Depression

Depression is a mental illness characterized by deep and persistent sadness, hopelessness, exhaustion, and loss of interest. It is one of the most common mental illnesses worldwide and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or social status.

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Symptoms of depression can be:

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• Persistent sadness or depression

• Loss of interest in everyday activities and hobbies

• Changes in appetite and sleep patterns

• fatigue and loss of energy

• Problems concentrating and making decisions

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• thoughts of death or suicide

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Depression can be treated with medication and/or psychotherapy. Antidepressants can help relieve symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. Psychotherapy can help identify and manage underlying emotional issues.

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The history of depression dates back to ancient Greece, where Hippocrates of Kos used the term "melancholy" to describe a mood disorder. Depression has been interpreted in different ways over the centuries, ranging from a spiritual obsession to a physical health disorder. Antidepressants were discovered in the 1950s and began to be widely used in the 1960s. In the 1980s, cognitive behavioral therapy was introduced as an effective treatment option.

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The diagnosis and treatment of depression has gained increasing importance in recent years as the World Health Organization has recognized depression as one of the leading causes of disability and impairment. It's important to note that depression is not a weakness or a choice, but a serious condition that should be treated.