Component 2 – Written Report: Depression Student Name: Abdou Kadery Fatty Kejake Student ID: 2511695 Tutor: Dr Patronella Ganza Assessment Title: Component 2 – Report on a Health Issue Health Issue: Depression Introduction Depression is a common mental health condition that can significantly affect a person's emotions, thoughts, behaviour and ability to manage everyday activities. It is different from normal temporary sadness because depressive symptoms can continue for a prolonged period and interfere with personal, social, educational and working life. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes depression as involving a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities for long periods. During a depressive episode, symptoms may occur for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks (WHO, 2025). Common symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest, tiredness, poor concentration, changes in sleep and appetite, low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness. Depression can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. WHO estimates that approximately 332 million people worldwide experience depression, demonstrating its importance as a global health issue (WHO, 2025). In the UK, depression is also widespread, with NICE reporting that it affects nearly one in six people at some point in their lives (NICE, 2022). Early recognition, appropriate treatment and continuing support are therefore important for improving health and quality of life. Main Body Causes and risk factors of depression Depression usually develops through a combination of biological, psychological and social factors rather than one single cause. Biological factors can include genetic vulnerability, changes in brain processes and the effects of some physical illnesses. A person with a family history of depression may have a greater vulnerability to developing the condition. However, having a family history does not mean that a person will definitely develop depression. Psychological and social circumstances can also contribute. Stressful life experiences, bereavement, relationship difficulties, financial problems, unemployment, social isolation, discrimination and experiences of abuse can increase the risk of depression. WHO explains that people who have experienced abuse, severe losses or other stressful events are more likely to develop depression (WHO, 2025). Physical health problems may also interact with depression, making it important for health professionals to consider both physical and mental health when assessing a person. Signs, symptoms and assessment Depression can affect a person's emotional, physical, cognitive and social functioning. Emotional symptoms may include persistent sadness, irritability, loss of pleasure and feelings of worthlessness. Cognitive symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, negative thinking and problems making decisions. Physical symptoms may include tiredness, disturbed sleep and changes in appetite or weight. A person may also withdraw from family and friends and experience difficulties at school, university or work. Health professionals assess depression by discussing symptoms, their duration and their impact on daily life. Assessment may include asking about the person's mental and physical health, social circumstances and previous episodes of depression. Validated questionnaires can also support assessment. NICE identifies the PHQ-9 as an example of a validated measure that can be used to monitor depressive symptoms and treatment outcomes (NICE, 2026). Assessment should also consider the severity of depression and any immediate risks. NICE divides new episodes broadly into less severe and more severe depression and recommends that treatment decisions should reflect the person's clinical needs and preferences (NICE, 2026). This person-centred approach is important because individuals experience depression differently. Treatment and management of depression Depression can be treated effectively, and treatment should be appropriate to the individual's needs. Psychological therapies are an important approach. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for example, can help people identify unhelpful patterns of thinking and develop healthier ways of responding to difficult situations. Other psychological approaches may also be considered depending on the person's circumstances and preferences. For people with less severe depression, NICE recommends discussing treatment options and considering the least intrusive and least resource-intensive appropriate option first. Guided self-help and psychological interventions can therefore be considered, while antidepressant medication should not routinely be the first-line treatment for less severe depression unless this reflects the person's informed preference (NICE, 2026). For more severe depression, treatment may involve psychological therapy, medication or a combination of approaches. Antidepressants may be prescribed by an appropriate healthcare professional when clinically indicated. Treatment needs to be monitored because people can respond differently and medication can have side effects. NICE recommends reviewing how well treatment is working, monitoring treatment adherence and side effects, and using outcome measures where appropriate (NICE, 2026). Lifestyle and social support can complement professional treatment. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy sleep routine, staying connected with supportive people and participating in meaningful activities may support recovery. These approaches should complement rather than replace professional assessment and treatment when depression is significant. Monitoring and measuring depression Monitoring is important because depression can change over time. Healthcare professionals can use clinical interviews and validated questionnaires to assess symptom severity and monitor whether treatment is effective. The PHQ-9 is one example of a standardised questionnaire that can help measure changes in symptoms. Repeated assessment allows professionals and service users to identify improvement or determine whether treatment needs to be reconsidered. NICE recommends reviewing treatment between two and four weeks after treatment begins and monitoring treatment concordance, side effects and harms. Routine outcome monitoring can also be considered (NICE, 2026). Monitoring should not depend only on a questionnaire. Professionals should also consider the person's daily functioning, relationships, education or employment and their own experience of recovery. At a population level, depression can be monitored through health surveys, healthcare records and research studies. Such information helps health organisations understand the prevalence of depression, identify inequalities and plan mental health services. WHO estimates that depression affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, demonstrating the need for effective mental health monitoring and service provision (WHO, 2025). Impact of depression on individuals and communities Depression can have serious consequences for individuals, families and communities. At an individual level, it may reduce motivation and make ordinary activities difficult. Education and employment can be affected because concentration, energy and productivity may decrease. Relationships can also become difficult when a person withdraws socially or struggles to communicate their feelings. The effects can extend to physical health. WHO reports that depression is associated with physical health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and respiratory diseases (WHO, 2025). This demonstrates why mental health should be considered alongside physical health rather than treated as a completely separate issue. There can also be significant economic consequences. WHO estimates that depression and anxiety contribute to the loss of approximately 12 billion productive working days each year, with a global economic cost of nearly US$1 trillion (WHO, 2025). At community level, depression can therefore increase demand for healthcare and social support services while reducing participation in education, employment and community activities. Stigma is another important issue. Some people may avoid seeking help because they fear judgement or discrimination. NICE recommends reducing stigma, discrimination and barriers that prevent people from seeking help for depression (NICE, 2026). Creating supportive communities and providing accurate information can encourage earlier help-seeking. Health and social care support A range of health and social care professionals may contribute to supporting a person with depression. A GP or primary care professional may recognise symptoms, undertake an initial assessment and provide or arrange treatment. Depending on severity and individual needs, referral to psychological therapy or specialist mental health services may be appropriate. Psychological therapists can provide evidence-based interventions such as CBT. Mental health professionals can provide assessment, care planning, monitoring and ongoing support. Where medication is prescribed, healthcare professionals should monitor the person's response and any side effects. Social care and community services may also be important when social circumstances contribute to or are affected by depression. Individuals may need support relating to housing, finances, education, employment, family relationships or social isolation. A person-centred approach means considering the whole individual rather than focusing only on symptoms. Families and carers can provide valuable emotional and practical support when the individual is comfortable with their involvement. Health professionals should respect confidentiality, consent and the individual's choices. NICE emphasises involving people in decisions about their care and matching treatment to their needs and preferences (NICE, 2026). Effective support also requires communication between services. A multidisciplinary approach can help ensure that physical health, psychological wellbeing and social circumstances are considered together. This can improve continuity of care and reduce the risk that important needs are overlooked. Conclusion Depression is a major health issue that can affect emotional wellbeing, physical health, relationships, education, employment and participation in community life. It is different from ordinary temporary sadness because symptoms can persist and significantly interfere with everyday functioning. The large number of people affected worldwide demonstrates the importance of prevention, early recognition and effective treatment. Depression can develop through interacting biological, psychological and social factors, meaning that assessment should consider the whole person and their circumstances. Depression can be measured through clinical assessment and validated tools such as the PHQ-9, while ongoing monitoring helps professionals determine whether treatment is effective. Treatment may include psychological therapies, medication where appropriate, and social and lifestyle support. NICE emphasises person-centred treatment, shared decision-making and regular review of outcomes (NICE, 2026). Health and social care services therefore have an important role in identifying depression, providing appropriate interventions and supporting recovery. Reducing stigma and improving access to services are also essential. With appropriate support and evidence-based treatment, many people with depression can improve their quality of life and achieve recovery. References National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2026) Depression in adults: treatment and management (NG222). London: NICE. Available at: "NICE guidance" (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/0) (Accessed: 16 August 2026). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2022) Depression in adults: treatment and management – Information for the public. London: NICE. Available at: "NICE information for the public" (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/1) (Accessed: 16 August 2026). World Health Organization (WHO) (2025) Depressive disorder (depression). Geneva: WHO. Available at: "WHO depression fact sheet" (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/2) (Accessed: 16 August 2026). World Health Organization (WHO) (2025) Depression. Geneva: WHO. Available at: "WHO depression health topic" (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/3) (Accessed: 16 August 2026).