Do you sometimes feel very sad or anxious? It's normal to feel sad when we lose a loved one, lose a job, or have a disappointment in life. However, if this sadness doesn't go away after a few days and persists, it may be more than just normal sadness. So today, let's talk about the difference between this normal sadness and the mental condition called depression, and when we should talk to a doctor about this.
What exactly is depression?
Simply put, depression is a common, but sometimes serious, mental illness that can affect your feelings, the way you think, the way you behave, and even your body.
We all feel sad at times in our lives. It's very natural. But depression is not just sadness. In normal sadness, the feeling gradually decreases after a while. But in depression, those feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness are in your mind all the time, most of the day. It feels like you can't escape it. Even though some people tell you, "It's something you made up," or "Get over it," depression is not something you can just think about and get rid of.
It's also normal to feel lonely sometimes. It's good for your health to be alone and just relax. But when you're depressed, you feel like you're completely isolated from society. You can't even do your daily tasks properly. It's hard to go to work, do household chores, and connect with other people. This is one of the most serious aspects of depression.
Be aware of these symptoms.
If you or someone close to you has one or more of the symptoms below that last for more than two weeks , it could be depression, rather than just normal sadness. So it's important to talk to a doctor about it.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Constant sadness | Feeling hopeless, empty, crying frequently, feeling worthless, feeling guilty about past actions. |
| Anhedonia | Things that used to be enjoyable (hobbies, sports, talking to friends, having sex) no longer bring any joy. Everything has become boring. |
| Sleep problems | Not being able to sleep, or waking up frequently at night. Perhaps sleeping too much and feeling lazy to get out of bed. |
| Weakness | Feeling lethargic, constantly tired. Walking slowly, talking slowly, and taking a long time to respond to other people's things. |
| Weight changes | You may lose weight due to loss of appetite, or you may gain weight due to increased cravings for unhealthy foods. |
| Body aches | Pain in the back, head, etc. for no particular reason. Muscle cramps, stomach pain. This pain does not subside even after taking medication. |
| Neglecting oneself | Not caring about your cleanliness and appearance. Not bathing, wearing the same dirty clothes every day. |
| Anger without reason | Constantly fighting with others, getting angry over small things, and holding grudges. |
| Feeling like brain fog | Difficulty thinking clearly, forgetting things. Inability to concentrate on a task or conversation. Difficulty making decisions. |
| Boredom with life | Feeling that life has no meaning, having thoughts about death, or having suicidal thoughts. |
The important thing is that not everyone with depression will experience all of these symptoms. Some people may experience only a few of them. And the severity of the symptoms varies from person to person.
Can symptoms change with age?
Yes, absolutely. Symptoms of depression can appear differently in different age groups.
For little children
Young children with depression may not want to go to school. They may not do well in class, and their grades may drop. Some young children may become clingy to their parents and be afraid of everything.
For young children
Young children may also be tempted to avoid school. They may become overly sensitive, have low self-esteem, eat or sleep excessively, and sometimes engage in dangerous behaviors such as drug or alcohol abuse or self-harm (such as cutting their hands or banging their heads against walls).
For adults
Depression in older adults often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms are mistaken for normal aging. They may show signs such as staying home, withdrawing from society, losing their appetite, sleeping poorly, and becoming forgetful.
How can the doctor help you?
If you have even the slightest suspicion that you may be suffering from depression, please talk to a doctor or mental health counselor . They can diagnose your condition and provide you with the necessary treatment to reduce your symptoms.
The doctor will examine you and ask about your family medical history. They may also do blood tests to see if your symptoms are caused by another condition (such as a thyroid problem). They will then ask you questions about your feelings and thoughts, and may have you fill out a questionnaire. This will help them determine what type of depression you have.
Depression can be controlled with help.
Depression is a treatable condition. So don't be afraid. Your doctor will prescribe the right medications and psychotherapy for you. If necessary, they can also refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Don't be ashamed of this condition or worry about what others will think. Getting treatment means you are taking care of yourself.
Don't beat yourself up by saying, "I'm weak, I need to be able to control my emotions." Depression is a medical condition, not a personality flaw. Learn more about it. Join support groups where you can talk to others who are living with depression like you.
Take-Home Message
- Normal sadness goes away in a few days, but depression is a persistent mental condition that affects your daily life.
- If symptoms such as persistent sadness, lack of happiness, and sleep problems persist for more than two weeks, it is important to pay attention to them.
- Depression is a medical condition, not a personal weakness. It cannot be "thought out of" by thinking.
- Don't be ashamed to ask for help. Talk to your doctor. With the right treatment (medication, psychotherapy), you can definitely recover.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න