In recent years, in addition to the significant damage to the human body caused by cardiovascular diseases, another issue is depression. More and more people are experiencing this problem, and recently, some public figures have left us due to depression. You may feel that depression is far away from us, but sometimes it feels very close. In fact, depression is very close to us, and some people may already be suffering from it without knowing. What changes does the body undergo when depression occurs? Let’s find out.
How does the body respond when depression strikes?
Depression is considered a chronic health issue, but different from physical problems, it is a psychological problem that can result in situations where one cannot control themselves. There are a plethora of thoughts every day, and sometimes, due to being unable to solve a problem, one may continuously dwell on it, even resorting to extreme behaviors such as hitting doors or walls or through self-harm.
Individuals with depression often experience significant cognitive slowing, struggling to comprehend beyond a few layers of meaning. Despite the desire to learn, they find it difficult to absorb information and may also experience a state of stagnation. Their mindset is already not great, and feeling slower than others in learning or tasks can be incredibly distressing, leading to negative feelings and reluctance to engage in learning.
Many individuals with depression tend to isolate themselves, avoiding extensive communication with others, immersing themselves in their own world. They also harbor strong feelings of inferiority, believing they are incapable and a burden to others, leading them to close themselves off. When others show concern, they reflexively reject it.
People with depression may develop heightened sensitivity in their lifestyle habits, often experiencing insomnia. I once watched a television show discussing a girl suffering from depression who couldn’t sleep throughout the night, feeling inexplicably sad; this is a severe case where assistance from professionals is needed.
If oneself or someone close exhibits signs of depression, remember to seek help early and adjust lifestyle habits accordingly. Depression often arises from excessive stress, high self-expectations, and a too tightly wound life, causing psychological issues. Avoid demanding perfection from oneself excessively; engage in activities of interest, relieve stress, try to communicate with friends, and express emotions.
As family and friends, it is crucial to understand the consequences of depression correctly, refrain from making jokes, take care of the emotions of those with depression, avoid insensitive remarks to prevent triggering them. Individuals with depression may be prone to suicidal thoughts at any moment, and accidents are more likely to occur, so it’s essential to be attentive.
Depression is indeed close to us, not as distant as it may seem; it is important for everyone to understand its seriousness. Sometimes, psychological damage can be more severe than physical injury. When signs of depression surface, it is crucial to proactively seek improvement and minimize harm.