DEPRESSION
Author: Tushar Jain
DEPRESSION :
Richard, (1992) emphasizes a common emotional disorder, affecting a significant portion of the population, with clinical depression responsible for 70% of suicides in the UK. Despite advances in its recognition and treatment, depression remains underdiagnosed and stigmatized. It is often accompanied by anxiety and physical symptoms, complicating diagnosis. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, and social interventions, with newer antidepressants showing promise in reducing side effects. Depression is a serious illness with broad social and economic implications.
DEPRESSION IN THE STUDENT ENVIRONMENT:
Oprea-Valentin, (2022) states that it is a growing issue among students, often triggered by academic pressures and social challenges. Symptoms include sadness, hopelessness, and physical changes like insomnia, which can severely impact their well-being. Early intervention through psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and support from peers and professionals is crucial for recovery.
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF DEPRESSION TREATMENT IN INDIA:
Angelucci, et al (2021) studies that the economic impact of depression treatment in India, showing that pharmacotherapy reduces depression severity and increases child human capital investment, especially for older children. It highlights two pathways by which depression perpetuates poverty: reduced investment in children’s education and lower prevention behaviour leading to more negative shocks. The research also emphasizes the complementary effect of combining psychiatric care with livelihoods assistance, which proves more cost-effective than providing psychiatric care alone.
YOUTH DEPRESSION AND FUTURE CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR:
Anderson, et al (2012) states that the long-term relationship between youth depression and future criminal behaviour using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. It finds that adolescents suffering from depression are more likely to engage in property crime as adults, though no significant link was found with violent crime or drug sales. This indicates that addressing depression in young people may help reduce future criminal activity, with the economic cost of property crime associated with adolescent depression estimated at 219 million dollars per year.
FIRST DEPRESSED, THEN DISCRIMINATED AGAINST?
Baert, et al (2014) studies that “First Depressed, Then Discriminated Against?” investigates hiring discrimination against individuals who disclose a history of depression. Using a field experiment, researchers sent out job applications in Belgium, varying only in whether the candidate mentioned past depression as the reason for unemployment. The results showed no overall discrimination against applicants with a history of depression. However, when analysing recruiter gender, female recruiters were more likely to favour applicants who disclosed past depression, whereas male recruiters were less likely to hire them. Additionally, discrimination was more apparent in low-skilled occupations.
AN OUTLINE OF A THEORY OF DEPRESSIONS:
Fernando, (2016) concludes that in 2007-2008 financial crisis, compared to the Great Depression of the 1930s, led to a deep economic downturn, though government intervention in the 2010s helped prevent a collapse of similar magnitude. The theory of depression outlined in the article explains how adverse economic shocks can trigger a contractionary spiral, with debt deflation playing a key role in prolonging economic downturns. The concept of a “corridor of stability” suggests that once an economy falls outside this range, recovery becomes weak and volatile, often requiring external interventions like government stimulus or war. The article also highlights how austerity policies in the aftermath of crises can further delay economic recovery.
SOCIAL IDENTITY AND DEPRESSION AMONG THE ELDERLY:
Roychowdhury, (2024) states that Evidence from India. The study “Social Identity and Depression Among the Elderly: Evidence from India” examines depression among India’s elderly population across different social identities. It finds that disadvantaged groups, such as Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), have higher rates of depression compared to upper-caste Hindus (UC-Hindus). However, these differences diminish when controlling for socioeconomic status and life experiences. Surprisingly, after accounting for these factors, Scheduled Tribes (STs) show the lowest likelihood of clinical depression, possibly due to underrepo mental health than better.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION GATHER ONLINE ?
Xuening, et al (2021)studies about “What Happens When People with Depression Gather Online?” explores interactions in Weibo’s Depression Super Topic community. It finds that users disclose more emotions and receive more engagement in this online space compared to their regular timelines. The community provides emotional and informational support, but exposure to shared depressive content may also reinforce negative emotions. Additionally, users are more active at night, reflecting insomnia-related struggles common among people with depression.
MENTAL HEALTH AND THE SYMPTOMS OF PTSD IN PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY DISORDERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC:-
Paulina, et al (2021) studies about examines hiring discrimination against individuals who disclose past depression. It finds no overall bias, but male recruiters are less likely to hire such candidates, while female recruiters show a more positive response. Discrimination is more evident in low-skilled jobs, highlighting the role of recruiter gender and job type in hiring decisions.
STRESS,BURNOUT,ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AMONG TEACHERS:
Belinda, et al (2022) presented that teachers worldwide face significant stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression, which negatively impact their well-being and job performance. Studies show that burnout prevalence among teacher ranges from 25.12% to 74%, stress from 8.3% to 87.1%, anxiety from 38% to 41.2%, and depression from 4% to 77%. Factors such as workload, job satisfaction, class size, and student behaviour contribute to these conditions. Implementing school-based awareness programs and interventions, such as stress management and resilience-building strategies, is crucial to addressing the challenges.
CONCLUSION :
Depression is a widespread mental health issue with significant societal, economic, and personal impacts. Despite advances, diagnosis and treatment remain challenging due to stigma and complex symptoms. It affects various populations, including students and the elderly, and is linked to poverty, criminal behaviour, and workplace challenges. Early intervention and comprehensive care are crucial for improving well-being and reducing future risks.
REFERENCES:
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