Liceo Bilingüe del Sur

February 16th. 2022

Depression
Social Issue

Jessica Pérez
6th. P. C.

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 Index
Objectives ………………………………………………………….........……………...5

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………4

Chapter 1: What is depression? …………………………………………….......…...….5

Chapter 2: Depression as a social issue ……………………………………….......…...10

Chapter 3: Solution …………………………………………………………………....14

Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………17

References …………………………………………………………………………….18

Annexes ………………………………………………………………………………19

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 Objectives
To inform and make people aware of the number of people suffering from
depression and how it affects and generates an impact on society so that the number
of people suffering from this disorder increases more and more every day.

To make people aware of this disorder, which is not simply sadness or a feeling of
decay, but rather a mental disorder that affects the person who suffers from it and
their social environment.

To find a solution to this social problem, and not just talk about it. Disseminating
real statistical data to raise awareness and give this disorder the importance it
deserves to promote its eradication.

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 Introduction
Do you really know what depression is? Do you know if you have this disorder?
Below I will help you answer these questions and many others about the relationship
between depression and society, as well as the reason why this disorder has become
a social issue and has greatly affected the development of our community. In the
same way, the subject will be addressed according to the Bible and the way in which
it combats depression as well as medical treatments that will be of great help to
combat it and thus reduce the impact it has on society.

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 What is depression?
Etymology: "push down physically, press or move downward" is from early 15c.; that of "deject, make
gloomy, lower in feeling" is from 1620s; economic sense of "lower in value" is from 1878.

The term "Depression" refers to a larger force exerted on a person downwards. We understand then that
this disorder has symptoms of discouragement, decay, sadness, etc. That is, it does not allow normal
activities to be carried out on a regular basis.

Symptoms

Many people think that they do not have this disorder even though they suffer from symptoms of
depression since these can be complex and vary greatly from one person to another. If you are depressed,
you may feel sad, hopeless, and lose interest in things you used to enjoy. They have become so common
in society that for this reason we already see them as normal. However, if symptoms persist for weeks or
months and are severe enough to interfere with work, social life, and family life. This disorder carries
different symptoms, such as psychological, physical, and social.

Symptoms include low or irritable mood most of the time, difficulty falling asleep or being too sleepy,
large change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss, anxiety and lack of energy, feelings of
worthlessness, self-hatred and guilt, difficulty concentrating, slow or rapid movements, inactivity and
withdrawal from usual activities, feelings of hopelessness or abandonment, repetitive thoughts of death
or suicide. These are general in adults, however in children or adolescents they can be even more
complicated to notice, you must take into account their performance as a student, their way of eating, the
amount of physical activity they practice and even their way of socializing with the people around him.

We now know that depression is actually a mental disorder and not just a passing feeling of sadness.

Causes

There are a variety of reasons why a person can fall into depression, from a family loss to an unwanted
pregnancy.

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Different reasons are complex, these can be, climate change, change of social environment, that is, work,
neighborhood or school; changes in general are a main cause. Another is family problems, such as
physical or verbal abuse, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, divorce or separation from mother or father, loss
of a close relative, we can think that what we feel is sadness, but there is a very thin thread between feeling
sad and have depression In the same way because of an illness, a love breakup, an unwanted pregnancy
or an accident after childbirth, a vice, whether alcohol or drugs, among many others which could be
included in this list.

We can now think that society today is depressed by everything, this disorder is fashionable, anyone can
have it without knowing anything about it. That is why we must inform ourselves and give it the
importance it deserves to be treated. It is true there are people who get depressed for insignificant things
in my opinion, but my duty is not to judge them but to help them. Well, they will have their own reasons
for feeling that way.

Types of depression

Depression can manifest itself in different ways. The disorders below are all forms of what experts call
"unipolar depression." The term "unipolar" is used to distinguish it from bipolar depression, which
involves a combination of extreme emotional lows and highs.

 Major depressive disorder

This is the most well-known type of depression, in which someone experiences severe symptoms that last
between two weeks and several months. An episode of depression may occur only once, but in most cases
the depression will recur at other times.

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  Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)

This is a form of depression in which someone experiences the same symptoms as major depressive
disorder, but in a milder form. And instead of occurring in episodes over several weeks or months, the
symptoms last a year or more. In persistent depressive disorder, the symptoms may be more or less severe
at different times, but they do not stop for a period of more than two months.

 Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.

DMDD is a relatively new diagnosis given to children who frequently react with explosive tantrums to
things that don't seem like a big deal. In the periods between tantrums, they are irritable most of the time.
They blow up very easily and have a low tolerance for frustration.

 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

PMDD is a disorder that affects some women and girls in the week before their period, when hormones
spike. The symptoms are similar to those of premenstrual syndrome or PMS, but are so severe that they
seriously affect daily life.

 Seasonal affective disorder

It is a type of depression that comes and goes with the changing seasons. It has the same symptoms as
major depressive disorder, but it only occurs during certain months of the year. Its technical name is
“major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern”.

Most people with seasonal affective disorder become depressed in the fall and winter, possibly because
decreased sunlight in winter affects brain chemicals, which in turn affect mood and energy levels. But for
some people, depressive episodes are triggered in the summer.

 Bipolar disorder

Amental condition marked by alternating periods of elation and depression.

We could mention many other types that exist, however, these are the best known.

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 What does the bible say about depression?

I" am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about turning. My back is filled with searing
pain; there is no health in my body." Psalms 38:6-7

Depression is a widely spread illness affecting millions of people, both Christians and non-Christians.
Those suffering from depression may experience intense feelings of sadness, anger, hopelessness, fatigue,
and a variety of other symptoms. They may begin to feel worthless and even contemplate suicide, losing
interest in things and people they used to enjoy. Depression is often triggered by life circumstances, such
as job loss, death of a loved one, divorce, or psychological problems such as abuse or low self-esteem.

The Bible tells us to be full of joy and praise (Philippians 4:4; Romans 15:11), so apparently God intends
that we live joyful lives. This is not easy for someone going through a depressive situation, but it can be
improved through God's gifts in prayer, Bible studies and their application, support groups, fellowship
with other believers, confession, forgiveness and counseling. We must make a conscious effort not to be
self-absorbed, but rather to direct our efforts outward. Feelings of depression can often be resolved when
the sufferer turns their attention away from themselves and toward Christ and others.

Clinical depression is a physical condition that must be diagnosed by a medical specialist. It may not be
caused by unfortunate life circumstances, nor can the symptoms be relieved on their own. Contrary to
what some in the Christian community believe, clinical depression is not always caused by sin. Sometimes
depression can be a disorder that needs to be treated with medication and/or counseling. Of course, God
is able to cure any disease or disorder; however, in some cases, seeing a doctor for depression is no
different than seeing a doctor for an injury.

There are some things those who suffer from depression can do to ease their anxiety. They need to make
sure they stand on the Word, even when they don't feel like it. Emotions can lead us astray, but the Word
of God remains firm and unchanging. We must also8keep firm our faith in God, and draw even closer to
Him when we go through trials and temptations. The Bible tells us that God will never allow temptations
in our lives that are beyond our ability to handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). Although being depressed is not
There are some things those who suffer from depression can do to ease their anxiety. They
need to make sure they stand on the Word, even when they don't feel like it. Emotions can lead
us astray, but the Word of God remains firm and unchanging. We must also keep firm our faith
in God, and draw even closer to Him when we go through trials and temptations. The Bible
tells us that God will never allow temptations in our lives that are beyond our ability to handle
(1 Corinthians 10:13). Although being depressed is not a sin, the Christian is responsible for
how he responds to distress, including getting the professional help he needs. “So let us always
offer to God through Him a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess His name”
(Hebrews 13:15).

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 Depression as a social issue
Depression causes a level of distress among those who suffer from it that can affect their ability to carry
out even the simplest of everyday tasks. It significantly damages relationships with family, friends and
participation in the world of work, with the consequent economic and social impact. Depending on the
number and intensity of symptoms, depression can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The extreme
risk of depression is suicide. It is estimated that 800 thousand people commit suicide annually. Young
people between 15 and 29 years old are the most affected, a situation that deepens the social and economic
effects of the disease. Depression is, in fact, the leading cause of disability, generating a significant burden
of morbidity and mortality in countries and significant additional pressure on health systems.

Despite the existence of effective treatments, half of those affected worldwide (and more than 90% in
many countries) do not receive adequate treatment for this condition. But, depression can be better
understood and, from that greater knowledge, can be prevented, treated and reduce the stigma associated
with the disease. Eventually, a better social acceptance of depression should also lead to a greater
expression of the self-contained demand of those who, for one reason or another related to stigma and
fear of rejection, the costs of care, distance or time restrictions services, hesitate to express their condition
and seek the professional help they require. Indeed, this brings with it a number of significant challenges
for health systems.

Indeed, health systems must implement -or reinforce when they already exist- professional services to
offer psychological treatments, such as behavioral activation, cognitive behavioral therapy and
interpersonal psychotherapy, or antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants. Likewise, health systems must be able to reduce the adverse
effects of antidepressants, the possibilities of indicating and maintaining treatment, as well as considering
the individual preferences of those who suffer from depression. The main psychological treatments that
should be privileged are face-to-face, individual or group treatments, dispensed by duly qualified
professionals. In the case of mild depression, psychosocial treatments should be preferred over
antidepressants.

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Depression causes a level of distress among those who suffer from it that can affect their ability to carry
out even the simplest of everyday tasks. It significantly damages relationships with family, friends, and
participation in the world of work, with the consequent economic and social impact.

“Every time a person gets depressed, the connections in the brain between mood, thoughts, the body, and
behavior get stronger, making it easier for depression to be triggered again.”

The fact that depressive disorder exists linked to the way of life of societies is nothing new, nor is it
something that is expected only with changes in mood. Virtually all psychological problems can be
promoted or weakened by how we are used to interacting with the environment and with ourselves, which
depends as much on the culture in which we grow up and learn, as on the material reality of the countries
we inhabit.

Factors of daily life that reinforce depressive disorder

These are different habits and routines that feed clinical depression and that our current way of life
encourages.

1. Rumination

Our lifestyle fills us with opportunities to spend a good part of the day thinking over and over again about
things that concern us. This vicious cycle of unpleasant and intrusive thoughts is called psychological
rumination, and it is one of the factors that maintains depression. Rumination is not only fueled by free
time in which we have no plans and let our minds wander through a series of negative thoughts; In
addition, tools such as the Internet can cause us to constantly expose ourselves to content that feeds our
concern and despair. Let's think for a moment about the teenager who feels bad about her body and looks
for hours at photos of models, on the one hand, and blog posts or social networks of other young women
who share their most pessimistic thoughts or even their desire to end into your life at some point.

2. Social isolation

Today it is perfectly possible to spend several weeks without speaking to practically anyone, or directly
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without leaving home. This type of extreme social isolation reinforces the possibility that depression arises
and remains, for several reasons: the deterioration of physical health, the lack of references about how to
2. Social isolation

Today it is perfectly possible to spend several weeks without speaking to practically anyone, or directly
without leaving home. This type of extreme social isolation reinforces the possibility that depression arises
and remains, for several reasons: the deterioration of physical health, the lack of references about how to
deal with sadness or melancholy, the lack of reasons to think that someone cares about us, etc.

3. Lack of sleep

Sleep deprivation is also surprisingly common these days, and is another phenomenon that increases the
risk of clinical depression. The unstructured work schedules typical of the life of the self-employed,
overwork, or loneliness or lack of plans, for example, enhance the possibility that we do not sleep enough
hours or at the right time.

4. Competitiveness

The competitive mentality taken to the extreme, so typical of today's labor market, makes us tend to
constantly compare ourselves with others. This creates many opportunities for us to feel bad about our
way of life and to get frustrated at not reaching unreasonable goals, even though objectively we have our
physiological needs met.

Among other ways in which society promotes depression in children and adolescents. such as stereotypes,
social status, economic status, etc.

Example

To talk about an example, it is not necessary to travel to the other side of the world.

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From within Guatemala itself, a previous, nonrandom survey of 86 Guatemalans found a prevalence
estimate of 40.7% for depression, 23.3% for alcohol-related disorders, and 50% for PTSD. It could be
said that the majority of Guatemalan people do not visit a specialist when presenting symptoms of mental
disorders. That percentage of the population that has fallen into depression still does not know it and does
not treat it, greatly affects the development of our community, because we have fallen into conformism,
another symptom of depression, and we believe that it is not worth leaving where we are from; We have
become accustomed to calling Guatemala "an underdeveloped country" because we don't even call it
"developing" anymore. My point is that due to the amount of population that suffers from this disorder
and does not treat it in the correct way to combat it.

Thus we can exemplify the great impact that depression causes on society, and we can see that we urgently
need to reduce and even eradicate this disorder and with it the social problem it has caused.

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 Solution
Today, this disease is treated as a social disorder due to the amount of population in the world that suffers
from it. It could be said that depression is fashionable, that is, anyone has depression today, however, we
do not give it the importance its treatment deserves, do we? I think this question has many answers, such
as "I don't have time to go to the doctor, it will pass", "Of course, I don't have depression, I just need time,
because time heals everything", "I don't need help, I'll get by on my own”, "I'm not crazy to see a
psychologist." Indeed, you do not need to be crazy to visit a psychologist, time does not cure everything,
on the contrary, it hurts more, it is enough to at least recognize that help is needed, that what one feels is
not normal or common, it is You might think that it is normal because many people have similar symptoms
and that is why we do not stop to treat this disorder.

Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depression. Your GP or psychiatrist
may prescribe medication to relieve symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from
seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional. Stopping an antidepressant
without first talking to your doctor is not recommended. Antidepressants are not considered addictive, but
they can sometimes cause physical dependence (which is not the same as addiction). Stopping treatment
abruptly or missing multiple doses can cause withdrawal-like symptoms, and stopping the medication
suddenly can worsen depression. Work with your doctor to lower your dose gradually and safely. They
also recommend oxygenating your ideas, practicing activities that you like, etc. But I think that more than
following the indications of an antidepressant to the letter, we must change our way of thinking, try to see
everything from a positive point of view. see because everything happens for a reason. And above all, it
seems to me that the most important thing is to put our lives in the hands of God because only he is in
control of everything, and only with his help can we get out of this mess and start having a productive life
for our society.

God encourages us to "call on him in the day of trouble; I will deliver you" Psalm 50:15. Hopelessness is
one of the characteristic symptoms of depression.

We live in a fallen world, in which good things can

The joy of salvation comes from realizing, over and over again, that our sins have been forgiven and that
We live in a fallen world, in which good things can come to an end. The tragic dimension of life will be
present until the kingdom of God fully comes with the return of Jesus.

The joy of salvation comes from realizing, over and over again, that our sins have been forgiven and that
we will live forever with the eternally happy God, who wants us to share in his joy. We must never
"overcome" the gospel.

Here are some practical strategies to help other people dealing with depression. However, it should never
be assumed that there are no medical problems that require attention.

Identify the causes.

Depression is often not just something we have, it's something we do. Examine your heart with this
question: If your depression could talk, what would it say? What does it say about you? To others? Bye
Bye? Depression is an active experience and can be the result of many sources.

Look at your lifestyle.

Assess recommendations for lifestyle issues such as overwork, lack of exercise, sleep difficulties,
procrastination, unresolved stressors, lack of spiritual disciplines.

Resolve conflicts.

Dealing with troubled relationships, past or present.

Get to work.

Assign active loving tasks performed for the benefit of others. Helping others can provide a new
perspective on life.

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 Conclusion

All in all, we understand that depression is a very common current issue and that it has become a
social problem due to the great impact it generates on society. Taking into account all the negative
aspects that this disorder brings to our community, preventing its development, we must stop looking
at ourselves and recognize what kind of help we need, because change begins with each one of us,
so if I want to promote development, my community, I must start by changing my way of thinking,
seeing everything from a positive side, investing my time in people and activities that benefit me,
channeling my emotions and being aware of my actions. All this is to avoid falling into depression
and prevent the development of society. We can now take into account each treatment and
recommendation presented to treat this disorder in ourselves or guide another person who suffers
from these symptoms.

To avoid depression, it can be helpful to follow a regular exercise program as it releases a chemical
in the brain, serotonin, which stimulates mood. Mental health can be strengthened through cognitive
behavioral therapy that teaches techniques to solve stress and anxiety problems. Recent studies have
shown that diet can play a big role in depression. Avoid foods and drinks such as alcohol, caffeine,
sugar, chocolate, cakes, cookies, cheese, and bread. These foods raise blood sugar suddenly, but it
doesn't last long. Before long your blood sugar level will plummet leaving you feeling anxious,
irritable, and depressed. A chemical found in fish, omega-3 fatty acid, has been shown to boost
mood. It is found in salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Vegetarians can eat nuts and tofu. Protein-rich
foods such as meat, fish, beans, and eggs can also boost your mood.

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 References
Bruce, D. F. (23rd. de June de 2021). Types of Depression. (J. Casarella, Editor) Recuperado el 8th. de
February de 2022, de WEBMD: https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-types

Crown. (2019, December 10th.). Causes - Clinical depression. Retrieved February 8th., 2022, from NHS:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/causes/

Crown. (2019, December 10th.). Symptoms - Clinical depression. Retrieved February 8th., 2022, from
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/symptoms/

Harper, D. (2021-2022). Depression. Retrieved Februry 8th., 2022, from ONLINE ETIMOLOGY DICTONARY:
https://www.etymonline.com/word/depression

Higuera, V. (2021, November 1st.). Everything You Need to Know About Depression (Major Depressive
Disorder). (V. Saripalli, Editor) Retrieved February 8th., 2022, from HELTHLINE:
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression#outlook

Marano, H. E. (2013, February 28th.). Depression as a Social Disease. Retrieved February 28th., 2022,
from Psycology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-is-he-
thinking/201802/depression-social-disease

Rich Furman, K. B. (2003, September 30th.). The Social Problem of Depression: A Multi-theoretical
Analysis The Social Problem of Depression: A Multi-theoretical Analysis. Retrieved February 8th.,
2022, from The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare:
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2920&context=jssw

Victor D. Puec-Polanco, V. A.-S. (2015, April). Previous Violent Events and Mental Health Outcomes in
Guatemala. Retrieved February 9th., 2022, from US NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE/NATIONAL
ISTITUTES OF HEALTH:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4358168/#:~:text=From%20within%20Guatema
la%20itself%2C%20a,%2C%20and%2050%25%20for%20PTSD.

What does the Bible say about depression? (n.d.). Retrieved February 8th., 2022, from Got Questions
Ministries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVypcqtyb0k
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Wiliams, S. (2015, December 17th.). What Does the Bible Say About Depression? Retrieved February 8th.,
2022, from Life Way: https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/pastor-depression-eight-biblical-
strategies-for-counseling-depression
What does the Bible say about depression? (n.d.). Retrieved February 8th., 2022, from Got Questions
Ministries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVypcqtyb0k

Wiliams, S. (2015, December 17th.). What Does the Bible Say About Depression? Retrieved February 8th.,
2022, from Life Way: https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/pastor-depression-eight-biblical-
strategies-for-counseling-depression

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Annexes

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