Depression and lack of human relationships

On January 13, World Anti-Depression Day was celebrated, with the aim of raising awareness about this mental health condition that It affects approximately 280 million people worldwide.According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Of these, many also suffer from chronic diseases. Among the main hallmarks of depression are: Persistent sadness, loss of interest or enjoyment in activities of daily living (anhedonia), isolation, sleep and appetite disturbances, lack of concentration and feeling tired. Next, we discuss the factors affecting depression in chronic patients, with a focus on COPD patients.

The prevalence of depression among chronic patients is high and underdiagnosed. This problem seriously affects the quality of life, increasing hospitalizations and even deaths. According to the Patient Organization Platform (POP), about 70% People with a chronic illness experience symptoms of depression such as fatigue, sadness, or apathy.

The results of the “Study of the Emotional Impact of Chronic Diseases” highlight this The state of disease progression is most closely related to the intensity of impact, but personal factors also play a roleLike sex or the fact of living alone. It should be remembered that the percentage of women participating in clinical studies is still low, which is an important aspect of reality check.

Factors affecting depression

Although it is true that genetic makeup has a significant effect on depression, a somewhat related effect can also be seen depending on human relationships. Personal relationships positively affect our mental and physical health.

Various studies show that those who have good interpersonal relationships suffer from less depression and have higher self-esteem. Another of its benefits is that it helps Strengthening the immune systemreduce the impact of some diseases and prolong life expectancy.

➡️ Misunderstanding and lack of social communication

What chronic patients suffer most from are the feelings and experiences of greatest isolation: Leaving home less and less calling friends. Added to this Not understanding the people around them, “Especially when the symptoms or consequences of the disease are not obvious to those around us.” In other words, in general, an important effect of chronic diseases can be seen on social connectivity.

➡️ Partner, children and age

According to the report, Married people report twice as much emotional impactWhile the opposite occurs among unmarried women and widows. Maybe for the same reason Having children also mitigate this effectmuch less than those without offspring.

With regard to age, it is possible to think that the likelihood of developing depression is greater in the elderly, as it is in the general population. But this does not coincide with chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Younger patients with COPD are more likely to be depressed. Thus, along with the influence of gender, age should be a factor that is more realizing.

In fact, the predictors were younger age, higher level of education, and lack of home support. The study concluded that 36% of patients with stable COPD had co-morbidities, but in 76% of cases said the diagnosis was unknown. 19% had pure anxiety disorder, 9.8% had isolated depression and 7.3% of patients had mixed anxiety and depressive disorder.

Depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Depression is a frequent comorbidity in COPD patients And unlike other comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, it is given little consideration.

The DEPREPOC study serves as an example (Depression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Its authors found a spread Some degree of depression in 74.6% of the 836 patients included in search. 51.5% of them suffer from moderate or severe depression.

From APEPOC we encourage our patients to keep this in mind Depression is temporary, not permanent. It is also important to live in the present moment and focus attention on finding appropriate strategies to overcome it. in this meaning, We remind you that overcoming an episode of depression requires professional medical guidance and support from the affected person’s emotional and family environment..