With the continuous development of society and the increasing living standards of people, the pressure we face is also increasing. Some people unwittingly suffer from depression, a situation that has become all too common. We should pay more attention to this issue, as it is a serious public health and social disease that not only affects mental health but can also destroy a person’s aspirations for life and willpower, ultimately leading to suicide. Therefore, depression is a problem worth paying attention to.
First, let’s discuss why there is an increasing number of people suffering from depression. Social factors have a certain influence; when competition becomes more intense, pressure increases, easily leading to feelings of anxiety and insecurity, causing psychological changes. Additionally, physiological reasons, such as disruptions in the brain’s serotonin or norepinephrine levels, can cause abnormal behavior. Lastly, psychological issues, such as pathological mentality, are the main reasons.
Early symptoms of depression include changes in appetite and mood. Loss of appetite or episodes of binge eating may indicate early signs of depression because it disrupts hormonal balance, leading to digestive system disturbances. Insomnia or excessive sleeping are also symptoms; nighttime emotions are more prone to getting out of control, and excessive sleep is a counter-reaction to insomnia.
If you find it hard to concentrate, experience memory loss, and have slowed actions, these could be early signs of depression. Self-doubt, loss of courage in life, increased sense of loneliness, restlessness, and lack of interest in activities are also early manifestations. If thoughts of self-harm arise, seeking treatment is necessary. While occasional symptoms may not be alarming, if they persist for over two weeks, attention is required.
Before discussing treatment, let’s talk about prevention. Depressed individuals tend to magnify issues and plummet emotionally. They need to learn to forgive themselves, find ways to release stress in different environments, evaluate themselves positively, and maintain a structured and meaningful life to feel more present.
Currently, treating depression is not perfect as there is no specific method. It mainly involves medication, psychotherapy, and physical therapy. The collaboration in medication should follow the doctor’s advice, consistency in psychotherapy is crucial, and physical therapy, a rising trend, has shown benefits. Depression is categorized into mild, moderate, and severe stages, each requiring different approaches.
For family and friends of individuals with depression, it is essential to empathize, provide support, encouragement, without mentioning sensitive topics like suicide or self-harm. Mental support is vital for them.
In conclusion, psychological diseases mainly rely on psychological treatments. Seeking appropriate stress relief during rest, engaging in suitable exercises, and maintaining a balanced diet are essential. Although the number of people with depression is increasing, with the gradual improvement of treatment methods, there will be a perfect cure for this so-called “mental cold.”
