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But what if sadness and depression start to accompany us longer?
Each of us experiences periods of sadness, depression or temporary mood swings. It is a natural reaction of the body to stress, life difficulties or the loss of a loved one. However, what happens when these feelings last much longer than usual? Are we then witnessing a simple decline in well-being, or is it a hidden depression?
Depression is a serious mental illness that can affect any of us. It is not just a momentary blues or sadness that disappears over time. It is a condition that significantly affects the quality of life and everyday functioning. Diagnosing depression can be difficult because the symptoms vary and are sometimes confused with other emotional problems.
Are we dealing with depression?
To find out if you are experiencing depression, it is worth paying attention to several key symptoms:
Permanent low mood
One of the main symptoms of depression is a persistent low mood that lasts most of the day for at least two weeks. A person suffering from depression often feels sad, hopeless and empty.
Loss of interest
Depressed people lose interest in things that previously gave them pleasure. Hobbies, meetings with friends and other activities become unimportant and unpleasant.
Problems with concentration and memory
Depression often negatively affects cognitive functions, which manifests itself in difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and reduced ability to make decisions.
Changes in appetite and weight
Some depressed patients notice changes in their appetite, leading to overeating or loss of appetite. This often results in significant changes in weight.
Sleeping problems
Insomnia or excessive dreaming are also common symptoms of depression. A person suffering from depression may have difficulty falling asleep, wake up early in the morning, or feel chronically tired.
Suicidal thoughts
In the case of depression, suicidal thoughts or planning self-destructive actions may occur. This is a signal that immediate psychological help is necessary.
If we recognize these symptoms in ourselves or a loved one, we should not underestimate the situation. It is worth consulting a psychiatrist or psychotherapist who will be able to make a diagnosis and propose appropriate treatment.
How to recognize the disease?
Diagnosing depression is a process that should be carried out by a specialist. Based on the interview and observation of the patient, a psychiatrist will be able to determine whether we are dealing with depression or another mental disorder. In some cases, laboratory tests may also be performed to rule out other causes of symptoms.
It is important to be honest with your doctor and talk openly about your feelings and emotional ailments. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the sooner appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Your suggestions
If you feel sad or depressed and it doesn’t go away, don’t delay in seeking help. This is not a sign of weakness, but rather of courage and concern for one’s mental health. Remember that depression is a disease that can be treated, and the support of specialists and loved ones can significantly help you return to your full life.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about depression, its causes, treatment and ways to deal with it, we recommend reading our articles on this topic:
“How to deal with depression: effective strategies and support from a psychotherapist”
“Depression in adolescents: how to recognize and help”
“Antidepressants – when are they needed and how do they work”
Knowing more about depression can help you understand the disease and be better prepared to recognize and treat it. Let’s not forget that taking care of our mental health is as important as taking care of our physical health.