#How to Distinguish Depression and Bipolar Disorder#
Every April 1st, it seems like April Fools’ Day is no longer just a day of fools. At the age of 46, Leslie Cheung leaped from the 24th floor terrace, bidding farewell to the world and leaving many fans in sorrow.
It was his leap that made society aware of the existence of depression. People began to realize the hidden aspects of depression.
However, as time passed, depression has become a social issue.
Currently, in our country, over 100 million people are still suffering from depression.
Official data shows that the number of depression patients in our country exceeded 30 million as early as 2007, and now it has surpassed 100 million. Approximately 1 million people die by suicide due to depression every year.
What kind of concept is this?
Among every 14 Chinese people, there is one person suffering from depression. This means that there might be depression patients among our classmates, colleagues, family, and friends.
We might not even be sure if we ourselves might become one of them one day.
What are the early signs of depression?
Many might think that depression is still far away from them, but in fact, it might have always been lurking around us. Early-stage depression, if intervened in time with psychological help, can greatly help restore a normal life.
However, most of us mistake early symptoms as emotional expressions, not giving them due attention, leading to the worsening of the condition.
So, what are the early signs shown by depressed patients?
1. Long-term negative emotions
After experiencing depression, the most obvious symptom is feeling indifferent towards things around them, lacking interest, and being in a constant state of negative emotions.
Generally, normal people may have some negative emotions too, but they usually don’t last long and don’t cause significant harm to the body. However, with depression, these emotions linger, making it hard to feel happy. This could be an early sign of depression, prompting a timely medical check-up and self-adjustment.
2. Decreased appetite
The reasons for decreased appetite could be due to gastrointestinal issues or mood influences.
Prolonged low moods can decrease appetite, leading to a decrease in nutrient intake over time, eventually causing weight loss. When experiencing decreased appetite, it is important to visit a hospital for a check-up based on individual conditions to prevent the further progression of depression and its impact on the body.
3. Persistent insomnia
When patients remain in a state of low mood for extended periods, their sleep quality decreases, potentially leading to insomnia. Continuous instances of this could be a sign of depression.
Long-term low moods can disrupt the autonomic nervous system function, resulting in reduced sleep quality.
4. Lack of concentration
If mood changes cause abnormalities, it can result in symptoms of lack of focus.
Some patients may appear to have a vacant look and a decline in cognitive ability. In such cases, it is advisable to promptly visit a hospital for a check-up to determine if there is a connection with depression. After confirming the condition, take appropriate intervention measures.
5. Frequent fatigue that is hard to alleviate
Depression affects sleep, in turn affecting the patient’s mental state the next day, leading to frequent tiredness.
This fatigue is hard to alleviate, causing a lack of energy to do anything. Without active intervention in such circumstances, the situation can worsen, leading the patient into severe depression.
6. Reluctance to communicate with others
After depression sets in, the patient’s will to engage decreases, often resulting in reluctance to speak with others, spending the day shutting themselves away, avoiding social interactions.
If this behavior is frequent in daily life, it indicates that depression might have already taken hold. In such cases, immediate measures for improvement should be taken.
More challenges of depression lie with those around the patient
If you notice these symptoms in someone, do not feel ashamed; adjust your mindset promptly to receive psychological intervention.
However, for depression patients, half of their suffering comes from their friends and family. They might not understand, they might say unintentional hurtful things, but the harm caused is real.
Therefore, if someone around you shows signs of depression and you cannot offer help, at least do not add to their troubles.
Life is tough, but they are still striving to live on!
Though the world is not perfect, we firmly believe there is still a possibility for healing!
