{"id":3360,"date":"2015-10-09T10:57:02","date_gmt":"2015-10-09T10:57:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.medic8.com\/news\/?p=3360"},"modified":"2015-10-09T12:55:28","modified_gmt":"2015-10-09T12:55:28","slug":"8-facts-about-depression-7776","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.medic8.com\/news\/8-facts-about-depression-7776\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Facts About Depression-7776"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NHS estimates that around 1 in 5\u00a0people in the UK suffer with depression to some degree at some point in their lives. Awareness of depression has increased over the last few years but there are various myths and misconceptions around, with many medical experts believing that depression is poorly understood. Here are 8 facts about depression to provide you with more insight and information about this common mental health<\/a> problem:<\/p>\n

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  1. Depression is more than an extreme feeling of sadness<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Sadness is a natural human response to certain situations we face in our day to day lives. Extreme sadness is a symptom of depression, but it is also characterised by prolonged periods of helplessness and worthlessness. These periods can last for months or even years at a time.<\/p>\n

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    1. Depression affects at least 10 percent of the population<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Statistics suggest that at least 10% of people\u00a0people will experience depression at some point in their life. Depression is actually a common illness and can affect people of all ages, ethnicities and social backgrounds.<\/p>\n

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      1. It can be difficult to detect depression<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Depression is an internal illness characterised by a mixture of emotions that can be hard to spot by other people. Although depression does cause physical symptoms, for example weight loss<\/a> (or gain), sleep disturbances and bowel changes, it can go unnoticed by other people for long periods of time. Many people choose to mask their feelings and often people who seem outgoing, happy or confident on the outside are actually suffering with mental or emotional problems on the inside.<\/p>\n

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        1. Depression can sometimes require extensive treatment<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Depression is an illness and it its most severe form it can be life-threatening. People suffering with clinical depression require medical help and support as much as those with physical illnesses.<\/p>\n

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          1. Depression has an effect on physical health<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            It\u2019s understandable to assume that depression primarily affects mental health, but it also commonly results in physical health problems. Possible effects of depression include:<\/p>\n