But we spend many resources on flu vaccinations, even though they are only effective in preventing 30 percent to 60 percent of cases, depending on the strains that are active each year. Given the burden of these diseases, even preventing a substantial portion of new cases makes both economic and humanitarian sense. Beginning a concerted national effort to prevent depression will require using strategies that can scale up and are inexpensive, in addition to in-person forms of preventive interventions based on traditional psychotherapies.
Internet interventions have been shown to work in the treatment of depression, and some early studies indicate that they can also be effective in stopping new cases, including one randomized controlled study from Germany that shows that new major depressive episodes can be prevented using online interventions. With this knowledge, our research group has argued for the creation of digital apothecaries ; that is, online portals that would provide access to massive open online interventions MOOIs , similar to MOOCs, or massive open online courses.
These MOOIs would provide evidence-based health interventions to anyone wishing to use them at low or no cost, including interventions that teach users mood management interventions to prevent or manage depressive episodes. These digital interventions would adapt the work already done in face-to-face preventive studies that have shown that new episodes can be prevented in people at risk for depression.
By developing, evaluating and disseminating in-person interventions as well as websites and mobile apps designed to prevent depression, we will take an important set of steps in the long road toward a world without depression.
The views expressed are those of the author s and are not necessarily those of Scientific American. Already a subscriber? Sign in. Making changes now can offer long-term benefits to your mental health. Here are some helpful hints that may assist you in keeping depression at bay. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Health Topics. Health Tools. Recent research has shown that regularly consuming a high-fat diet can have similar effects as chronic stress in terms of causing depression. In addition, an unhealthy diet can also deprive your body of vital nutrients it needs to maintain physical and mental health.
Obesity can result in low self-esteem, especially once you start adding in the judgements and criticisms of other people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , there is a clear correlation between being obese and experiencing depression.
A national survey found that 43 percent of adults with depression were obese. Additionally, adults with depression were more likely to be obese than those without it. People with other chronic conditions have a higher risk of developing depression. However, a number of different prescription medications can cause depression as a side effect. Read prescription labels carefully before taking them.
You can talk to your doctor and see if other medications or treatments can resolve your condition without depression as a side effect. The excessive use of alcohol and any drug use not only is associated with higher risks of depression, but also high risks of depression relapse.
Limit alcohol intake, and eliminate any drug use as safely as possible. Learn more about depression relapse ». Smoking and depression can perpetuate each other , though any type of nicotine can act as a depression trigger. There are some depression triggers, but if you know about them, you can plan for them. And that can help you cope preemptively. People with hidden depression may cover their symptoms, even from themselves.
We explore what hidden depression is, how to spot it, and how to find…. A new study points to growing concern about the impact of depression on quality of life around the world. Geriatric depression is a mental and emotional disorder affecting older adults.
Masked depression is a term psychologists and doctors once used to describe depression with physical symptoms rather than mental or mood symptoms. Watching a friend live with depression can be painful, but there are ways to help. Give the patient time to respond to questions and requests. Speak calmly and give clear and concise explanations about care and treatment. Use gentle but persistent encouragement and reassurance to engage the patient in tasks.
Ask the whole healthcare team to adopt a consistent approach. Encourage patients to talk about their mood.
Consider night-time strategies Difficulty getting to sleep, restlessness, nightmares, waking early, loneliness, and the lack of distractions can lead patients to ponder over fears or feelings of hopelessness.
Encourage habits that promote sleep, for example don't have caffeine before bedtime, avoid afternoon napping, make sure the room is dark and noise is minimal. A familiar staff member who listens can be comforting. It may be easier for some people to express their thoughts and feelings when the ward is quieter. Explore treatment options Talk to the person and the healthcare team about treatment options. Encourage strategies to reduce anxiety, such as relaxation techniques.
Request a medication review to determine whether pharmacological treatment is appropriate. Note that antidepressants may be overprescribed and should be reserved for patients with chronic, recurrent or severe depression. Discuss whether a referral to a psychologist for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to change negative thought patterns and Interpersonal Therapy to improve relationships and cope with grief may be appropriate.
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