Depression statistics

Depression has been well known since ancient times and it is a scourge of the 21st century. According to WHO statistics, in 2018 264 million people suffered from depression worldwide. The number has grown significantly due to recent lockdown measures. At its worse development, depression can lead to suicide. Globally, about 800 000 people die from suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.

Celebrities with depression

There are numerous ways to treat depression, but many people with lower income, specifically in some countries, might not have proper access to medical help. Depression could be unidentified and stay untreated or, on the contrary, diagnosed in healthy people. 

However, depression is not the prerogative of people with low income. It can just as well develop in financially successful people. A lot of celebrities are diagnosed with this illness. 

One of the well known examples of celebrities suffering from depression is Marilyn Monroe, who was found dead in her home in Los Angeles in 1962. As she had had several overdose episodes and confessed having suicidal ideations, the case was officially ruled a probable suicide. 

Dwayne Johnson, one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, recently tweeted about his case: “Depression never discriminates. Took me a long time to realize it but the key is to not be afraid to open up. Especially us dudes have a tendency to keep it in. You´re not alone.” 

Symptoms of depression

Sadness and grief are very common emotions. Many of us experience them from time to time without paying much attention to them as they go away in two to three days. But even if the blues stay for a longer period of time, not everyone is looking for professional help as they do not consider such emotions as something serious. 

According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, nearly two out of three people suffering from depression do not actively seek nor receive proper help, even despite its high treatment success rate. 

A major depressive disorder is a diagnosable condition, which is classified as a mood disorder with long-lasting symptoms. Here are the most common psychological and physical signs of depression:

• extreme irritability over seemingly minor things,
• anxiety and restlessness,
• the trouble with anger management,
• loss of interest in activities, including sex,
• fixation on the past or on things that have gone wrong,
• thoughts of death or suicide,
• insomnia or oversleeping,
• debilitating fatigue,
• increased or decreased appetite,
• weight gain or loss,
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions,
• unexplained aches and pains.

Approaches to depression treatment

The most common ways to treat depression are psychological, social, and medical help. The treatment depends on the type and severity of the case. The American Psychiatric Association suggests that a combination of both medications with antidepressants and psychological counseling is, on average, more effective. However, not every person, who suffers from depression, can have access to such treatment due to the costs involved. 

The social part of treatment is related to rest, social activities, practicing regular sports, socialization, and growing self-awareness.

Low-Level Laser Therapy as a part of depression treatment

Along with the conventional treatment and following recommendations of the doctor in charge of the case you may try Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). It finds itself rather efficient in depression prevention and treatment. It may contribute to decreasing stiff muscles, anguish, despondency, and anxiety, eliminating the headache and vegetative lability. Patients may experience normalization of appetite, sleep and their overall condition. 

RANKEL Smart Life is an LLLT device manufactured in Russia and used in the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases of the nervous system, including depression. The healing effects of our device are achieved through low-intensity pulsed infrared laser radiation, pulsating broadband infrared LED radiation, pulsating red and blue lights, constant magnetic field and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

In 15 sessions you may note significant improvements and can repeat the procedure, depending on the recommendations of your specialist. Preventive laser therapy courses may be conducted in spring and autumn.

Such a complex disease as depression can not be treated alone with a single approach. The treatment has to include an array of methods suitable for each specific situation. Contact your GP if you experience any symptoms of depression to receive professional assistance.