Depression is not a simple emotion, nor is it just feeling low, it is an illness. People with depression often don’t dare to tell others about their condition and suffer in silence. Those deeply affected might start experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations, hearing strange noises and seeing odd images. When it becomes unbearable and they reach the brink of collapse, a slight negligence from those around them can lead to self-harm.
In people’s impressions, depression mainly affects celebrities, seeming distant from themselves. However, reality might differ. Nowadays, one can easily find Beck’s Depression Inventory online for self-assessment. Scoring above 10 indicates psychological issues, while over 25 suggests a serious condition. After the test, most individuals may realize they are edging towards depression, which is not an exaggeration.
In today’s fast-paced life, few have no psychological or emotional issues, likely influenced by various factors like genetics, metabolic disorders, stress, poverty, poor sleep, etc. Some might appear optimistic, wearing a smile every day, while having underlying psychological problems.
Everyone encounters difficulties in life, and it’s hard to maintain a smile constantly. Persistently appearing cheerful might indicate a poor coping ability with sadness and an aversion to external interactions, hindering the release of negative emotions. Some professionals call this “smiling depression,” and those affected often realize their mental health is below par after testing.
Aside from using professional self-assessment tools, one can also gauge their mental state based on physical abnormalities. Depressed individuals exhibit certain signals through their bodies that should not be disregarded.
During depression, individuals become sensitive, leading to emotional outbursts or low moods. Eventually, this sensitivity transitions into a lack of security. They might engage in peculiar behaviors visible to outsiders, driven by their perceptions of things unseen by others. If a friend or a family member mentions hearing strange voices or seeing odd figures every night, it’s crucial not to attribute it solely to stress as their level of depression might be more severe than perceived.
In depression, individuals might also experience a “last gleam of light.” This phenomenon, referring to a terminally ill person suddenly appearing normal, also occurs with depressed individuals. They might shift from a gloomy state to sudden excitement, giving the impression of a remarkable recovery. However, this might signify their preparation for a final decision, believing in imminent liberation and thus relaxing internally, leading to heightened emotions and a sudden burst of normalcy. Neglecting such unusual changes may result in regrets.
Furthermore, the body exhibits other abnormal signs like loss of appetite, nocturnal awakenings, repetitive negative phrases, lack of fixed interests, unpredictable behaviors, and more.
Mental issues require psychological remedies, as depression often stems from self-doubt and disillusionment with society. To recuperate, one must integrate into society, engage socially, and participate in charitable activities. These actions help in gaining societal acceptance, gradually restoring confidence in life, and eventually overcoming depression.