According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the estimated number of people around the world affected by depression are around 350 million. It is the most common illness worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. WHO states that it is a common mental disorder that is characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that a person usually enjoys, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities for at least two full weeks.

What causes depression?
While the cause of depression is not fully understood, it is likely to be a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and biological and psychosocial factors. Also, while depression can affect people of all ages from all walks of life, poverty, unemployment, life events like the death of a loved one or a relationship break-up, and physical illness are likely to increase the risk.

The symptoms involve losing interest in doing things that one would usually enjoy, change in appetite and sleep patterns, and feeling sad for at least 2 weeks.

Approaches to treat depression
If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, patients are advised to get professional help from a therapist who can evaluate the symptoms and recommend the right approach for treatment. It is a condition that can be treated by therapy, prescribed treatment options, or both, and the treatment approaches vary depending on the type of depression. Here are some psychotherapy approaches to know about:

• Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
  This approach focuses on the past and present social roles and interpersonal interactions of the patient and attempts to help them find better ways to deal with their current problems.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  It focuses on helping patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behavior. Additionally, this approach helps patients identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that affect them negatively.
• Problem solving therapy
  This approach helps patients address problem orientation, define their problems, brainstorm and evaluate solutions, and then take action. It focuses on helping patients cope with difficulties and proactively seek solutions and implement them.

Apart from psychotherapy, patients might need certain other treatment options to help them recover from this disorder. However, these treatments should be taken only with a prescription, so it is important to consult a professional psychiatrist to diagnose the condition and prescribe treatment options accordingly. Remember that help is always available, and you are not alone. Reach out.