European Depression Day - This is why this day is so important

On October 2nd is European Depression Day, initiated since 2004 by the European Depression Association. The alliance consists of 17 European countries and aims to raise awareness of the widespread disease depression with the annual European Depression Day. Numerous events and press conferences are intended to increase attention and reduce stigma around the disease depression. This year's motto is: Recognizing and treating depression in times of crisis and uncertainty.

Depression in uncertain times

We are now in the third year of the Corona pandemic. Even though everyday life is gradually returning and contact restrictions have eased, the effects of the pandemic on mental health are clearly visible. The World Health Organization (WHO) published a report in June 2022 showing a worldwide increase in some mental illnesses. For the first pandemic year, an increase of 25 percent in depression and anxiety disorders was recorded. 

Additionally, the Ukraine war and economic uncertainties this year lead to stresses that will also endanger the mental health of many people. Daily forecasts and bad news can trigger hopelessness and despair.

Depression as a widespread disease

According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading mental illness. Depression is also understood as a widespread disease, with women being affected twice as often as men. However, men suffering from depression commit suicide more frequently than women. 

Depression is more than just feeling down. There can be impactful experiences like a breakup, a dismissal, or the death of a loved one that cause sadness. Often, people recover from such misfortunes after some time – emotional changes are part of human life. In depression, the feeling of hopelessness does not fade but solidifies over a longer period. Also, it does not have to the Triggers exist. A general baseline mood is often characterized by emptiness, anxiety, lack of motivation, and also physical complaints.

What can be causes of depression?

Determining the causes of depression is difficult in many cases. It is suspected that a combination of several factors triggers depression. There is now evidence that genetics play a role in the illness. That means if relatives have suffered from depression, the likelihood of developing it during one's lifetime also increases. Besides setbacks, traumas can also change the brain's handling of stress and anxiety and thus trigger depression. Furthermore, people with conditions such as ADHD, Alzheimer's, or chronic sleep disorders have an increased risk of developing depression. 

How can depression be treated?

Especially when people suffering from depression feel listless and hopeless, it is important to show them a path to healing. This is exactly what the European Depression Day aims to achieve. People with depression are not alone, as there are many affected individuals and corresponding support services that can be utilized. Therapeutic options such as behavioral therapies or group therapies as well as medication are among the possibilities to treat depression. 

The treatment of depression does not follow a strict recipe but is always very individual and should be clarified through professional help. Depending on the severity of the depression, short-term interventions can successfully break the vicious cycle, while other courses require long-term therapy and medication. 

Additionally, there are activities that can improve the symptoms of depression alongside therapy. This includes exercise – walking in the fresh air or sports release endorphins, which can naturally brighten the mood. 

Weighted blankets for depression

People suffering from depression often have accompanying symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia. Excessive sleeping is also not uncommon, although the sleep is often restless and not perceived as restorative. A weighted blanket can therefore be a small support in everyday life. The pleasant weight of the blanket has a calming effect on the body; muscles and tendons relax due to the triggered deep pressure. This stimulation grounds not only the body but also creates a psychological feeling of safety and security. A weighted blanket is not a substitute for therapy, yet people with depression or depressive moods can benefit from the advantages of a weighted blanket. The weighted blanket can be used whenever the mood drops. The weight will induce a state of relaxation and support the healing process.

If you or someone in your surroundings is affected by suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. In the anonymous Telephone counseling You can find contact persons around the clock at 0800/111 0 111 and 0800/111 0 222