Photo: Anh Nguyen

To mark World Mental Health Day, HONG KONG BUZZ takes a look at depression. It is a serious matter when you see that one in three Hong Kong youngsters suffers from stress, anxiety or depression (Hong Kong Playground Association) and the suicide rate for people aged 15 to 24 is 9.5 per 100,000 (Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention). Depression can strike at any age.

On medical matters go to a reputable source. Here is the USAs Mayo Clinic on depression:

SYMPTOMS:

The illness is also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, the Mayo Clinic says. Most people with depression will feel better with medicine or psychotherapy or both.

CAUSES

People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. Neuro-transmitters are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that effect mood. Changes in the bodys hormone balance can trigger depression, such as pregnancy or after giving birth. Other causes: thyroid problems, menopause and others. People are more likely to develop depression if their relatives have suffered from it.

RISK FACTORS

Still with the Mayo Clinic they include:

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

The clinic says you can prevent depression by controlling your life and avoiding anything that will cause you stress. Reach out to family or friends and get treatment. The safest medicine with the least side effects is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor such as Celexa or Prozac. These must be prescribed by a medical professional. Other medicines include serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, atypical anti-depressants, tricyclic anti-depressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

HOME REMEDIES

Study the illness by reading reputable books and websites, so you will understand what is happening to you. Pay attention to warning signs such as the onset of symptoms (above). Avoid alcohol and drugs. Eat healthily and be physically active, walking, running or swimming. You may use supplements but be careful because they can interfere with medicines and dont overdose. Mayo Clinic mentions two, St Johns Wort and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Read more from the original source:
A terrible illness: Who do you know who looks melancholic, feels worthless and hopeless, and often thinks of death? - Hong Kong Buzz

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