Depression is not what you think! (Re-Read once more) Are you really depressed or just too sad?
The grey drizzle of horror,” as author William Styron memorably called Depression.
I am depressed! we hear that a lot, don’t we? We say that a lot, too. But do we really understand what it means?
All of us have been depressed at one point or another in our lives. And it is really just another part of life,life but what most of us fail to understand is depressive disorder.
Depressive Disorder is the version or extent of depression that actually prevents us from performing our day-to-day actions and makes it even difficult to behave normally or see anything from a positive outlook,or think clearly. It makes one’s most enjoyable tasks loathsome and difficult for them. People who depressed experience excessive guilt, feelings of worthlessness, and often thoughts of death and suicide, which can be obviously, avoided if we do few things right.
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In this article, we will discuss everything that is important and least aware of, “depression”.
- Table of Content
- Why do People always say that they are depressed?
- Final Thoughts
Why do People always say that they are depressed?
People have trouble accepting and understanding that mental illnesses are just as painful and affect just as much as physical illnesses. People are afraid of people with mental health disorders and have a general conception that all mental disorders sum down to madness.
The stigmas tend to manifest into ‘if you’d just advices’ like,
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You’ll feel better if you’d just get out more.”, “If you just thought about someone other than yourself, you’d stop cancelling plans.”. “Just brush it off”.
Let’s normalise mental health conversations!
Not only the onlookers but also the sufferers might be responsible for broaching misunderstandings. Sometimes, people who are well-meaning onlookers or sufferers misspeak out of anxiety or simply ignorance!
Moreover, it can be hurtful and aggravating for people with depression when others don’t comprehend or believe their lived experiences. As they say,
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You can either pour water or gas on a fire.
Avoiding the urge to hurt them like they’re hurting you and instead delivering insightful words and actions calmly and assertively can best help “water” the situation.”
How can we know if we are prone to it?
Genetic makeup, or heredity, is a significant risk factor for major depression and other depressive disorders. Age is also a risk factor. For instance, women are particularly at risk during young adulthood, while for men, the risk is highest in early middle age. Similarly, gender also plays a significant role in this differential risk For example, women, in comparison to men, are more likely to report a depressive disorder. Other risk factors include experiencing adverse life events and a lack of social support.
What Forms Does Depression take?
It is essential to recognise that depression is a complex condition that can manifest in a variety of ways. If you think you might be experiencing depression, it is important to seek help.
And here is the list of various forms of Depression.
1. Anxious distress
Depression is characterised by unusual restlessness, worry about potential events or loss of control. It describes the presence of specific symptoms of anxiety during a depressive episode. It might lead to feelings like a loss of control.
2. Mixed features
It is a depressive disorder that has a mixed feature. It is a mood disorder that is characterised by the presence of both depressive and manic or hypomanic symptoms at the same time.
3. Melancholic features
Includes severe depression, a lack of response to something that used to bring pleasure, early morning awakening, worsened mood in the morning, significant changes in appetite, and feelings of guilt, agitation, or sluggishness.
4. Atypical features
Includes the ability to be temporarily cheered by happy events, increased appetite, an excessive need for sleep, sensitivity to rejection, and a heavy feeling in the arms or legs.
5. Psychotic features
This depression is accompanied by delusions or hallucinations, which may include personal inadequacy or other negative themes. Psychotic symptoms can include hearing voices seeing things that aren’t there or having false beliefs that are not based in reality.
6. Catatonia
Depression is characterised by uncontrollable and purposeless movement or fixed and inflexible posture. Catatonic depression is believed to be caused by dysfunction of the chemicals in the brain.
7. Peripartum onset
Depression that occurs during pregnancy or in the weeks or months following delivery (postpartum). Feelings of sadness, anxiety, exhaustion, appetite and sleep patterns characterise it.
8. Seasonal pattern
This depression is caused by seasonal changes and reduced exposure to sunlight. The symptoms include feelings of sadness, fatigue, and social withdrawal.
So, are you depressed or just sad?
Differences between depression and sadness
What do they often say?
Certain phrases can help us identify a person when they are depressed.
- Depressed people can have their focus turned inwards and tend to use more first-person pronouns as they tend to feel things very intensely.
- Depressed people tend to start talking in absolutist language. It is because depression frequently leads to distortions in thought patterns which affect how we feel black and white thinking is a common pattern linked with depression.
- People with depression tend to say things like “I’m never going to be able to do this”, “it always happens to me”, etc.
- Thoughts of self-loathing and negative self-image occur in depression, so the ‘shoulds’ get narrow and rigid for them.
- They also tend to self-blame and feel like they are completely unable to do things that they used to do before and that no matter what they try to do nothing is working out anymore.
Finally!
How to cope with depression?
Medications and psychotherapy are prescribed for most people with depression. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional. Many times, antidepressants are also prescribed. But they have their own disadvantages.
In some cases children teenagers and young adults even might have an increase in suicidal thoughts or behaviour while on antidepressants, especially in the first few weeks of administration. These medications can also sometimes be addictive And cause physical dependence.
So here is how you can cope up with depression
- Try to cope up and prevent depression naturally. One should try to do the opposite of what the 'depression voice' suggests.
- Set small goals and reward yourself for every small achievement and effort.
- Create a structured routine that can help maintain a daily pace.
- Spend time in nature and with loved ones. These connections can help people feel more grounded and blessed.
- Practise gratitude and incorporate meditation into one's daily schedule.
- Try to Validate one's emotions and try new things to make them happy; such practices are also good for overall health.
Final Thoughts
Depression is a complex and challenging mental health condition and it can have serious effects on individuals and their overall well-being. Destigmatising mental health issues and promoting open conversations can contribute to a more compassionate and informed society.
The ongoing research efforts are essential to improve our understanding of depression. Communities must work together to reduce the barriers that may prevent individuals from seeking help and to foster an environment where mental health is prioritised.
Finally, by acknowledging the severity of depression, addressing its nature, and promoting accessible and compassionate care, we can work towards a future in which people suffering from depression can find the help and resources they need to live fulfilling lives.
