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There are many misconceptions and misconceptions about depression. We often repeat them without thinking, give inappropriate advice to friends struggling with this problem, or assume that we suffer from depression when we are not. Worse, however, when we are unwitting victims of this disease. That is why it is worth knowing the facts and myths about depression – knowing them, you will help someone around you, or it will be easier for you to solve your own problems and doubts.
The most common symptoms of depression are:
- Problems with concentration,
- Difficulty making decisions
- Feeling tired, sad or guilty
- Trouble falling asleep OR sleeping too much
- No appetite
- Inability to derive satisfaction from things that used to bring joy.
Depression is not just sad thoughts
Many people confuse this disease with a sense of sadness after losing a loved one or when, for example, we are disappointed in something. We all know that there are times in our lives when we feel sad for a short or long time. Then we are not dealing with depression. It usually does not suddenly appear when something bad happens – it is usually the sum of many separate factors that, piling up, cause us to gradually sink into this negative state, often even completely unconsciously.
Anyone can get sick, regardless of age or gender
It is true that it concerns everyone, but it must not be treated as a natural part of life. Depression should always be viewed as a disease, even though it can be caused by various natural factors, such as menopause in women (when their bodies undergo hormonal changes) or the loss of loved ones when we are old. Anyone at any age can suffer from depression, and it can be caused by a wide variety of factors.
How to get out of depression – true and false
The most hurtful way of thinking is treatment depression as something you can come out of with positive thinking. Some do not treat it as a disease, and it is as serious as heart disease or diabetes. Optimistic thinking will not cure depression, therapy and, most often, appropriate medications are necessary. Visits to a psychotherapist are necessary, which cannot be replaced by talking to a friend or other close person. Psychotherapists are specially trained to help people with mental problems, and psychotherapy is an unusual conversation – it effectively allows you to get to the bottom of the disease, work it out, learn to deal with it. It doesn’t always work the first time, but it’s definitely worth trying.
Symptoms may vary
Different people can have different symptoms of the same disease. Depression can manifest itself differently in everyone – some people will lose their appetite, others will overeat, some people will suffer from insomnia, and others will sleep all day and still not have enough. The fact is that men tend to have different symptoms than women – they become angry, aggressive and abusive more often, while women tend to feel sad, insecure or guilty. Men are also more likely to use stimulants such as alcohol and drugs when they are struggling with this problem. Of course, this is not a rule, but statistics show that depression in women in most cases has a different course than in men.