Depression is like a silent “demon” that quietly enters our world, and the world is unaware of how many people are suffering from depression.
Depression ≠Introversion, Low Mood
Most people think depression is just feeling down, in simpler terms being melodramatic, but the reality is different, it just means your understanding of depression is not deep enough.
Depression is not simply feeling bad, and it doesn’t get better in a few days; it is a mental illness, a problem within the brain.
Depression can make one feel emotionally down, have loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, and even suicidal thoughts, so the misconceptions about depression need to be corrected.
Actually, when individuals with mild depression experience it, they also have distinct verbal expressions, and some people often use the following phrases.
What are the signs of mild depression? Generally, there will be 7 “verbal expressions,” hopefully, these can help you.
“I’m so irritated”: Nowadays, individuals with depression have a weaker ability to cope, when facing troubles, they can become extremely irritable, even using the phrase “so irritated” frequently. This group of individuals gradually loses hope in life, feels exceptionally desolate, and may even give up on themselves.
“No appetite, don’t want to eat”: People with mild depression will have significantly reduced appetite, lose interest in any delicacies, which can lead to gradual weight loss, becoming increasingly skinny, facing issues of not thinking about tea or food. On the contrary, some individuals may turn their sadness into motivation, have a huge increase in appetite, both situations are considered abnormal.
“Why do I feel so tired”: Individuals with depression typically feel very exhausted, and this exhaustion is not just physical fatigue, but the psychological pressure continues to increase, feeling mentally exhausted, even thinking that leaving this world will bring relief.
“It’s all my fault”: Individuals with mild depression tend to shoulder all the blame for mistakes, even thinking that everything they do is wrong, losing more and more confidence, heavier psychological burdens, and the depression worsens.
“I’m useless”: Individuals with mild depression are in a state of self-denial, even if they perform incredibly well, they still belittle themselves, even resorting to self-deprecation. This not only leads to a decrease in self-esteem but also impacts mental health.
“Living well is meaningless”: Individuals with mild depression only see the negative side, even though under a lot of pressure, they don’t know how to release their emotions, becoming irritable and tearful, often feeling that life is meaningless.
“If I die, you’ll be better off”: Individuals with mild to severe depression think that whatever they do will burden those around them, believing that their departure will bring relief to their families, even feeling no attachment, having suicidal thoughts.
Depression Test: If you score “this number,” it might indicate severe depression.
Each question in the depression test has four options: “None” represents 1 point, “Slightly applicable” represents 2 points, “Applicable” represents 3 points, “Completely applicable” represents 4 points.
â—† Feeling down, extremely indifferent towards others, lacking enthusiasm for anything;
â—† Severe fatigue, not just physical exhaustion, increasing psychological pressure, becoming lazy in daily life;
â—† When faced with setbacks or difficulties, easy self-blame and feeling inferior, believing one is worthless;
â—† Feeling life is hopeless, wanting to end one’s life;
â—† Very low self-confidence, thinking actions will burden others, feeling no sense of achievement;
â—† Often feeling sad, angry, fearful, and tearing up involuntarily;
â—† Overwhelmingly negative mindset, extreme pessimism, lacking interest in anything, even hopelessness;
â—† Losing interest in life, work, and study, unable to experience any joy, especially more evident at night;
â—† Lack of concentration, reduced memory, decreased efficiency in learning and work compared to before;
â—† Speaking less, softer voice, slower thinking, easily distracted;
â—† Very slow in movements, feeling fatigued doing anything, even feeling drained of energy despite having surplus emotional burdens;
â—† Feeling heavily suppressed emotionally, decreasing contact with the outside world, sometimes long periods without proper communication with others;
â—† Even when something funny happens, choosing to laugh heartily, still feeling very lonely, devoid of any happiness;
Indecisive, difficulty making decisions, being hesitant, procrastinating without resolution;
Appetite worsening, lack of interest in any delicacies, poor digestion, physical discomfort easily;
Decreased appetite, rapid weight loss, along with symptoms like dizziness and headaches, prone to illness;
Quality of sleep deteriorating at night, frequent insomnia, and feeling extremely lonely during these sleepless nights;
Tendencies and actions of self-harm, and may have acted upon them already.
Analysis of Psychological Test Results:
A: Below 30 points, indicates occasional feelings of depression, but hasn’t reached the level of depression;
B: Above 30 points, shows signs of developing depression, but not severe yet;
C: Over 40 points, depression seems quite serious, seeking professional help is necessary, please seek medical attention promptly;
D: 54 points, seeking professional help is urgent. Indicates severe depression, needing guidance from mental health professionals.
How can you overcome depression?
Interact more with people. For individuals with depression, they often dislike engaging with others, prefer solitude, but this can lead to increased feelings of loneliness, exacerbating the condition, hence it’s important to communicate with others, participate in social activities, gatherings with friends, and keep expanding your social circle.
Face the difficulties in life. Regardless of what happens, any challenges should be faced head-on, life is never smooth sailing, setbacks and difficulties are inevitable, avoid self-blame and self-doubt, face them positively.
Set goals. Without goals, one can become lazy, lose motivation, and even become despondent. Therefore, individuals with depression must set clear goals for themselves, and strive continuously towards these goals, in order to fill their lives with hope.
