Definition of Depression

Abdulaziz AlObaied

MMB4, 36-1-1-1-0171

October 12, 2016

ENGLISH 211

Final draft

Depression

      Nowadays, diseases are varied and the most common type of diseases is mental diseases.

Depression is considered as one type of mental illnesses which are chronic disorders and serious

conditions that effect human’s behavior or lifestyle. The NIMH (The National Institute of Mental

Health) estimates that there are 16 million adults who had at least one major depressive episode

in 2012 in the United State. That is mean 6.9 percent of the population. According to the World

Health Organization (WHO), 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression^[1]. This essay

will examine the definition of depression by covering three main themes; definition, symptoms

and treatment of depression.

      In fact, depression is not only a psychological problem, but also a medical condition

pertaining to the mental process and the social life. Depression has been around since the start of

humanity. Authentic archives written by healers or specialists, philosophers and authors

throughout the ages indicate to the long-standing presence of depression as a health problem,

however, initially depression was called "melancholia" ^[2]. Therefore, sadness and being alone are

the normal condition of human emotions, but depression is a period of overwhelming sadness

which involves a loss of interest in things that used to bring pleasure ^[3]. Those feelings are usually

accompanied by other emotional and physical symptoms ^[4]. The two types of depression are

slightly different, and each type may develop under unique circumstances. When depression lasts

two years or more, it is called persistent depressive disorder. A less common type of depression

is called bipolar disorder or manic-depressive illness. 

       Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms.

Being sad and miserable for a long time might be the first sign of depression. Emotional

symptoms include anger management issues, nervousness and restlessness, extreme irritability

over minor things and thoughts of loss of life or suicide ^[5]. However, the other type of symptoms

is physical symptoms which include sleep disturbances, weight changes and unexplained pains ^[6].

       There is nobody proven a way that people recover from depression. In addition, there is a

range of effective treatments and health professionals who can help the patient on the way to

recovery ^[7]. Moreover, there are two types of treatments whether psychological or medical

treatments. Psychological treatments (also known as talking therapies) can help to change the

thinking patterns and improve the coping skills so it is better equipped to deal with life's stressors

and conflicts ^[8]. Individuals with more severe forms of depression (bipolar disorder and