Irish Medina
ENGLISH 1213
Professor Hammett
Essay 1 Argument Proposal
16 October 2023
Word Count: 1139
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Depression Epidemic
Depression might be hiding under a disguise, and people might not even realize they have it. Lurking near them, around them, and having control over them, depression is a common disorder that affects many people. In middle- and low-income countries, about 75% of the population doesn’t receive treatment for their mental disorders (Depression, 2019, p. 1). Forms of depression include emotions of sadness, feelings of isolation, frequent loss of appetite, having no motivation to do anything, low self-esteem, not feeling comfortable in one's skin, sleeping nonstop, thoughts of self-harm, and wanting to shut others out. These forms of depression can be treated with medication, psychotherapy, and by physical activity, and social life changes (Depression, n.d., p. 1).
Medications are one of the common options that people with depression could consider. However, it does take time and may not always help some people. Medications like antidepressants can help with “appetite, concentration, energy, and sleep” (Depression, n.d., p. 1). Antidepressants may be able to relieve other depression symptoms, but it could take up to 4 to 8 weeks for results to start showing up, and sometimes the first antidepressant people try doesn't always work (p. 1). However, researchers have found that “in some cases, children, teenagers, and young adults under 25 may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants, especially in the first few weeks after starting the medication or after a dose is changed” (Mental Health Medications, n.d., p. 1). Due to those side effects, researchers suggest “keeping a close eye on people of all ages who are taking antidepressants, and it is suggested to take a low dose and increase it over time, or adjust when to take the medication, like at bedtime or after a meal” (p. 1). Everyone is different and may not even go through these side effects. Antidepressants may effectively help only some people get through their thoughts and emotions. Some people may or may not find this treatment suitable for them.
Psychotherapy is another treatment that can help with depression because it “teaches individuals with depression new ways of thinking and behaving and helps with changing habits that contribute to depression” (Depression, n.d., p. 1). According to researchers, “talk therapy helps you learn how to take control of your life and respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills” (Psychotherapy, 2023, p. 1). The researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that psychotherapy can be helpful to others, so helpful that it can be “as effective as antidepressants” (p. 1). Psychotherapy involves minimal risks because it explores people’s emotions, and a skilled therapist will be able to help people understand their feelings and needs (p. 1). However, everyone is different, and some people respond to psychotherapy differently than others do. Sometimes, people who talk their feelings out find it physically exhausting because they may have an angry outburst or find themselves crying, but the therapist will help that person cope with their feelings and emotions (p. 1). Being able to express thoughts and feelings during therapy can help; it could be one of the reasons that people are depressed because they aren’t able to express themselves any other time. Psychotherapy not only lets people get their feelings out, but they can make a connection with someone, even if it’s a therapist. Feelings of loneliness are one of the symptoms of depression, and helping alleviate that symptom can help an individual tremendously. Psychotherapy can tremendously help people get their thoughts and feelings out to be discussed, but it is also mentally exhausting.
Exercising releases endorphins to the brain that help people feel better, and exercising can make a person feel accomplished and even take their minds off their worries. According to researchers, “Regular exercise may help ease depression and anxiety by releasing feel-good endorphins and taking your mind off worries” (Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Ease Symptoms, 2017, p. 1). However, “when people go through depression, it may be the last thing they want to do” (p. 1). Despite that, “once they get motivated, it can make a big difference” (p. 1). Some people go through depression because of how their body looks or how much they weigh. Therefore, exercise can boost people’s energy because it can help them achieve body goals they may want to achieve. According to researchers, “regular exercise has many psychological and emotional benefits; it can help people gain confidence, get more social interaction, and cope in a healthy way” (p. 1). Exercise is very beneficial and doesn’t cost anything except time. If people are having a hard time getting motivated to exercise or are unable to due to several illnesses, then this treatment may not be that beneficial to them.
Social connectedness can help improve depression and many other things to help people feel supported. According to CDC researchers, “social connection with others can help people’s ability to recover from anxiety, depression, and stress; it also enhances sleep and reduces violent suicidal behaviors” (How Does Social Connectedness Affect Health?, 2023, p. 1). However, many people go through “social isolation: a lack of relationships with others and little to no social support or contact” (p. 1). This may make it difficult for people to start social connections with others. In other instances, people may also experience “loneliness,” and “even a person with a lot of friends can experience loneliness” (p. 1). Loneliness “can reflect the difference between a person’s actual and desired level of connection” (p. 1). People’s connections with others may have a big impact on their emotional status due to the differences between their actual and desired connections. An improved social life will help with social connectedness and increase the level of actual connections with others to help meet people’s desired level. “Having more and different types of people to lean on can potentially provide a greater variety of resources, information, and opportunities to help people with life’s many challenges” (p. 1). It may not solve depression completely, but it does make a tremendous difference.
The depression epidemic is a common illness that has affected many people worldwide, and 75% of people who live in middle- and low-income countries aren’t able to get the treatment they need (Depression, 2019, p. 1). While many of these treatments are beneficial, some are unavailable to low-income populations, such as medication and psychotherapy. However, by changing their physical activity, and social life, they may be able to help themselves without spending a large amount of money. Having someone to talk to is also another way to have psychotherapy without having to pay for it. Social connectedness with families and friends who are there to support them can make a significant difference in whichever treatment they choose to receive. Despite whichever treatment they choose, depression can be treated with medications, psychotherapy, and by physical, and social life changes (Depression, n.d., p. 1).
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