The current social development is very rapid, and at the same time, it brings a lot of pressure to people, leading to many people suffering from illnesses. Some are physical illnesses, while others are psychological illnesses, such as depression. We can see many news reports where someone clearly committed suicide due to depression or did something harmful to themselves, etc.
Every time we talk about depression, there is always a feeling of suppression in our hearts. Even if we have not experienced it ourselves, hearing about someone suffering from depression makes us uncomfortable. We tend to think of unpleasant scenarios. So, what exactly is depression and why do people suffer from it? Let’s explore it today.
Depression is unlike other illnesses; there is no physical pain associated with it. In the early stages, it also does not have very obvious symptoms, so many people may not realize they have depression. By the time depression strikes, it may be too late. Therefore, we need to identify the causes of depression and make improvements promptly to reduce harm to the body.
What factors contribute to the onset of depression?
Depression is closely related to psychological factors, especially childhood traumas like bullying, parental influence, or sexual abuse, which increase the likelihood of developing depression later on.
One’s living environment also plays a role. Growing up in dysfunctional families with frequent parental fights, lack of supervision, being left alone, or experiencing domestic violence can greatly impact a child’s mental state, leading to distorted perceptions and eventually depression.
The pressure of life contributes to the occurrence of depression. Our society currently exerts significant pressure, mostly on young people, especially those in their thirties and forties. When one cannot cope mentally and the pressure becomes overwhelming, it may lead to a mental breakdown and possibly depression. We often find that most depression patients are around their thirties or forties, which is a high-risk age group for depression. Therefore, it’s crucial to release stress in a timely manner to minimize harm to the body.
Encountering sadness, such as losing a loved one or something valuable, can be hard to accept initially. This heavy emotional blow can lead to thoughts of sleeplessness, loss of appetite, loss of interest in activities, feeling life is no longer worth living, and even suicidal thoughts, all of which can trigger depression.
What are the common manifestations of depression?
In the early stages, there is often a phenomenon of dull responsiveness. Regular individuals tend to have quick responses, except when deeply focused on something, while individuals with depression exhibit slow responsiveness. They procrastinate, engage in actions for extended periods, often daydream or space out, losing track of time. In the patient’s subconscious, this may seem normal, only happening occasionally, but in reality, it’s their usual state.
The emotional state is frequently low. Normal individuals experience significant fluctuations in emotions; they may feel upset or hurt but recover quickly. In contrast, depression patients exhibit abnormally low emotions when faced with distress, feeling like everything is collapsing. This emotional state persists for a considerable period, emphasizing the seriousness of negative energy that requires attention.
People with depression often do not realize it themselves; it’s usually family or friends who notice. They believe they are still normal because depression doesn’t manifest physically; it’s a cognitive change. They persist in what they think is right, but it can be extreme. Therefore, in daily life, it’s essential to show care for those with depression, avoid isolating them, provide encouragement and support to let them feel warmth, which might help alleviate depression.
