Don't Ignore Depression, Know Symptoms And How To Overcome It

Illustration of depressed women (Photo: Freepik/rawpixel.com)

JAKARTA - Depression is a mood disorder that causes prolonged feelings of sadness and loss of interest in various activities. Also known as major depression disorders or clinical depression, this condition can affect the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and causes various emotional and physical problems.

Depression can make daily activities difficult, even in some cases, the sufferer feels that life is no longer meaningful. Depression is not just a feeling of sadness and not a sign of weakness. This condition cannot be overcome just by trying to be stronger or thinking positively.

Depression often requires long-term treatment. However, don't give up, many depressed people can feel better with treatment, psychological therapy, or a combination of both.

Symptoms Of Depression

Reporting from the Mayo Clinic page, depression can occur once in a lifetime, but most people experience it for some time. Symptoms last almost every day and can include:

- Feelings of sadness, vacuum, or despair

- Easily angry, frustrated, or experiencing emotional outbursts, even against small things

- Losing interest or pleasure in activities that are usually enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports, or sex

- Sleep disorders, such as insomnia or excessive sleep

- Feeling tired and lack of energy, so that light activity feels heavy

- Changes in appetite, either losing appetite to weight loss, or eating excessively which causes weight gain

- Anxiety, anxiety, or anxiety

- Slow in thinking, talking, or moving

- Feeling worthless or covered in guilt, often stuck in the mind about past failures or blaming yourself

- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

- The emergence of thoughts about death, suicide, or attempted suicide

- Physical complaints without a clear cause, such as back pain or headaches

In many people, these symptoms are severe enough to interfere with work, school, social life, or personal relationships. Some people may feel constantly unhappy without knowing the cause.

Depression In Children And Teenagers

Symptoms of depression in children and adolescents are generally similar to adults, but they can have certain differences.

- In children

Symptoms can be in the form of sadness, irritability, being too attached to parents, excessive anxiety, often complaining of pain for no apparent reason, refusing to go to school, or experiencing weight loss.

-To teenagers

Symptoms may include feelings of sadness, irritability, feeling worthless or negative towards oneself, anger, declining academic achievements, frequent skipping schools, feeling poorly understood, being very sensitive, using alcohol or drugs, eating or sleeping excessively, self-harming, losing interest in activities that are usually liked, and avoiding social interactions.

- Elderly

Depression is not a normal part of the aging process, but is often not diagnosed and does not get proper treatment for the elderly. The elderly may be reluctant to seek help or do not realize that they are depressed.

Symptoms of depression in the elderly can be more difficult to recognize and often different, such as:

- Memory disorders or personality changes

- Complaints of physical pain without a clear medical cause

- Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep disorders, or loss of interest in sex unrelated to medical or medicinal conditions

- Reluctant to leave the house or interact with other people

- Mind or desire to commit suicide, especially in elderly men

When Should You Consult With A Doctor?

If you feel symptoms of depression, immediately make an appointment with a doctor or a mental health professional. If you are hesitant to seek help, try talking to friends, family, religious leaders, or someone you trust.

If you are thinking of hurting yourself or trying to commit suicide, immediately contact a local emergency service or crisis relief service. Several steps can be taken if you have thoughts of suicide:

- Call a doctor or mental health professional.

- Contact the suicide hotline or crisis relief service.

- Tell your condition to your closest friends or family members.

- Talk to religious leaders or someone in your trusted community.

If someone close to you shows signs of wanting to commit suicide or has tried to do so, make sure someone always accompanies them and immediately contact emergency services. If possible, take the person to the nearest hospital.