When Happiness Disappears: Early Signs of Depression and How to Cope

Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is a common but serious mental health problem. It not only affects mood, but can also have a profound impact on physical health, social relationships, and quality of life. Although depression is a treatable disease, many people do not get timely support due to lack of knowledge or shame in seeking help. This article aims to help everyone better understand depression, identify its symptoms, and understand how to provide support.

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent low mood and loss of interest in daily activities. Unlike ordinary mood swings, the symptoms of depression usually last for weeks, months or even longer and seriously interfere with a person's life function.

Depression is not a sign of "weakness" or "laziness", but a complex disease that may be related to genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors. For example, an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain (such as serotonin, dopamine), major stressful events in life (such as loss of a loved one, unemployment), or long-term psychological trauma may all be triggers for depression.

Common symptoms of depression

Depression can manifest differently for different people, but here are some common symptoms:

• Low mood: persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, and loss of interest in life.
• Low energy: extreme fatigue or lack of motivation even when not physically active.
• Sleep problems: insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or waking up early) or excessive sleep (hypersomnia).
• Appetite changes: significant increases or decreases in appetite, leading to significant fluctuations in weight.
• Decreased concentration: difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
• Self-denial: feelings of worthlessness, excessive self-blame or guilt.
• Physical complaints: unexplained headaches, stomach aches, or other physical symptoms.
• Negative thinking: recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks and significantly affect your daily life, you may need to consider the possibility of depression.

Types of depression

Depression is not a single type, common types include:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD): symptoms are severe and persistent, significantly affecting your functioning.
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): symptoms are milder but last longer (at least two years).
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): associated with seasonal changes, usually worse in winter.
• Postpartum depression: occurs after a woman gives birth and may be related to hormonal changes and psychological stress.
• Bipolar disorder: alternating between depression and mania (elevated mood).

How to identify depression?

It is not easy to identify depression because many symptoms may be misunderstood as "stress" or "bad mood". Here are some key points to identify depression:

• Persistence of symptoms: symptoms of depression usually last for a long time, rather than short-term mood swings.
• Impact on life: Depression can significantly affect work, study, social life and daily life.
• Combination of physical and mental: Depression is not only manifested as emotional problems, but may also be accompanied by physical symptoms.

If you or someone around you has the above symptoms, it is recommended to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Treatment and support for depression

Depression is a treatable disease, and common interventions include:

Psychotherapy:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): helps patients identify and change negative thinking patterns.
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT): focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning.
• Mindfulness therapy: relieves emotional stress through meditation and relaxation techniques.

Medication:

Antidepressant drugs (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs) can help regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain and relieve symptoms.

Lifestyle adjustments:

• Maintain a regular schedule, a healthy diet, and moderate exercise.
• Avoid alcohol and drug abuse.
• Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

Social support:

• The understanding and support of family and friends are crucial to the recovery of people with depression.
• Join a support group or seek community resources to share experiences and feelings with others.

How to help people with depression?

If someone you know is experiencing depression, here are some suggestions for providing support:

• Listen and understand: Listen patiently to their feelings without judging or giving advice easily.
• Encourage help-seeking: Help them contact a psychologist or counselor.
• Accompany and care: Even if they refuse to socialize, let them feel that you care.
• Avoid accusations: Don't say "cheer up" or "you think too much", which may increase their guilt.
• Focus on safety: If the patient has suicidal tendencies, seek professional help immediately.

Conclusion

Depression is not a disease that can be "overcome by yourself", but a health problem that requires understanding, support and professional treatment. By raising awareness of depression, we can reduce stigma and help more people bravely seek help. If you or someone close to you is experiencing depression, remember: you are not alone, and help is around.