What is Depression? - Vista Winds Retirement

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a frequent and alarming mental disorder that negatively impacts how you feel, act, think, and observe the world.

Almost 3 in 10 adults (30%) have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives and around 18% are presently encountering depression, as reported by a 2023 national survey. Women are more probably than men and younger adults are more probable than older adults to encounter depression. Whereas depression can happen any time and any age, on average it can initially appear throughout someone’s late teens to mid-twenties.

Symptoms of Depression

Symptoms can vary from mild to serious and can appear in a different way for each individual. These symptoms can comprise of:
Feelings of sadness, irritability, emptiness and/or hopelessness.
Losing interest or enjoyment in activities you’ve once enjoyed.
A considerable change in appetite (eating a lot less or more than typical) and/or weight (notable loss or gain unassociated to dieting).
Not sleeping enough or sleeping too much.
Reduced energy or increased weariness or fatigue
Increase in meaningless physical activity (for instance inability to stay still, roaming, hand squeezing) or slowed speech or actions that are severe enough to be noticeable by others.
Feelings of worthlessness or overly guilt.
Difficulty concentrating or thinking, forgetfulness, and/or challenges making minor choices.
Thoughts of death, suicidal conception, or suicidal behaviors.

It is typical to experience instances of sadness or feeling “down in the dumps” or the blues as part of human life. Nevertheless, a diagnosis of depression requires that the preceding symptoms happen for most of the day, almost every day, for more than 2 weeks, along with an obvious change in daily functioning (for instance in work/school implementation, individual relationships, and activities). Thankfully, there are treatments for depression.

Risk Factors for Depression

Depression can impact anyone—even those who appear to have it all. Many factors can play a part in depression. A lot of factors can play a part in depression:

Biochemical: Variations in certain chemicals in the brain (like the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) could add to symptoms of depression.
Genetic: Depression can run in families. For instance, when one identical twin has depression, the other has a seventy percent chance of having the illness sometime in their life.
Personality: Those with low self-esteem, that are easily overwhelmed by stress, or those that are typically pessimistic might be more possible to experience depression.
Environmental: Continual exposure to violence, desolation, abuse or impoverishment can also generate risks for developing depression.

How Is Depression Treated?

Depression is one of the most treatable mental illnesses. Between seventy and ninety percent of those with depression at the end of the day respond well to treatment.

To diagnose depression, a health care professional is going to conduct a thorough diagnostic assessment that includes an extensive interview to go over your symptoms as well as your medical, personal, and family histories. Additionally, a physical examination is required to be carried out to check for underlying medical conditions that may simulate depression — like hormonal imbalances, vitamin insufficiencies, neurological issues and drug or alcohol abuse. Imaging and laboratory tests could also be included in the assessment as part of the medical checkup. The assessing medical professional is going to take all these aspects into account as they develop a diagnosis and suggest a personalized treatment plan.

Vista Winds Is An Upscale Retirement Community Located In Peoria, Arizona

If you are doing research about retirement communities in Peoria, Arizona, Vista Winds Retirement Home should definitely be on your list. Vista Winds offers retirement living at its finest. We have a rich calendar of activities, meals prepared by a Chef and caregivers on staff 24 hours a day for your health and safety. We offer award winning independent living, assisted living and memory care services. Come tour our community to see how we are a step above the rest and how easy it is to Make Yourself at Home! Vista Winds is surrounded by amazing views and our resort style property will be sure to impress!

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