Introduction
This paper aims to present basic knowledge and ideas about depression and mental health in the context of historical, humanitarian, natural, and applied sciences and social perspectives. The details outlined will provide an opportunity to explore the issue in the wellness sphere from different angles while helping to broaden one’s horizons and develop awareness. In this case, there will be a chance to consider depression in a more voluminous, large-scale format based on various concepts.
Existing Knowledge and Personal Experience
As far as I know, depression is a mental disorder, and its essence is the oppression of mental activity. I know firsthand the classic signs and symptoms of depression, such as longing, despair, irritability, feelings of emptiness, rapid fatigue, lack of vitality and initiative, and more. This disease developed due to a difficult life situation, after which I could not recover for a long time. Such moments were covered superficially at school, but I know more about them based on my experience. I think that depression is a 21st-century disease, and many modern people have suffered from depression in one form or another.
Historical Perspective
It is known that previously, depression was mostly referred to as melancholy, a mood disorder. Generally, the modern concept of depression dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries and can be traced mainly to the works of such authors as Cullen, Pinel, Esquirol, and more (Kendler, 2020). However, Hippocrates was one of the discoverers of the ailment, outlining the terminology and main points. Research on depression and mental health is still relevant, and many scholars emphasize the study of the condition’s causes and consequences, considering several aspects.
Humanities Perspective
Depression has a special meaning within a culture that dominates people’s behavior and emotions. In certain countries, people find it easier to express sentiments and feelings through the lens of depression. In other regions, people suppress inner aggression, pain, and precipitation without giving in to weakness (Shalchi, 2022). Culture influences how individuals attach meaning to this illness and what they will do about it. People’s experiences with depression vary and depend primarily on a particular culture’s individualistic or collectivistic orientation.
Natural and Applied Sciences Perspective
Observation is one of the scientific methods used to study the symptoms of depression in different people. Depression is related to the physical and material worlds, affecting a person’s well-being, behavior, and actions in a particular environment. The data used to diagnose the disease are often contradictory, especially when considering physical activity (Gianfredi et al., 2020). Hence, there are some difficulties in accurately and objectively examining depression, as this disorder is difficult to measure in terms of psychological rather than physiological phenomena.
Social Sciences Perspective
The topic of depression can affect everyone, regardless of any external criteria. This ailment is common in many societies, but fortunately, it is treatable. Depression negatively affects interpersonal relationships, causing a person to feel anxious, worried, and isolated. Depressed people tend to avoid contact with the outside world for a while. Social structures and systems related to individualism and self-identity are related to the topic.
Conclusion
Depression as a mental disorder is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon within the history, humanities, natural and applied sciences, and social sciences. Depression has deep roots and a rich history dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Many scientists are still interested in studying this condition, even though psychology, unlike physiology, is more challenging. However, the direct influence of culture on the manifestation of depression’s main symptoms has been proven and affects various social structures.
References
Gianfredi, V., Blandi, L., Cacitti, S., Minelli, M., Signorelli, C., Amerio, A., & Odone, A. (2020). Depression and objectively measured physical activity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(10), 3738. Web.
Kendler, K. S. (2020). The origin of our modern concept of depression — The history of melancholia from 1780-1880: A review. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(8), 863-868. Web.
Shalchi, H. (2022). Expressing depression differs across cultures. Baylor College of Medicine. Web.