Performance Task

in
Personal Development
(Depression)

Submitted by:
Submitted to:
A. Nature of the Depression
“What is the anatomy of depression?”

Everyone feels sad or down at times, especially after experiencing disappointment such

as not getting the job you interviewed for. It is normal for feelings of sadness or grief to develop

in response to such situations However; these feelings of sadness are usually short-lived.

Depression, on the other hand, is a mood disorder accompanied by severe loneliness and

feeling of isolation. Depression can happen to anyone; both young and old. When a person

suffers from this kind of mood disorder, it is linked with many reasons; each one of it varies;

ranging from the death of a loved one, loss of a job or the ending of a relationship. When that

happens, the tendency of that affected person is to shut himself or herself from the world, prefer

to do almost nothing and he or she rather keep everything to himself or herself. And if a person is

depressed, it can affect one’s personal, social and professional life.

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe but the common symptoms of

depression are the difficulty of sleeping, changes in appetite, constantly feeling uneasy, and the

inclination of withdrawal. Depression may vary in its severity, and in its extreme forms, although

when an individual is already experiencing suicidal thoughts, then immediate medical attention

is required.

Some of the risk factors of depression includes inclined to have a brawl, drinking

alcoholic beverages and smoking, and harming oneself. Risk factors vary with age. On teenagers

or young adults, they tend to rebel against their parents, to distract themselves such as playing

computer games, drinking and smoking, and obesity or underweight. For adults, they are more

prone to committing suicide, harming their selves, engaged in illegal activities and easily getting
sick. In some cases, depression is associated with other chronic medical conditions, which

negatively impact the person's quality of life and well-being.

B. Etiology of Depression
“What are the causes of depression on a person?”

There is no single cause of depression, we know that. Instead, it generally develops from

a combination of factors such as an imbalance of brain chemicals, family history, thoughts or

beliefs that increase the risk of depression, and traumatic or stressful life events. While the

tendency to be depressed can be genetically inherited, the onset of depression can be provoked

by many factors.

Common causes of depression observed in teenagers are friends, lovers, family such as

expectations, pressure and favoritism, while in adults, family problems, money, work or no work

and stress.

According to Dr. Natalie Staats Reiss, PH.D., Depression was initially called

"melancholia". The earliest accounts of melancholia appeared in ancient Mesopotamian texts in

the second millennium B.C. At this time, all mental illnesses were attributed to demonic

possession, and were attended to by priests. In contrast, a separate class of "physicians" treated

physical injuries (but not conditions like depression). The first historical understanding of

depression was thus that depression was a spiritual (or mental) illness rather than a physical one.

But in the end, all we can say is that nobody knows the true cause, meaning and why

behind depression, however, it can be affected by what we see or hear or experience as we grow

up.
C. Prevalence of Depression
“How common depression is?”

As stated before, depression can happen to anyone, but commonly depression starts to

any individual at a tender age of 12. That is too young and too worried not to turn our backs

from. It really means that depression should really be dealt with seriously; it is so common that

according to the World of Health (WHO) Organization, the Philippines has the highest number

of depressed people in Southeast Asia. The National Statistics Office reported that mental illness

is the third most common form of disability in the country. Records show a high number of cases

among the youth.

And as stated above, the youth is more prone to depression than adults. That is because

youth are still not mature in thinking and they are more sensitive to experiences, most especially

to new ones, since they can be blindly decide. Unlike on adults where they can practically think

what is the right thing to do, rather than what is the better thing to do.

They say that depression is more prevalent in women but did you know that men are at

risk of depression since they are more at risk of committing suicide? That is what our

interviewee stated. The reasons are the symptoms aren’t recognized therefore they don’t get the

help they need and since men are perceived as the big pillars of any family, they chose not to say

anything, sometimes, the signs are ignored or passed off as 'just part of growing up' resulting to

committing the deed when they are finally drown on their own misery.

D. Prevention and Intervention for Depression

Fortunately, depression can be treated in numerous ways. First is to consult a doctor or a

psychiatrist. With this, they will most likely prescribe anti-depressants. But if they prefer a more
natural way, then this is where family and friends, even lovers comes into the picture. With the

help of friends, loved ones and family, they can be treated.

There are a number of things people can do to help reduce the symptoms of depression.

For many people, regular exercise helps create positive feeling and improve mood. Others can be

to keep oneself busy and to put God at the center of everything. Getting enough quality sleep on

a regular basis, eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol (a depressant) can also help reduce

symptoms of depression. And if you know someone who has depression, console him and her

and always be understanding and patient towards that person.

“Is depression a disorder or a choice?”

Interviewee answer:
Depression is a disease, it is never a choice. It affects one’s body, mind and soul.

Depression is not a bigger version of loneliness, a bigger level. It is entirely different from just

being sad. It goes deeper than that. And if no one addresses it, major consequences will befall on

that affected person and the people surrounding him or her. It is no one’s choice to fall deep in

despair, but it can be a choice if you rather stay in despair.

Depression is a real illness and help is always available. With proper diagnosis

and treatment, the vast majority of people with depression will overcome it. If you are

experiencing symptoms of depression, a first step is to acknowledge it and next is to see your

family physician or psychiatrist. Talk about your concerns and request a thorough evaluation.

This is a start to addressing mental health needs. It goes a long way if you acknowledge it first.
Evidence:

Interviewee’s Name: Juanita M. Triviño

Professionalism: Retired English Teacher; taught for 34 years