How can you tell when something is “off”? Symptoms of depression
The symptoms of depression are quite characteristic and can be observed both in oneself and in loved ones. Most people have experienced the loss of something important: feelings of regret, sadness, and a lack of joy and interest in everyday life arise. Sometimes, even the desire to move around and perform routine activities diminishes.
However, it’s important to clearly distinguish between temporary rough patches and an actual illness. Periods of low mood lasting one or even several days do not yet constitute depression. Depression is an illness, not just a “bad week.” To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must persist for at least 2 weeks. Many people think that depression only affects those who have been ill for months. This is not true. As little as two weeks of sufficiently prolonged and severe symptoms may indicate a depressive disorder and require consultation with a doctor.
The Main Symptoms of Depression – When Should You Consider the Possibility of Depression?To recognize depression, we look for three basic symptoms:
Depressed mood – predominant sadness, despondency, a feeling of emptiness
Anhedonia – difficulty or inability to feel joy, even from things that used to bring pleasure
Motivational disorders – lack of desire to act, a feeling of “not wanting to do anything,” difficulty starting and completing tasks
To be diagnosed with depression, at least two of these three symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks, virtually every day and for most of the day. In addition, depression is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
sleep disorders (insomnia, waking up frequently, excessive sleepiness)
low self-esteem, feelings of guilt and worthlessness
difficulty concentrating and making decisions
changes in appetite and body weight
thoughts of death, and in more severe cases, suicidal thoughts
The diagnosis takes into account the full picture: the severity of symptoms, their duration, and their impact on functioning at work, school, and in daily life.
What is a visit to a psychiatrist like? A visit to a psychiatrist is similar to a visit to any other doctor—after all, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor. During the appointment:
takes a medical history (symptoms, duration, previous episodes, family history of illness, medications taken, substances used)
assesses the patient's mental state
makes a diagnosis or recommends further testing
proposes a treatment plan (psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both)
The difference lies in the method of examination. A psychiatrist does not auscultate a patient—he listens to the patient. The primary tools of the trade are conversation and observation. In some cases, the doctor may order additional tests (e.g., blood tests, thyroid hormone tests) to rule out somatic causes of the symptoms.Psychiatry is a science-based field of medicine. The “organ” affected by the disorder is the brain. By talking with and observing the patient, the doctor interprets which areas and functions of the brain may be impaired—e.g., the cerebral cortex (thinking, planning), subcortical structures (experiencing emotions), or the connections between them (attention, concentration, motivation).
How to treat depression? The key rule: as soon as possible. If you’ve been experiencing typical symptoms of depression for at least 2 weeks and suspect you have a mental health disorder—don’t delay seeing a doctor. Depression can vary in severity:
mild
moderate
heavy
The sooner you seek help, the greater the chance that the illness will still be in its mild stage. In such cases, early initiation of psychotherapy may make medication unnecessary or reduce the need for it.In most cases, combination therapy is the most effective:
psychotherapy (especially cognitive-behavioral therapy)
pharmacotherapy (individualized antidepressants)
The sooner we start treatment, the better the chances of:
faster improvement
lower doses of medication
shorter treatment time
lower risk of recurrence
Depression Prevention – How to Take Care of Your Mental Health?Depression can be prevented to some extent by maintaining a balance between stress and rest. A healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to prevent mental health disorders. It’s important to:
enough sleep and a regular circadian rhythm
regular physical activity tailored to one's abilities
a healthy, balanced diet
Avoiding alcohol and drugs
relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, breathing exercises, mindfulness)
Reducing chronic stress, building supportive relationships, and seeking help during difficult times also reduce the risk of developing depression.
Depression is an illness, not something to be ashamed of! We aren’t ashamed of the flu, asthma, or wearing glasses. We shouldn’t be ashamed of depression either. It’s an illness that affects many people—regardless of age, profession, or social status. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that depression may become one of the most commonly diagnosed illnesses in the world. In Poland, this issue has been addressed by public awareness campaigns such as “Faces of Depression”, in which well-known figures shared their experiences.Depression is not a sign of weakness and does not go away on its own. It is an illness that can and must be treated. There are proven, effective treatment methods—ranging from psychotherapy to medication and a combination of both. If you’re unsure whether it’s “just sadness” or already depression—don’t wait. Contact a doctor or mental health professional. You are not alone.
