I'm very sad. Do I have depression?
COVID-19, the lockdown and the pandemic situation have had a significant impact on the mental health of the population.
This situation has generated considerable unease among the population and widespread concern for their health. All these emotions and experiences, many of which are unprecedented, have created a growing need among citizens to understand what is happening to them and whether it is normal or if they are suffering from depression.
As the pandemic has evolved, an increase in anxiety and depression has been observed, often associated with sleep disorders. A certain degree of anxiety can be protective in daily life, but in certain circumstances, anxiety can become excessive and manifest as mood swings, sadness, irritability, or behaviors that prevent us from adapting to a new reality.
Key Elements of Depressions
Feeling sad in the face of stressful life events is normal . However, if the situation becomes persistent, worsens, or causes a decline in a person's daily life, it may be a sign that they are developing depression. In other words, if it affects self-care, academic or work performance, or if it leads to social or family isolation, it's time to seek help.
Feeling worried, irritable, and down in these challenging times is normal. It's a time when we've had to endure personal losses, grief, social restrictions and lockdowns, unexpected financial difficulties, and fear of contracting the virus ourselves or our loved ones. These are undoubtedly stressful factors in our daily lives.
Don't confuse sadness with depression
It's important not to confuse sadness or anxiety with depression. Typical mood swings and emotional responses to everyday problems are normal.
Depression is much more than feeling sad or having bad days. It's a process that affects a person holistically. People with depression experience persistent sadness, apathy, and loss of interest. It has a significant impact on the affected individual and their environment, especially when it becomes chronic and is of moderate or severe intensity.
There are several factors considered to be risk factors for suffering from depression:
- It is more prevalent among women.
- It is more common in people between 18 and 44 years old
- It is more common in people with a marital status of single, separated or divorced.
- The consumption of toxic substances is a risk factor
- Suffering from other mental disorders
- Living through chronic stressful situations
- Traumatic experiences during childhood.
- Lack of economic resources and family support
We must be very attentive to any warning signs related to depression and seek help. Most cases of depression are treated on an outpatient basis, and only a small percentage of people require hospitalization due to the severity of their condition.
The 11 most widespread myths about depression
How can I tell if I have depression?
There are several factors that can indicate depression. These signs can help us distinguish it from other common mood states and help us decide to seek help at our local health center.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Unusual and persistent sadness. Tendency to cry.
- Slowed thinking.
- Attention, memory and concentration deficits.
- Loss of interest in activities that are normally enjoyed and a tendency to have sex.
- Inability to carry out daily activities.
- Excessive tiredness.
- Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual).
- Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more or less than normal).
- Anxiety.
- Feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
- Despair.
- Psychomotor inhibition.
- Thoughts of death or suicide attempts.
What can I do if I have depression?
- Share how you feel with your trusted circle.
- Try to maintain the usual activities that you enjoy.
- Stay in touch with family and friends.
- Exercise regularly.
- Tolerate uncertainty and ambiguity. These are uncertain times.
- Keep a sense of perspective. This situation won't last forever.
- Make plans.
- Set yourself new, realistic goals in line with current circumstances.
- Reflect each day on the positive things that have happened to you.
- Be grateful.
- Take care of your diet.
- Get enough sleep.
- Avoid consuming toxic substances.
- Do not self-medicate.
- Accept that you may have a mental health problem.
- If you are having suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately.
- Seek professional help.
Looking after our own mental well-being is very important for ourselves and those around us, especially in the complex pandemic scenario we are currently experiencing. That's why we must give it the necessary attention and seek professional help if needed.
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