In TV dramas or in life, we often see people who suffer from depression, feeling “down” all day long, and even choose to end their lives. Some friends may not understand, thinking how can a seemingly fine person suddenly become depressed? In their own eyes, their life doesn’t seem unhappy. However, depression is not a sudden occurrence; before exhibiting obvious symptoms like mood swings, insomnia, and irritability, individuals with depression may have certain common thoughts, most of which are kept silently to themselves for a long time. These thoughts are not necessarily the cause of depression but are clearly signs of it.
Does being happy in life prevent one from getting depressed?
In our understanding, it seems that only those who have suffered severe harm and setbacks, under significant mental stress, will experience depression. Or it could be due to extreme misfortunes leading to a sense of hopelessness, resulting in pessimistic depression. However, it is not always the case; even seemingly happy individuals can also experience depression because the causes of depression are varied, with psychological and social factors we believe in being just one of them. The onset of depression is also related to genetic and neurobiochemical factors, which are difficult to be freely chosen or avoided.
Therefore, there is no need to judge individuals with depression from our perspective. A person can be happy in life yet still have depression. It is not because they are too “mawkish”; if they could choose, I believe no one would want to have a mental or physical illness.
During the development of depression, what are some common “inner thoughts” that patients often have?
The unique thoughts and perceptions that patients have are actually manifestations of depressive symptoms.
“I cannot do anything right, nobody helps me, and there is no hope for the future.”
The thoughts that often occur in individuals with depression are usually pessimistic and negative, not necessarily reflecting the real situation. If you or someone around you is not completely worthless but constantly lacks confidence, feels useless, isolated, and envisions a dark future for themselves without any actual support, then it could possibly be a sign of depression, and it’s advisable to consult a mental health professional.
“Why does time pass so slowly? Why is every day so painful?”
After Xiao Zhang went home for Chinese New Year, they noticed their mother always looking unhappy, as if leading a miserable life. Xiao Zhang decided to take their mother on a trip to “cheer her up.” However, even in picturesque tourist cities experiencing interesting customs and scenery did not truly make her happy. At best, she could only “put on a happy face” to comply with others. Upon returning, Xiao Zhang took the mother to see a psychologist, and indeed she was diagnosed with depression.
The emotional downturn caused by the illness is challenging to regulate without medications and treatment.
In addition, common psychological activities in depressed individuals include reduced interests, disappearance of joy, extreme self-blame over trivial matters, and more. Overall, the frequent “inner thoughts” they have are very negative, even though they may think this way, they might not express it openly. Most people tend to keep these thoughts inside until more severe symptoms surface, or until the depression is diagnosed. Depression is not just being melodramatic or “complaining without a cause”; its onset is unpredictable and hard to avoid, and it’s not related to personality traits. Even cheerful, outgoing individuals can also fall into depression. If you often have the abovementioned “inner thoughts” but keep them to yourself, please do not ignore them and pay attention to your mental well-being.
