Sadness or depression? At times, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. Depression can present itself in many different ways and varies in severity. One of the most severe forms is major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression.
Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. It can affect the way you think, feel, and behave. It may also impact your memory, appetite, and sleep, making even simple tasks, such as getting out of bed, feel overwhelming. Furthermore, people living with depression often struggle to carry out everyday activities, to the point where life may no longer feel worth living. These symptoms can persist for months or even years.
What Causes Depression?
Depression is a highly complex condition. For many years, we have heard that it is simply the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. While this may be one contributing factor, it does not fully explain the complexity of the condition.
There are many possible causes of depression, including genetic vulnerability, stressful life events, and differences in the brain’s mood regulation system. Ultimately, it is the interaction between these factors that may determine whether a person develops depression.
Let’s Start Busting Some Myths
“If I’m feeling low, I must be depressed.”
Everyone experiences periods of sadness from time to time. It is perfectly normal to feel low after a difficult life event, such as the end of a relationship or the loss of an important friendship. Depression, however, is different. Its symptoms persist for at least two weeks, and the sadness does not simply go away on its own. In addition, depression involves a range of other symptoms and is not characterised by sadness alone.
“You can just snap out of it! Put in a little effort!”
Depression does not mean that you are weak, although society’s stigma surrounding mental health may make people believe otherwise. It is certainly not something a person can simply “snap out of.” If it were, everyone would choose to feel happy, wouldn’t they?
Depression is both a biological and psychological condition. It does not discriminate, and it has nothing to do with a person’s strength or character. Nobody chooses to be depressed.
“Children cannot suffer from depression.”
As difficult as this may be to accept, children can also experience depression. However, the signs often differ from those seen in adults. In children, depression may present as persistent sadness, irritability, clinginess, excessive worry, unexplained aches and pains, or a reluctance to attend school.
Treating Depression
A combination of medication and counselling can help people living with depression feel better. Left untreated, depression can lead to serious consequences, including self-harm and, in severe cases, suicide.
Therefore, if you recognise the symptoms described in this article and have been experiencing them for some time, it is important to seek professional help. Above all, remember that depression is treatable, and with the right support, recovery is possible.