Performance Task in Personal Development (Depression) : Submitted By: Submitted To

Performance Task
in
Personal Development
(Depression)
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A. Nature of the Depression
“What is the anatomy of depression?”
Everyone feels sad or down at times, especially after experiencing disappointment such
as not getting the job you interviewed for. It is normal for feelings of sadness or grief to develop
in response to such situations However; these feelings of sadness are usually short-lived.
Depression, on the other hand, is a mood disorder accompanied by severe loneliness and
feeling of isolation. Depression can happen to anyone; both young and old. When a person
suffers from this kind of mood disorder, it is linked with many reasons; each one of it varies;
ranging from the death of a loved one, loss of a job or the ending of a relationship. When that
happens, the tendency of that affected person is to shut himself or herself from the world, prefer
to do almost nothing and he or she rather keep everything to himself or herself. And if a person is
depressed, it can affect one’s personal, social and professional life.
Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe but the common symptoms of
depression are the difficulty of sleeping, changes in appetite, constantly feeling uneasy, and the
inclination of withdrawal. Depression may vary in its severity, and in its extreme forms, although
when an individual is already experiencing suicidal thoughts, then immediate medical attention
is required.
Some of the risk factors of depression includes inclined to have a brawl, drinking
alcoholic beverages and smoking, and harming oneself. Risk factors vary with age. On teenagers
or young adults, they tend to rebel against their parents, to distract themselves such as playing
computer games, drinking and smoking, and obesity or underweight. For adults, they are more
prone to committing suicide, harming their selves, engaged in illegal activities and easily getting
sick. In some cases, depression is associated with other chronic medical conditions, which
negatively impact the person's quality of life and well-being.
B. Etiology of Depression
“What are the causes of depression on a person?”
There is no single cause of depression, we know that. Instead, it generally develops from
a combination of factors such as an imbalance of brain chemicals, family history, thoughts or
beliefs that increase the risk of depression, and traumatic or stressful life events. While the
tendency to be depressed can be genetically inherited, the onset of depression can be provoked
by many factors.
Common causes of depression observed in teenagers are friends, lovers, family such as
expectations, pressure and favoritism, while in adults, family problems, money, work or no work
and stress.
According to Dr. Natalie Staats Reiss, PH.D., Depression was initially called
"melancholia". The earliest accounts of melancholia appeared in ancient Mesopotamian texts in
the second millennium B.C. At this time, all mental illnesses were attributed to demonic
possession, and were attended to by priests. In contrast, a separate class of "physicians" treated
physical injuries (but not conditions like depression). The first historical understanding of
depression was thus that depression was a spiritual (or mental) illness rather than a physical one.
But in the end, all we can say is that nobody knows the true cause, meaning and why
behind depression, however, it can be affected by what we see or hear or experience as we grow
up.
C. Prevalence of Depression
“How common depression is?”
As stated before, depression can happen to anyone, but commonly depression starts to
any individual at a tender age of 12. That is too young and too worried not to turn our backs
from. It really means that depression should really be dealt with seriously; it is so common that
according to the World of Health (WHO) Organization, the Philippines has the highest number
of depressed people in Southeast Asia. The National Statistics Office reported that mental illness
is the third most common form of disability in the country. Records show a high number of cases
among the youth.
And as stated above, the youth is more prone to depression than adults. That is because
youth are still not mature in thinking and they are more sensitive to experiences, most especially
to new ones, since they can be blindly decide. Unlike on adults where they can practically think
what is the right thing to do, rather than what is the better thing to do.
They say that depression is more prevalent in women but did you know that men are at
risk of depression since they are more at risk of committing suicide? That is what our
interviewee stated. The reasons are the symptoms aren’t recognized therefore they don’t get the
help they need and since men are perceived as the big pillars of any family, they chose not to say
anything, sometimes, the signs are ignored or passed off as 'just part of growing up' resulting to
committing the deed when they are finally drown on their own misery.
D. Prevention and Intervention for Depression
Fortunately, depression can be treated in numerous ways. First is to consult a doctor or a
psychiatrist. With this, they will most likely prescribe anti-depressants. But if they prefer a more
natural way, then this is where family and friends, even lovers comes into the picture. With the
help of friends, loved ones and family, they can be treated.
There are a number of things people can do to help reduce the symptoms of depression.
For many people, regular exercise helps create positive feeling and improve mood. Others can be
to keep oneself busy and to put God at the center of everything. Getting enough quality sleep on
a regular basis, eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol (a depressant) can also help reduce
symptoms of depression. And if you know someone who has depression, console him and her
and always be understanding and patient towards that person.
“Is depression a disorder or a choice?”

Interviewee answer:
Depression is a disease, it is never a choice. It affects one’s body, mind and soul.
Depression is not a bigger version of loneliness, a bigger level. It is entirely different from just
being sad. It goes deeper than that. And if no one addresses it, major consequences will befall on
that affected person and the people surrounding him or her. It is no one’s choice to fall deep in
despair, but it can be a choice if you rather stay in despair.
Depression is a real illness and help is always available. With proper diagnosis
and treatment, the vast majority of people with depression will overcome it. If you are
experiencing symptoms of depression, a first step is to acknowledge it and next is to see your
family physician or psychiatrist. Talk about your concerns and request a thorough evaluation.
This is a start to addressing mental health needs. It goes a long way if you acknowledge it first.
Evidence:
Interviewee’s Name: Juanita M. Triviño
Professionalism: Retired English Teacher; taught for 34 years

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Performance Task

depressed, it can affect one’s personal, social and professional life.

negatively impact the person's quality of life and well-being.

a combination of factors such as an imbalance of brain chemicals, family history, thoughts or

"melancholia". The earliest accounts of melancholia appeared in ancient Mesopotamian texts in

among the youth.

D. Prevention and Intervention for Depression

Fortunately, depression can be treated in numerous ways. First is to consult a doctor or a

help of friends, loved ones and family, they can be treated.

and always be understanding and patient towards that person.

“Is depression a disorder or a choice?”

despair, but it can be a choice if you rather stay in despair.

Interviewee’s Name: Juanita M. Triviño

Professionalism: Retired English Teacher; taught for 34 years

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