What is Depression?
Depression is a mood that induces excessive sadness, the amplified feeling of worthlessness or overwhelming pessimism, in general, for more than 2 weeks. This prevents the afflicted from acting or thinking normally, as it overwhelms normal behavioral patterns as well as thought production, even perceptions.
This occurs to people who cannot cope well with an event so drastic and terrible, to the point of actually avoiding recovery. Yes, depression is addictive. Known sources of depression – such as problems in relationship, financial matters, stressful work or studies, loss of loved ones, losing a job – often start as simple cases of sadness that eventually gets overblown, as the depressed struggles to either control or contain his or her emotions.
In order to detect this psychological concern, take note of some of the symptoms given below:
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
Pessimism and Guilt - Depression usually stems from a sad or unfortunate incident, with the person either causing it or was victimized by it. Naturally, a feeling of guilt, extreme sadness, or both surfaces. If left unresolved, the person tends to associate every other event with his or her previous misfortune, building up an inclination towards negative thoughts and reactions – pessimism. This process happens so quickly, that a simple case of uncontrolled sadness or guilt can turn into full blown depression in just a few hours, or even minutes.
Crying Spells – Depression, for those who are too overwhelmed by sadness or frustration, can lead to seemingly inexplicable urges to cry. These outpourings have triggers which are related to the event or person that caused depression. The moment the individual acknowledges those triggers, the causes of his or her depression are remembered, paving the way for tearful episodes.
Withdrawal From Social Life – For instance, a socialite is said to have been cheating on her husband. She has been seen getting “touchy-feely” with more than a few guys in several nightclubs. Rumors began spreading not just in her frequent nightspots, but all around town. Pretty soon, her image gets butchered by the general public, causing her to feel sad and frustrated about the whole mess. She, then, isolates herself from the public eye, staying at home, wallowing in her misery every day. This is just one example.
Inability To Concentrate and Restlessness – Concentration involves a lot of focus, particularly in maintaining a train of thought. Depression takes over any semblance of concentration and makes itself the afflicted’s only focus. Thinking about other things is not easy, with the mood interrupting at every juncture, hence a heavy negative feeling perpetually looms, killing off the chance to have peace of mind.
Appetite and Wieght Change -Depression affects eating habits, transcending into either appetite loss or eating excessively. The intake of food can be taken as a source of solace for self-pity or worse, a means of protest over depression and its causes, like with the aversion to meals. From what started as a case of sadness or anxiety can very well transform into significant health problems.
Emontionally Sensitive – Those who are depressed have not much control over their emotions, which could result in breakdowns and drastic acts of violence. Usually, these acts have triggers, associated with causes of depression, but sometimes they can also be started by deep rationalization or even random thoughts. Depressed individuals can be volatile. Exercise caution when attempting to soothe their beleaguered states.
Lach of Sleep – Since a depressed mind generates a continuous stream of heavy thoughts, it makes the brain too active to shutdown, thus hampering sleeping patterns. The lack of sleep, in itself, induces a heavy feeling, which can add to the stigma of depression.
Physical Pain and Fatigue – The human mind is very powerful. With enough focus, the body conforms to one’s beliefs, even if they aren’t true. This is exactly how placebo works. In the case of depression, the person is primarily focused on a stark concoction of self-pity, anguish, anxiety, and denial – all of which can crush spirit. Those thoughts can manifest, physically, through pain, fatigue and lethargy.
Suicidal Tendencies - A person deep into depression views suicide as a way out – a blessing which takes him or her away from misery. Only someone whose rationality and emotions have been totally conquered by a powerful depressive state can think of such a thing. This, alone, is a good enough reason to have depression treated early, before it manipulates the afflicted to do desperate acts, like suicide.
Taking into account all of these symptoms of depression, more or less, you have an idea on how a depressed individual acts, reacts, and how the crushing mood clouds his or her judgment. Remember, there is always hope, even with severe cases. Just apply all of the possible treatments, so both you and your depressed loved one will have smiles on your faces, at the end of the day.
