Depression affects millions of people in Brazil and around the world, but it is still surrounded by doubt, prejudice, and silence. Knowing how to identify its signs, understand the causes, and explore treatment options can transform — and even save — lives. In this article, you will learn how to recognize the symptoms, which habits help in prevention, who is most vulnerable, and which professionals can help in recovery.
Depression is already considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It is estimated that over 300 million people live with the condition globally, and in Brazil the number exceeds 11.5 million — about 5.8% of the population. Women are twice as likely to develop depression as men, and the most affected age group is between 20 and 44 years old. Among adolescents, approximately 10% experience the disorder, and in high-pressure professions such as healthcare, education, and technology, rates are even higher. Despite being so common, less than half of those affected receive adequate treatment, making information and access to care essential to changing this reality.
If you are going through difficult times or know someone who may be suffering in silence, read until the end. Information can save lives.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mental disorder that directly interferes with mood, thoughts, emotions, and even how the body functions. Unlike temporary sadness, depression is persistent, deep, and affects quality of life on multiple levels.
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), more than 300 million people worldwide live with depression. In Brazil, about 11.5 million people have been diagnosed with the condition, representing 5.8% of the population.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Recognizing the signs can be the first step to changing everything. Here are the most common symptoms:
- Deep and persistent sadness
- Feeling of emptiness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Sleep changes (insomnia or excessive sleep)
- Constant fatigue, even without physical effort
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or failure
- Suicidal or self-destructive thoughts
⚠️ Important: symptoms can vary from person to person. Children and adolescents, for example, may show irritability or a drop in school performance. Older adults may present physical complaints or cognitive problems.
Who Usually Has Depression?
Although depression can affect anyone at any age, some groups are more vulnerable. Research indicates that:
- Women are twice as likely to develop depression compared to men
- The most common age range is between 20 and 44 years
- Adolescents also show high rates — in Brazil, about 10% suffer from the condition
- People from lower social classes have a higher prevalence of symptoms
- University students in demanding courses, such as medicine, have higher rates of depression
Professions with a Higher Incidence of Depression
Although there are few official data by professional category, studies indicate that certain fields pose greater risk:
- Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, psychologists)
- Educators and teachers
- Technology professionals
- Journalists
- Emergency workers (firefighters, police officers)
These occupations often involve high emotional pressure, long hours, and little room for self-care — factors that contribute to mental illness.
What Causes Depression? Risk Factors
Depression has no single cause. In fact, it results from the interaction of multiple factors, such as:
- Genetics: family history may increase predisposition
- Chronic stress: continuous pressures from work, studies, or personal life
- Trauma: loss, abuse, violence, or neglect
- Social isolation or lack of support network
- Neurochemical imbalances in the brain
- Urban environments without nature: studies show that living far from green areas can negatively impact mental health
The most accepted model today is the “diathesis-stress” model, which combines biological predisposition with external triggers.
Habits That Help Prevent Depression
Maintaining good habits can be decisive in preventing — and even treating — depression. See practices recommended by experts:
- 🧘♀️ Regular physical exercise
- 🌿 Contact with nature and green spaces
- 🍲 Balanced diet
- 😴 Quality sleep
- 🚭 Avoid alcohol and smoking
- 🤝 Healthy social relationships
- 🎯 Set achievable goals
In addition, educational programs and group therapies such as the FRIENDS method have proven effective in increasing emotional resilience in both young people and adults.
How to Treat Depression
The good news is that depression can be treated — and the earlier the diagnosis, the better the recovery.
Professionals Who Can Help:
- Psychiatrist: evaluates, diagnoses, and prescribes medication (if necessary)
- Psychologist: conducts therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Specialized therapists in mental health
Recommended Therapies:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
- Mindfulness and meditation
- In severe cases: ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) or TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation)
🧠 Besides therapy, lifestyle changes such as walking outdoors, reducing screen time, and practicing hobbies have a positive impact.
| Year (or Period) | Indicator | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Global Cases of Depression | 182 million |
| 2019 | Global Cases of Depression | 290 million |
| 2005 → 2015 | Global Growth (%) | +18% |
| 2020 (pandemia) | Increase in depression + anxiety worldwide | +25% |
| 2013–2014 → 2021–2023 (EUA) | Overall prevalence (%) | 8,2% → 13,1% |
What If I or Someone Close to Me Has Depression?
If you suspect you have depression or know someone in this situation, follow these recommendations:
Seek professional help — the sooner, the better
Talk about it with someone you trust
Avoid isolating yourself completely
Don’t blame yourself: depression is a medical condition, not a weakness
If someone close to you is in distress:
Listen without judgment
Offer company to visit a doctor or psychologist
In case of suicide risk, contact CVV (188) or emergency services
You don’t have to go through this alone. Help exists. Treatment exists. There is a way out.
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