Depression is a term often used to describe feelings of overwhelming sadness or severe melancholy. When you are experiencing persistent hopelessness or loss of interest in regular activities, it may be a sign that you are depressed. Depression is a mental health condition that needs to be managed and treated properly before it gets worse.
Common Symptoms of Depression
- Change in appetite or eating habits
- Change in sleeping pattern (sleeping too much or having difficulty sleeping)
- Irritability, restlessness, and sudden changes in mood
- Fatigue, chronic aches, and pains
- Difficulty remembering details or concentrating
- Constant sadness, negativity, or feeling guilty all the time
- Digestive problems, cramps, and headaches that do not go away
- Constant feelings of sadness and emptiness
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Suicidal thoughts
Inside The Head Of The Depressed
The symptoms above may not appear simultaneously in a depressed individual because depression symptoms may vary from person to person. Some people try to mask these symptoms to prevent their loved ones from becoming worried. Others feign happiness because they do not want to be regarded as weak or vulnerable. If you think you or a relative is suffering from depression, you should go to a therapist or bring them to a mental health specialist for proper diagnosis.
But, what’s really going on in the minds of depressed individuals? How do they see the world? What are the thoughts running through their heads. Here are the answers:
1. Depressed people feel weak and helpless.
People who suffer from depression think that there is nothing that they can do to fight feelings of emptiness and sadness. Some people may tell them that all they need to do is to be strong, however overwhelming sorrow or fears may be too difficult for these people to deal with. They start to believe that they are too weak and unable to control their thoughts and emotions.
2. Depressed individuals do not want to talk about depression.
Some people deal with depression quietly because they do not want to talk about it. They may have experienced talking about it before and were dismissed as being too sensitive or too weak to handle problems. Depressed people will pretend to be fine to avoid being judged by folks who think sadness or negativity can be solved by exercising, eating healthy, meditating, or praying.
3. Depressed people feel guilty about their condition.
Sadly, one of the reasons depression gets worse over time is when it is left untreated. If an individual feels guilty about feeling depressed, they will try to hide it to prevent it from troubling their family and friends. Depressed individuals may feel guilty about their mental state and will blame themselves for their condition. They may believe they are a burden to their loved ones, leading them to think of ending their life.
4. Depression makes people less motivated.
Pessimism is one of the symptoms often seen in depressed people. A loving family, a well-paying job, or an accomplished portfolio may not be enough to make them satisfied with their lives. Something is always amiss, and it is difficult for them to determine what will make their sadness disappear. An untreated depressive mental state can lead to a lack of motivation to do their regular activities, leading to lost jobs and failed relationships.
5. Depressed individuals do not feel worthy of happiness.
When an individual feels constant sadness, they begin to think that they do not deserve to be happy. A depressed person does not feel sad all the time. However, when they do feel happy for a while, they may not feel any pleasure in their gladness. Therefore, some depressed individuals may think that they are better off not feeling joy or satisfaction over their accomplishments, no matter how small or big these achievements are.
6. Depressed people often do not know why they are feeling that way.
One of the struggles of people suffering from depression is that they do not understand why they are feeling sad, anxious, or worried. Even health practitioners will find it challenging to pinpoint the cause of a person’s depression. Studies suggest that depression may be hereditary, which means that you may be more prone to depression if a first-degree relative has also suffered from it. Furthermore, depression can also stem from traumatic personal experiences, illnesses, certain medications, strained relationships, pressure at work, financial problems, vices, and substance abuse.
7. Depression makes people think there is no solution.
Most people suffering from depression feel that there is no way out of their dilemma. One of the worst manifestations of depression is suicidal thoughts. A depressed person may eventually believe that the only solution to their problem is to die. Depression is characterized by constant sadness, which often leads to hopelessness. When a person is severely depressed and left untreated, they will think of ways to end their problem, which is usually through committing suicide.
8. Depressed individuals long for control.
It can be hard to imagine what goes on in the mind of someone who is depressed. A person suffering from depression usually seeks control over their thoughts and emotions. However, the flood of negative feelings and ideas can be challenging to manage.
A depressed individual trying to take control of their mind can show signs of moodiness, restlessness, irritability, and anxiety. There are many cases where depressed individuals turn to alcohol and other illegal substances to manage their emotions and thoughts. However, substance abuse can backfire and lead to other debilitating mental and physical issues.
Conclusion
Depression does not discriminate. It can affect the rich and the poor. It can afflict physically healthy individuals and those who are suffering from illnesses. Depression does not care what your profession is. It can hurt anyone no matter what their status in life is. One of the most important things to note about dealing with someone with depression is that they are afraid of being judged. Most of the time, depression makes a person feel helpless. Fighting depression is challenging, and one of the ways to beat it is by having a supportive and caring group of people by your side.
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