In today’s society, depression has become a common psychological health issue. It not only affects the mental and physical health of patients but may also have serious impacts on their family, work, and social life.
However, due to the complexity and diversity of depression, many people may not be aware of whether they are experiencing depression. This article will explore five phrases commonly said by depression patients. If you have never said these phrases, congratulations, your mental health condition may be very good.
What is depression?
Depression, or depressive disorder, is characterized by long periods of low mood, making it a psychological disorder. Patients may progress from feeling down to self-loathing, despair, and even thoughts of suicide. Some patients may also experience persistent anxiety and agitated behavior.
In severe cases, there may also be symptoms of hallucinations and auditory hallucinations, with each episode lasting for two weeks or even years.
Population at higher risk of depression
The age group with the highest risk of depression is 15-33 years old, and individuals in this age range are more susceptible to the condition. Generally, the incidence of depression is higher in females than in males. At this age, individuals may lack mature thoughts, have limited experiences in various aspects, face significant social and family pressures, and may repeatedly face setbacks, making them more susceptible to depression.
The mechanism of depression onset is not yet fully understood and is considered to be influenced by factors such as genetics, psychology, and social environments. Additionally, stress events, pessimistic personality traits, and substance abuse are related to depression.
Five phrases commonly said by people with depression, if you have never said them, your mental health is likely good
1. “I feel like everything is meaningless.”
Depression patients often feel that life has lost its meaning, and they struggle to find joy in anything. They may lose interest in activities or hobbies they once loved and even lose interest in basic life needs. This sense of helplessness and despair makes life seem dull and colorless to them.
For those with good mental health, every moment in life is full of possibilities and joys. They can find happiness in simple things like enjoying good food, appreciating beautiful scenery, and socializing with friends. They cherish every moment in life and appreciate the beauty of the world.
2. “There’s no point in living.”
When depression patients find themselves in endless darkness, losing all hope and confidence in life, they may sometimes choose to harm themselves in exchange for fleeting pleasure and excitement. The judgmental eyes around them pierce their hearts, intensifying their self-doubt and dragging them deeper into despair.
They often believe that only their departure can bring relief to those around them. In reality, deep down, depression patients long to be understood and accepted. They also fear leaving this world alone in loneliness.
3. “It’s all my fault.”
Depression patients often get trapped in feelings of self-blame and guilt. They may frequently say, “It’s all my fault,” not just in response to a specific event but stemming from a deep self-denial of their own worth, abilities, and existence.
For depression patients, the world seems filled with negativity, making it hard for them to see the positive side. Even minor setbacks that others might overlook can become triggers for self-blame. They tend to focus excessively on their shortcomings and mistakes, overlooking their own strengths and accomplishments. This self-deprecating attitude makes it hard for them to shake off the burden of negative emotions.
4. “I’m so tired.”
People with depression gradually lose confidence and hope in life and become easily exhausted, finding it hard to muster the energy to do anything. The psychological brain of someone with depression struggles to function properly, making it difficult for them to make sound decisions, leading to indecisiveness and difficulty making choices.
Those with depression often have the phrase “I’m so tired” on their lips. If you relate to this, it’s recommended to go out more often, slow down your pace, observe the beauty around you, and avoid isolating yourself as it can exacerbate the severity of your emotions.
5. “I can’t sleep (or I always oversleep).”
Sleep disturbances are another common symptom of depression. Patients may have trouble falling asleep, experience light sleep, or wake up early. Prolonged sleep deprivation further affects their mood and energy, creating a vicious cycle. On the other hand, some depression patients may exhibit excessive sleep, feeling drowsy throughout the day, another physiological dysfunction caused by the illness.
Having depression, no matter how many medications one takes, it is better to focus on four things first, as doing one of them may help alleviate depression.
1. Adequate sleep
To effectively prevent depression, it’s important to ensure sufficient sleep. Lack of sleep due to high work pressure can lead to mental breakdown, making it easier to develop adverse emotions when mentally fragile, potentially triggering depression.
Therefore, ensuring an adequate amount of sleep is crucial for overall health. Through proper sleep, the body can be rejuvenated and the mind can function optimally, helping prevent the emergence of depressive emotions. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, going to bed early and waking up early, can help stabilize the internal environment and prevent depression.
2. Engage in outdoor activities
Engaging in physical exercise outdoors is one of the most effective and natural ways to combat depression, especially for those who work indoors. It is advisable for individuals to spend at least two hours outdoors daily.
It is beneficial to plan outdoor activities during weekends. However, precautions should be taken to avoid unexpected situations while engaging in outdoor activities.
3. Communicate more with people
The primary manifestation of depression is a reluctance to talk, lack of enthusiasm in activities, low self-esteem, and reluctance to engage in conversations with others. To improve the condition, these negative cycles must be broken. For example, forcing oneself to participate in social activities and interacting more with friends and family can gradually dissolve negative emotions, reigniting self-confidence.
4. Learn to reward oneself
Reward yourself every day, even for small achievements, such as eating a little more than yesterday or engaging in more conversations. By continuously acknowledging your progress and growth, you can record your achievements and boost your self-esteem.
In general, by meeting the above requirements, the recovery from depression tends to be positive. If the symptoms fluctuate despite these efforts, seeking help from a professional healthcare provider is recommended.
