by DirectorIf you thought depression is just sadness, it is not.
If you thought every moment of sadness is depression, it is not.
If you thought simply feeling low is depression, it is not.
There is a difference between feelings of sadness and a diagnosable disorder called Depression. According to the ICD 10, depression is “a mental condition marked by ongoing feelings of sadness, despair, loss of energy, and difficulty dealing with normal life. Other symptoms include feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, loss of pleasure in activities, changes in eating or sleeping habits, and thoughts of death or suicide”.
These feelings must be persistent, ongoing, and must last for a stipulated period of time to become diagnosable. There are several types of Depression as well, such as Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Postpartum Depression, and others.
It is crucial to be conscious of our own feelings, both emotional and physical because depression does not just affect the mind; it affects the body too. Lethargy, aches and pains without a clear cause, sleeplessness, and changes in appetite are all physical indications of depression as well.
When we become attuned to our body and mind, we can recognize that something is not right. At this stage, the best thing you can do for yourself is to seek professional health from a counselor/therapist/psychologist. Through effective therapeutic treatments and interventions such as Psychotherapy involving talk therapy, relaxation techniques, resolution of internal conflicts, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy including processes that help you break the pattern of negative thoughts, Depression is a treatable mental health condition.
Sometimes, Depression is not visible to others. Even the people who smile, laugh, enjoy, can be silently battling Depression. Remember, you can help yourself by asking for help.