice, without reproaches and even without advice”, is the main recommendation of the coordinator of the ANAED Foundation, José Ramón Pagés-Lluyot.
In addition, the clinical psychologist and coordinator of the Swiss Care and Prevention Area of the La Barandilla Association, Junibel Lanchoindicates some examples that can alert us that a loved one is suffering from depression:
- He doesn’t want to go out.
- He doesn’t talk much.
- He doesn’t sleep well.
- He doesn’t eat or feels bad.
- He verbalizes that he is tired.
- You can’t find solutions to your problems.
- Every day it is ‘uphill’.
Depression and risk of suicide
Suicide prevention is in everyone’s hands, so it is essential to listen carefully to people suffering from depression and know how they feel.
As well as being alert to any change or suspicious behavior.