Since Robin Williams' death, many people have highlighted the need for more open discussion and understanding around the subject of depression.
According to the NHS, around one in 10 people will suffer from depression during their lifetime. Considering this relatively high statistic, it's perhaps surprising that many of us know so little about the illness.
The above video from ASAP Science helps to explain the science behind the depression.
In the past, depression has often been described as "a chemical balance in the brain", but in reality, it is far more complex.
According to the video, when we look at the brain of a depressed person, an area of the brain called the hippocampus appears to be much smaller than a person who is not depressed.
The hippocampus controls memory and emotion, explaining why the most regular symptom of depression is having a low mood. It continues to shrink the longer the person is depressed, but certain medication can help promote brain cell growth and reverse the effect.
The video also explains more about how anti-depressants work and reveals the type of people who are genetically more likely to suffer from the illness.
Most importantly, it also highlights that depression is not something that people can simply "snap out" of. Depression is a disease with a biological basis along with psychological and social implications.
9 Physical Symptoms Of Depression
Digestive Problems (01 of09)
Open Image ModalHeadaches (02 of09)
Open Image ModalProblems Sleeping(03 of09)
Open Image ModalTrouble sleeping is one clue to diagnosing depression. People with depression can have difficulty falling asleep or they may wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep. “Everyone has stress and can’t sleep now and then,” Haight says. “But if your problems sleeping go on for more than a few weeks, you need to start thinking about whether it’s an emotional difficulty that needs to be addressed.” About a third of people with depression may sleep much more than normal. (credit:Shutterstock)
Back Aches (04 of09)
Open Image ModalExhaustion And Fatigue(05 of09)
Open Image ModalChanges In Appetite(06 of09)
Open Image ModalAre you eating too much and gaining weight? Or have you lost interest in food and are losing weight? Any change in appetite can be a sign of depression. “People often use food to deal with emotional stress and feelings of sadness,” Haight says. If your change in appetite lasts for more than a few weeks, talk to your doctor to find out if it’s related to depression or another medical problem — or both. (credit:Shutterstock)
Change In Weight (07 of09)
Open Image ModalChest Pain(08 of09)
Open Image ModalDiagnosing Depression(09 of09)
Open Image ModalDoctors tend to look for basic depression symptoms — sadness, crying, lack of energy or interest — when diagnosing depression. But if you have any of the physical symptoms described here that last for more than a few weeks and that can’t be explained by another health condition, talk to your doctor about whether your symptoms could have an emotional root. You should be able to find relief and treat your depression with a combination of talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. (credit:Shutterstock)