Depression affects individuals of all genders, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Today, we face numerous risk factors that can trigger depression in unexpected ways. Factors such as upbringing, societal conditions, expectations, pressures, comparisons, and interpersonal relationships with family, partners, friends, and colleagues—as well as neurochemical imbalances in the brain—can all contribute to the onset of depression.
Often, depression develops gradually. One may fall into depression without realizing it until the symptoms have progressively disrupted daily life, behavior, thought processes, and emotional well-being.
Causes
- Stress: This is a universal factor affecting everyone. Stress may arise from academic challenges, professional responsibilities, or the pressure stemming from parental expectations for children to excel and stand out.
- Impact of Upbringing: This factor can originate from unpreparedness for parenthood, adverse living conditions, or improper parenting practices. Such early-life influences may establish deeply ingrained belief systems and behavioral patterns that later contribute to social conflicts.
Recognizable Symptoms of Depression
- Reduced concentration, mental fog, a slowed emotional response, and psychomotor retardation.
- Increased irritability, a quick temper, restlessness, and diminished patience.
- Unexplained episodes of crying, along with excessive emotional reactivity to distressing events.
- Either hypersomnia (excessive sleep) or, in some cases, insomnia.
- A marked decline in interest in activities once enjoyed.
- Persistent fatigue and a lack of motivation.
- Feelings of emptiness, diminished self-worth, suicidal ideation, and in severe cases, even suicide attempts.
Treatment for Depression
The cornerstone of depression treatment is a combination of counseling, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy using antidepressants. In cases where symptoms are severe, hospitalization may be necessary. With appropriate and timely treatment, most patients can experience significant improvement and eventually resume normal daily activities and work.
For further inquiries, please contact the Department of Internal Medicine at 055-051-771.
We gratefully acknowledge the information provided by Paolo Hospital and Bangkok Hospital.
This translation adheres to correct English grammar and utilizes established medical terminology, reflecting over 20 years of experience in health journalism.
