Recognizing the symptoms of depression in society

Information for nursing staff, 2024, 56(1), 21-25.

M. Pilaeva, M. Dimitrova

Department of Health Care, Faculty of Public Health „Prof. Dr Tsekomir Vodenicharov, MD, DSc“ Medical University – Sofia

Abstract. In our time, we often face depression, which has a negative impact on the quality of life of the affected individuals. Depression manifests itself with various symptoms – depressed mood, loss of interests, inability to experience joy, frequent fatigue, etc. According to data from recent studies, the majority of depressive disorders remain unrecognized due to the appearance of somatic complaints. The purpose of the present work is to study the degree of awareness among the public about the symptoms of depression, as well as to consider the need and guidelines for its improvement. The study is aimed at analyzing awareness about the appearance of depressive symptoms, and is based on conducting an anonymous survey of healthy individuals without a psychiatric diagnosis. The results show that the majority of the surveyed people are informed about the symptoms of depression and are able to give adequate advice and provide timely help to the affected persons. Measures aimed at certain groups, which are not informed about the manifestation of depression and believe that specialized help is not necessary, are needed.

Key words: depression, awareness, society

Address for correspondence: M. Pilaeva, e-mail: mariana_pilaeva@abv.bg