Depression is very common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the leading cause of ill health and disability globally.
This condition can affect the way a person thinks, feels and manages daily activities, often having a significant impact on quality of life.
How depression is experienced can vary from person to person, and the condition can also be classified as mild, moderate or severe.
When a depressive disorder is diagnosed, it is usually classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Moderately severe depression is marked by depressive symptoms that can affect a person’s ability to function normally. It can differ from mild depression in the severity and frequency of symptoms a person experiences.
Someone with moderate depression may experience symptoms that are more severe in severity and duration than someone with mild depression. They may also have more symptoms than someone with mild depression.
Symptoms of moderate depression
Avoiding social activities
Changes in appetite
Decrease in productivity
Hopelessness and guilt
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty sleeping
Excessive worry
Fatigue or lack of energy
Feelings of hopelessness
Irritability
Lack of motivation
Low self-esteem
People with moderate depression may experience feelings of sadness or inner emptiness almost daily that persist for long periods of time. Activities that used to provide joy or interest can become unsatisfying for those with moderate depression. A significant drop in energy levels can be seen, even in simple daily tasks.
Weight loss or gain in the absence of a diet or significant physical activity can be a symptom of moderate depression. People with moderate depression may experience feelings of excessive guilt or worthlessness.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis of depression depends on the clinical judgment of a doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist. With the right treatment, many people diagnosed with depression have a chance at a balanced and happy life. There are two therapeutic approaches: psychotherapy and drug therapy. The two are not only not mutually exclusive, they complement each other.
Regular physical activity has been shown to help prevent and treat depression. Studies have even shown that exercise can be an effective first-line treatment for mild to moderate depression.
Eating a balanced diet can have a positive impact on mental health. To prevent depressive episodes or alleviate their symptoms, fresh fruits and vegetables are recommended, which provide us with antioxidants beneficial for brain health. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna or mackerel, which provide us with vitamin D, vitamin B12 and omega 3 fatty acids, all of which are important for the nervous system.
Make sure you have a regular sleep schedule and get enough rest.
Severe depression can have a devastating impact on a person’s life and often requires urgent intervention and appropriate treatment. While moderate depression may be easier to manage and respond to initial treatment, severe depression often requires more intensive medical attention and a more complex treatment plan.
Regardless of the severity of depression, seeking professional help is crucial to managing and treating this disorder.
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