Major Risk Factors for Depression in Indigenous Australians - Essay Example

Running head: Mental Health in Indigenous Australians Student’s name Institution Course Professor Date Introduction The major depressive disorder is a common and major illness to many people. It accounts for the huge burden of non fatal disease in the globe due to its high prevalence, tender age on onset and higher level of associated disability. Persons of all ages, races and social class may be diagnosed to be clinically depressed. Thus the depressive symptoms and disorders can contribute to emotional and physical suffering, decreases the quality of life and elevates the risk of death (Beck, & Alford, 2008). Major risk factors for depression There are three fundamental realm of the contributing factors; biological, psychological and social factors. Among them include; Female sex, recent child birth, ongoing conflict such as spiritual and cultural conflict, a previous personal history of depression, lifetime anxiety or other past mental health problems, a family history of depressive illness, socioeconomic deprivation, loss or stress for example unemployment, loneliness and divorce, substance abuse (Beck, & Alford, 2008). On gender basis; women have higher possibility to be diagnosed and treated for depression than men. Marital factors; women who are unhappily married, divorced or separated have higher rates of depression. Moreover clinical depression occurs at ages of 20 and 50 for the first time but persons who over the age of 65 years may be vulnerable. Past episodes of depression can increase the possibilities of developing it again in future. In addition, individuals whose closed relatives have had clinical depression have huge chances of developing it themselves. Possession of distinct personality traits such as low self-esteem, self critical or pessimistic can escalate the risk of developing depression (Bruce, 2002) Signs and symptoms It is characterized by a combination of symptoms that can interfere with an individual’s capacity to work, sleep, study, eat and enjoy an activity for relaxation. It is disabling and inhibits one from functioning normally (Roy, 2005). Therefore the signs and symptoms of depression disorder are; persistent sad, anxious, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities and hobbies that was pleasurable before, fatigue and decreased energy, difficulty in concentration, remembering details and making informed decisions, early morning wakefulness or excessive sleeping, recurrent thoughts of suicide, aches or pains, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease with treatment. Depression may occur with other serious medical illnesses for instance, stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and Parkinson’s disease. Almost everyone can feel depressed at times because of troubling event or circumstance. Depressed person has reduced appetite and is witnessed by drastic weight gain or loss and having reluctance towards attempting any endervours (Bruce, 2002). Moreover a person can be more easily frustrated and thus surrenders easily after initial failures. Treatments /interventions appropriates A range of options are available to treat people who have depression disorder. The choice of a treatment is influence by a particular type of depression one has. For instance, it can be managed with medication and psychotherapy. Medication has speedy rate of symptom remission and greater effectiveness in treating symptoms such as appetite and sleep disturbance (Beck, & Alford, 2008). Psychotherapy places emphasis on skill building and the related reduced lapse rate, bigger degree of personal empowerment and a value of therapeutic relationship. Structures and supervised physical activity has a fundamental advantage for depressive symptoms. It plays a role in preventing depression and also reducing other risks for chronic conditions such heart disease (Eisendrath & Mclane, 2008). There is an existence of dose response relationship between the intensity of the physical activity and reduction of depression disorder. Antidepressants work to normalize neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They regulate the mood and are not associated with tolerance or addiction. A directed self help is appropriate for mild to moderate depression since it is cost effective (Yapko, 2001). It entails recommending suitable writhen materials or websites with a follow up from a health professional that evaluates and monitor the progress and outcomes. Counseling services, spiritual support services and employment assistant services have fundamental chores in the identification and management of depression. Positive emotions are valuable in fostering successful consequences in a variety of life such as enriched social relationships, more marital satisfaction and improved job performance (Engel, 1980). Greater levels of approach oriented motivation are related with less severe depression and more possibility of recovery. Contrast and comparisons with indigenous Australians Depression is a mood disorder that is portrayed by feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in most activities, suicidal thoughts and self blame. However there are unique factors that do affect the development and delivery of interventions to prevent and manage depression. Trauma, loss and grief from history of invasion, higher rates of premature mortality, current impact of colonization, and greater levels of family separations such as forced separations of children from parents are risk factors for depression among indigenous Australians. Adverse environmental influences can intensify the vulnerability to depression across the life span of the victim including recent experiences of loss and failure, child abuse, caring for a person with chronic physical or mental disorder (Australian Bureau of Statistics Institute of Health and Welfare, 2008). Other factors include; socio structural factors like unemployment and low socioeconomic status and biological factors such as female adolescent, temperament and negative thought patterns. Most of the symptoms of depression among the indigenous Australian are similar to common as mentioned. These includes persistent sad, anxious, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyed before, fatigue and decreased energy, difficulty in concentration, remembering details and making informed decisions, insomnia, early morning wakefulness or excessive sleeping and recurrent thoughts of suicide. The mental health intervention of depression in Australia encompasses prevention, early detection, treatment and management in order to maximize mental health outcomes. Early detection put emphasis on recognition and early management of risk factors that can raise vulnerability to depression (Fredrickson, 2001). Promotional activities are destined to expand the knowledge and skills of the individual so that it can strengthen the capacity to deal with difficult life situations. These include organizing community awareness campaigns that related to contributing risk factors for depression (Australian Bureau of Statistics Institute of Health and Welfare, 2008). Depressive symptoms and disorders are effectively managed by utilization of biopsychological approach that takes consideration to all the interacting biological, psychological and social factors that affect the development of depression. Thus recognition of comorbid conditions and identification of associated psychological and social risk factors are effectively addressed. Cognitive therapy involves training in problems solving skills, self monitoring, self evaluation, social skills and promoting participation in pleasant and conducive events (Eisendrath & Mclane, 2008). Detailed understanding of the causes and expression of depressive symptoms and emotions among the Australian people is crucial to improving their mental well being. Importance of understanding of cultural competency Cultural competence can solve the many disparities in the health and well being of different groups in Australia. It ensures that all mental health services are safe, effective, efficient, equitable and patient-centered. Through understanding of cultural competency in mental well being it acknowledges the benefits that diversity brings to Australian society. The concept of depression is expressed in varied ways in different cultural groups particularly as it relates to the expression of symptoms, the nature and the consequences of depression (Korten & Henderson, 2008). Culture influences the way in which a person manifests symptoms of mental illness such as depression. Indeed, it determines causative, precipitating factors influencing the symptoms profile and outcome of the depression. Stigma, cultural misunderstanding, involuntary confinement and failure of previous mental health policies have made indigenous Australians communities to be hesitant to discuss mental issues. Mental health promotion aids to protect, support and sustain the mental well being of the marginalized communities by increasing the protective factors hence positive health outcomes will be witnessed (Multicultural Mental Health Australia, 2002). Availability of flexible, culture sensitive and outreaching services are developed and delivered to Australian people from diverse cultural backgrounds and remote populations. Cultural insensitivity in the area can interfere with access to essential health services, communication and development of social and therapeutic relationships, detection and interpretation of symptoms of depression (Gilbody & Bower, 2010). To the indigenous people barriers of misunderstanding, poor communication and distrust can influence them negatively when seeking out health care services. However, the provision of services that cover health promotion, prevention, early detection and treatment must be carried out in a culturally appropriate setting. Consequently, the issues of language and cultural interpretation have an influence on the provision of quality primary health care (Korten & Henderson, 2008). Thus a detailed analysis of causes of depression and expanded understanding of the needs of indigenous people will ensure appropriate choices of strategies for prevention and intervention are made. References Aaron T. Beck, M.D., Brad A. Alford, (2008).Depression: Causes and Treatment, University of Pennsylvania Press. Australian Bureau of Statistics Institute of Health and Welfare,(2008).The health and welfare of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples .Canberra. Bruce, M, (2002). Psychological risk factors for depressive disorders in late life. Biological Psychiatry 52, 175-184 Eisendrath, S. J., & Mclane. (2008). Mindfulness based cognitive therapy for treatment-resistant depression: A pilot study. Psychotherapy and psychosomatics, 77,319-320 Engel, G. (1980). The clinical application of the biopsychosocial model. American Journal of Psychiatry 137,535-544 Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). Role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden and build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologists, 56, 218-226 Jennifer Rozines Roy, (2005).Depression, Marshall Cavendish. Korten, M. A., & Henderson, S. (2008).The Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being. British Journal of Psychiatry, 177,325-330 Multicultural Mental Health Australia, (2002).Cultural awareness tool: Understanding cultural diversity in mental health.NSW. Simon Gilbody, Peter Bower, (2010).Depression in Primary Care: Evidence and Practice, Cambridge University Press. Yapko, M. (2001). Treating depression with hypnosis: Integrating cognitive-behavioural and strategic approaches. Philadelphia, PA: Routledge. Read More