Depression is one of the biggest and most well-known mental health problems, affecting the wellbeing of people from all walks of life. It can lead to a severe decline in physical health and happiness and is one of the prime contributors to suicide.
Some people may be at greater risk of mental health issues because they have a family history of mental illness. Some types of illnesses are thought to have a hereditary element. Sometimes a person’s personal history can be the key factor: someone who has previously used drugs or been involved in some kind of serious trauma can be more susceptible to mental illness.
This means that we can be aware of those in society who are at risk of poor mental health and can keep a watchful eye on those who have gone through a traumatic event such as suffering a loss or the decline of a business. There is also thought to be a link between low economic status and poor mental health, as the stress of attempting to survive under difficult circumstances starts to pervade.
Depression is one illness for which it can be hard to pinpoint a contributing factor. It is often quite a misunderstood illness, with sufferers being told that they must ‘cheer up’ or that they have no real ‘reason’ to feel depressed. Whilst it can be linked to difficult circumstances of trauma, it can also occur for no discernible reason, and can range from a mild illness which lasts only a few weeks to a severe illness which lasts for many years. Sufferers may feel extremely low and worthless, suffer from fatigue and insomnia and lose interest in food and in their lives. Depression, along with other forms of mental illness can become from frequent with age, but can also successfully be treated with medication.