Depression Can Look Different in Different People
Women: Women have higher rates of depression than men. Biological, hormonal and life-cycle factors are more likely to affect their experience. Women are more likely to experience sadness, worthlessness and guilt.
Men: Men with depression are more like to feel tired, irritable, and angry. They are more likely to have trouble sleeping and to lose interest in activities they formerly enjoyed. They are more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol and less likely to seek treatment.
Older adults: Older adults are most likely to have their symptoms overlooked, have less obvious symptoms and admit feelings of sadness, grief or loss. Their depression is more likely to be contributed to medical conditions, such as heart disease.
Younger children: Younger children may exhibit symptoms of depression by overly clinging to their parent, pretend to be sick, want to skip school and worry that their parent may die.
Older children and teenagers: Older children and teenagers with depression are more likely to be irritable, angry have troubles with school work or get into trouble at school. They are more likely to exhibit symptoms of anxiety, eating disorders and substance abuse along with depression.
CAUSES OF DEPRESSION
There are many possible causes of depression. Causes of depression may include:
Early childhood trauma
Genetics, family history and brain structure
Stressful or life-changing events, including loss of a loved one, divorce, economic issues, moving, accidents, or birth of a child
Medical conditions, including chronic illness, chronic pain, insomnia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and anxiety
History of substance abuse and eating disorders
History of mental illness
Experiencing any form of violence or bullying Certain medications, such as certain heart and blood pressure medications, hormones, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antibiotics
OMPLICATIONS OF UNTREATED DEPRESSION:
Panic attacks
Anxiety
Physical pain
Weight gain or weight loss
Relationship problems
Social isolation and loneliness
Self-harm
Alcohol- and drug abuse
Eating disorders
Other mental health issues Suicidal thoughts and suicide
Dr. Sagnik Mukherjee is a highly regarded psychiatrist in Kolkata, bringing over a decade of experience in mental health to his practice. With a medical degree from Chittaranjan Hospital and an MD in psychiatry, his expertise spans adult psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, child psychiatry, depression, anxiety-related disorders, and relationship issues. He has built a strong professional foundation, having worked at esteemed institutions such as Chittaranjan Hospital, SVS Medical College & Hospital, KPC Medical College, and Iris Hospital. His clinic is known for its advanced technology and state-of-the-art infrastructure, providing personalised mental health care, including medication management, individual and group therapy, and specialised services for substance abuse and eating disorders. His holistic approach takes into account lifestyle, diet, environment, and family dynamics when creating effective treatment plans. Additionally, he’s a respected TV speaker on social issues and offers online consultations for patient convenience, making him a trusted figure in the field of psychiatry in Kolkata.