Introduction: According to data released by the World Health Organization in 2021, the number of global depression patients has soared to a staggering 280 million. This huge number undoubtedly reveals the serious mental health problems facing the world today, with each patient seemingly trapped in a dark emotional abyss, unable to break free on their own.
Even more heartbreaking is that the number of suicides due to depression has exceeded one million, a truly shocking figure. Whenever we hear such numbers, we cannot help but reflect on why so many people choose to end their lives in such an extreme way?
In our country, the issue of depression is equally concerning. According to statistical data from 2019, the lifetime prevalence of depression is as high as 6.8%.
What it means is that out of every 100 people, about 7 individuals may be experiencing the torment of depression. This mental illness not only significantly affects the daily lives of patients but can also lead to their inability to work, study normally, and even distance themselves from family and friends.
There is a close link between depression and suicide. Statistics show that around one-fifth of depression patients may ultimately choose to end their lives through suicide. This is not only a personal tragedy but also a societal tragedy.
As each vivid life fades away due to depression, we cannot help but lament the fragility of life and also reflect on whether we have given enough attention and support.
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Despite improving material well-being, why are more people suffering from depression?
Interpersonal Relationships
In today’s society, the alienation and indifference in interpersonal relationships lead people to lack sufficient emotional support and understanding when faced with stress and challenges. Feelings of loneliness and helplessness have become a norm for many individuals, increasing the risk of depression.
Mental World
The relentless pursuit of material enjoyment and success has gradually emptied people’s mental world. In the pursuit of material satisfaction, we often overlook our inner needs and feelings, leading to a spiritual imbalance. When faced with setbacks and failures, we are more prone to self-denial and despair.
Negative Information
In this era of information explosion, we are surrounded by various types of information, including negative ones. Such negative information not only affects our emotions but also instills fear and anxiety about the future. Prolonged exposure to this state gradually reduces our psychological resilience, making us more susceptible to depression.
Fast Paced Life and Competition Pressure
The fast-paced life and competition pressure in modern society keep people in a state of tension and anxiety. Prolonged psychological stress and anxiety can disrupt the body’s endocrine system, further leading to psychological issues like depression.
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What harm does delaying treatment for depression cause?
Aggravating the Condition
From a personal perspective, delaying treatment can worsen the condition, pushing depression patients into deeper emotional lows. They may lose interest and enthusiasm for life, even contemplate suicide. Moreover, prolonged depression can also affect the physical health of patients, leading to issues like insomnia, loss of appetite, fatigue, and in severe cases, potentially triggering physical illnesses.
Unable to Work and Study Normally
From a societal standpoint, due to low moods, depression patients often struggle to work and study efficiently, creating economic burdens for families and society. Additionally, their emotional issues may affect those around them, leading to family conflicts and social tensions. Furthermore, depressed individuals may choose to isolate themselves from society to escape pressure, resulting in social alienation and exacerbating their condition.
Impact on Social Skills
Delaying treatment for depression also hampers the social skills of patients. They may become isolated, indifferent, finding it challenging to establish intimate relationships with others. This state not only affects their personal quality of life but also leaves them lacking support when facing difficulties and setbacks, making it hard to overcome challenges.
Triggering More Severe Psychological Problems
Delaying treatment for depression may also trigger more severe psychological issues like anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, etc. These mental problems interact with depression, forming a vicious cycle, making the patients’ condition more complex and challenging to treat.
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The 4 Phrases About “Depression” that are often mentioned, if you have not said them, it means your mental and physical health are good
“I’m so useless”
Depression patients often fall into deep self-deprecation and self-blame emotions. They may frequently say phrases like “I’m so useless,” which is not mere self-criticism but a comprehensive denial of self-worth from deep within. This sense of self-deprecation stems from their excessive doubt in their abilities, indifference to any achievements, and even overlooking small successes in daily life.
This negative thinking pattern of depression patients makes them feel more helpless and desperate when faced with difficulties and challenges. They might feel that no matter how hard they try, they cannot meet others’ expectations or fulfill their needs. This excessive self-denial makes them lose the drive to move forward, even giving up on pursuing a better life and future.
In contrast, if you have never had such thoughts of self-deprecation, you should be grateful for your healthy self-esteem and confidence. It means you can correctly understand your worth and abilities, maintain a positive attitude when facing challenges and difficulties, believing in overcoming all obstacles. This confidence and self-esteem are crucial assurances for your success on life’s journey.
“Life is meaningless”
Depression is a complex mental illness that deeply affects patients’ inner worlds, altering their views and experiences of life significantly. Under the influence of depression, patients may frequently express sentiments like “Life is meaningless,” not just a passing remark but a genuine reflection of their inner feelings.
Depression patients often lose interest and joy in life, finding activities, relationships, or hobbies they once loved now dull and uninteresting. This loss of interest not only affects their quality of life but also makes them feel more lonely and helpless. As joy fades from life, patients may sink into profound despair, even contemplating suicide. These thoughts are not their true intentions but negative effects brought forth by depression.
In contrast, if you are full of enthusiasm and interest in life, maintaining a positive attitude even in the face of difficulties, then your mental health is undoubtedly good. You can experience the beauty of life, feel the warmth of social interactions, filling your inner being with sunlight and strength. Simultaneously, you will cherish life more, striving harder to achieve your dreams and goals.
“If I die, you all will be better off”
When deeply troubled by the illness, depression patients may frequently utter heart-wrenching remarks like “If I die, you all will be better off.” This is not a genuine desire to leave the world but a result of deep self-deprecation and self-blame, feeling like a heavy burden on their families. They might believe that their presence only brings endless troubles and pain to their families, and by leaving, their families could live a more relaxed and peaceful life.
This mindset often arises from depression patients’ excessive self-denial and misconceptions about their emotional bond with family members. They might overlook the essential role they play in the family, as well as the needs and reliance their family has on them. Simultaneously, they may doubt the love and support from their family, believing that their family cannot understand and accept them.
However, for those without such thoughts, they usually possess a correct understanding of their relationships with their family. They understand that each person is a part of the family, with unique value and meaning. They cherish the time spent with family, care for and support their family, seeking help and support from family when needed.
“So annoying”
Depression is a severe mental illness that often quietly manifests in people’s daily lives, impacting patients’ emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. In the early stages of depression, patients may frequently express emotions like “So annoying.”
This is not merely venting emotions but a genuine reflection of their feelings of helplessness and despair towards stress and troubles deep within. When you notice someone around you frequently saying “So annoying” when faced with a little irritation and this emotional state persists, affecting their daily life and work, they might be experiencing the distress of depression.
Such patients usually possess low resilience to pressure and weaker abilities to regulate negative emotions, making their feelings more susceptible to external influences, leading them into a cycle of negativity.
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People with depression will exhibit 3 signs, thinking they are normal will lead to regrets later on
Losing Passion for Life
This is not just a decline in interest in a specific activity or hobby but feeling bland and powerless towards life as a whole. They may find activities they once enjoyed now mundane and tedious, even becoming bored with daily trivial matters.
Withdrawal in Social Activities
Another common sign is their withdrawal from social activities. They may begin avoiding interactions with friends and family, even refusing to participate in necessary social events. This withdrawal is not due to laziness or fatigue but because they feel unable to fit in with the group or fear exposing their true feelings in social situations.
Self-Blame and Feeling Worthless
Additionally, depression patients often accompany self-blame and feelings of worthlessness. They may repeatedly dwell on their mistakes and failures, feeling useless and undeserving of happiness. This self-blame and worthlessness further intensify their depressive emotions, creating a vicious cycle.
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Is depression a “terminal illness”?
Depression is not a “terminal illness” but a condition that can be treated and managed. Like other diseases, it requires professional medical support and self-care. With advancements in medical research, we are gaining a better understanding of the causes and treatment methods for depression.
It is essential to understand that depression is not caused by a single factor but is the result of multiple factors interacting, including genetic, environmental, psychological, and social factors. Therefore, treating depression needs a multi-faceted approach, including medication, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, etc.
Furthermore, treating depression requires patience and persistence. Many patients may face setbacks and difficulties during the treatment process, but this does not mean treatment is ineffective. On the contrary, only through continuous therapy and active adjustments can the condition gradually improve, restoring health.
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Improving depression, try these 4 methods
Build a Positive Social Support Network
Social support networks are crucial resources for us when facing challenges and hardships. For depression patients, a positive, understanding, and supportive social environment is essential. This includes staying in touch with family and friends, joining support groups, or seeking professional psychological counseling. In this process, you can share your feelings and experiences, listen to others’ advice and stories, finding resonance and support.
Cultivate Healthy Lifestyle Practices
Aside from social support, we need to cultivate a healthy lifestyle. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, balanced diet, and adequate exercise. These lifestyle changes not only enhance our physical well-being but also help us regulate emotions and relieve stress. For example, exercise can release endorphins and other happiness hormones, aiding in mood improvement.
Self-Care
This includes accepting your feelings, giving yourself enough care and attention, and fostering a positive self-image. We shouldn’t neglect our needs but should respect and take care of our physical and mental well-being.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
We need to recognize that improving depression is a long-term process requiring ongoing effort and patience. During this process, maintaining a positive attitude, believing in overcoming challenges, stepping out of the shadows is crucial. Simultaneously, we need to learn to seek help, facing challenges together with others.
