Depression is a “real” illness!
It’s the unpleasant emotional mood of the person that is in a state of pathological (intense and prolonged) sadness. Often, depression goes along with a significant reduction in the sense of self-value and a painful consciousness that the mental, psychomotor, and organic processes are slowing down.
There are significant, unpleasant, and traumatic events in a person’s life that may trigger depression. Such as the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, etc. But, sometimes depression also occurs when everything seems normal.
Approximately 10% of the human population will experience depression at least once in their life.
Women are more prone to depression than men. However, the form, the course of the disease, and the treatment don’t differ between the two. In addition, suicide attempts are more common in women, but successful attempts are more common in men.
It is crucial to know your enemy whether it is you who suffer from depression or somebody close to you and to seek professional help in any case.
Nonetheless, you should understand that having a symptom doesn’t necessarily mean that somebody suffers from depression; Usually, it is a combination of the following.
Symptoms of depression
Emotion
The depressive mood is much more intense and lasts longer than the cases of frustration or a problem of everyday life.
There is a persistent feeling of sadness – that is, often, described as despair and anxiety. With minor disturbances, there is an overwhelming emotion and an outburst of tears. Assuring others that things will get better does not help!
In moderate or severe depression, the bad mood is more pronounced in the morning.
There have been reports about people suffering from depression without a bad mood, though. In those cases, we investigate the existence of anhedonia (lack of pleasure). Usually, the person with anhedonia doesn’t acknowledge it; But, it is perceived by those around him. Activities (food, sex, hobbies, outings, sports) that used to satisfy him cease to give him pleasure. Sometimes, the sphere of emotion is dominated by stress, in the form of internal discomfort, an indefinite risk, or even episodes of panic attacks, with accompanying physical symptoms, such as sweating, palpitations, dizziness, etc. In addition, the person may become easily irritated in the slightest.
- Emotional bluntness may also occur.
The person feels a “numbness” as if observing things from the outside. Feeling indifferent, even towards loved ones, may occur. - Feelings of weakness can be observed.
The person feels that is not in control of his life and there is a dependence for the slightest thing on those around him.
Autonomic Nervous System
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- Sleep disorder, usually insomnia, less often hypersomnia.
- Appetite disorder and dietary changes.
Many people with depression experience anorexia and do not feel hungry. Less common is increased appetite – bulimia. - Fatigue, exhaustion, and loss of energy.
The feeling of exhaustion is more intense in the morning. - Decreased sexual mood.
There is often a loss of interest in sex. Men often have
difficulty getting an erection, while women often do not have vaginal moisturizing, making sexual intercourse painful and unwanted. Negative emotions about self and body image exist. - Psychomotor retardation.
There is often a slowing down of thought, speech, and movements.
Poor vocabulary, abstract gaze, and slow body movements are some other symptoms. - Psychomotor stimulation.
Some people, often elderly, experience tension, diffuse anxiety and agitation, pointless gait, restlessness, loud moans, and yelling.
Motivation
- Loss of interest.
The person has lost interest in things that used to motivate him. - Helplessness, feeling helpless.
The person has lost all hope for the future. - Neglect of personal responsibilities, personal care, and hygiene.
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Suicidal ideation in a depressed person varies in intensity and depth, from wishes of death in moments of despair to the existence of a plan to put it into action.
Thinking – Perception
- Feelings – thoughts of guilt, unworthiness, low self-esteem.
- Difficulty concentrating, reduced attention and memory, with consequent indecision, carelessness, confusion, and accidents.
- Decision-making is difficult, complex, and time-consuming.
- Psychotic symptoms.
In severe cases, there are illusions and delusions.
Physical discomfort
- Headaches, back pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, chest pain, menstrual disorders, etc.
- Very often, people do a series of tests without any organic problem.
- It is also common to consume alcohol or drugs in an attempt to relieve the symptoms of depression. But it is also common for addictions to provoke depression.
Depression, for the most part, cannot go away on its own. It usually does not go away, lasts for years, and may endanger the person’s life. It is not healed only by the power of the will. Seeking help from experts is an act of mature thinking.
