Do you feel that someone close to you has internal struggles that they fight every day?
Many people bottle up their emotions and conceal their depression all to themselves. These feelings can hurl your friend into a state of despair and isolation that can be difficult for them to escape. #depression
If you suspect your friend is hiding depression, here are some signs to tell.
We also made a video on the signs you’re depressed, not lazy:
Writer: Joshua Munoz
Script Editor: Rida Batool
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
VO: Amanda Silvera
Animator: Chantal Van Rensburg
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong
References
Naim, R. Oct 23 2017 The Sad Truth About Why People Build Emotional Walls. Retrieved at www.thoughtcatalog.com/rania-naim/2017/10/the-sad-truth-about-why-people-build-emotional-walls/
Shetty P, Mane A, Fulmali S, Uchit G. (2018) Understanding masked depression: A clinical scenario. Indian J Psychiatry. (60)1:97-102. Retrieved at doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_272_17
National Institute of Mental Health (nd) Depression Retrieved at www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/
Gordon, J. (2017) Is Anger a Symptom of Depression? Healthline. Retrieved at www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-and-anger
Purdie, J. Sept 17 2018. What Is Anhedonia? Retrieved at www.healthline.com/health/depression/anhedonia
Morin, A. March 3 2021. What Is Smiling Depression? Retrieved at www.verywellmind.com/what-is-smiling-depression-4775918
Leonard, J. June 19, 2019 Recognizing the hidden signs of depression. Medical News Today. www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325513#forced-happiness
Raypole, C. May 29, 2019 How to Help a Depressed Friend. Healthline. Retrieved at www.healthline.com/health/how-to-help-a-depressed-friend
Depression Symptoms and Treatment
|
Depression Symptoms and Treatment
While the exact cause of depression isn’t fully understood, research has demonstrated that it is a common mental disorder. The American Psychiatric Association has published a DSM-5-based diagnostic manual that can help you understand your symptoms. The symptom checklist may include any of the following:
Standard screening tools are available to identify depression. Most primary care physicians will use the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to evaluate a patient’s symptoms. The PHQ-9 is a brief survey of nine questions that physicians use to judge the severity of a patient’s depression. This questionnaire is widely used in primary care settings, since most people with depression are diagnosed and treated by their doctors. According to Dr. James Murrough, director of the Mount Sinai depression center, it’s possible to be depressed and qualify for social security disability insurance benefits.
Psychotherapy may also be a viable option. Studies show that psychotherapy works just as well as antidepressants, and the effects of the therapy last long after treatment has ended. On the other hand, antidepressants tend to wear off quickly after stopping treatment. Thus, people with depression may benefit from combining psychotherapy and antidepressants. But, it’s important to note that a depressive disorder can’t be cured overnight with psychotherapy alone.
A person’s ability to cope with the symptoms of depression can be very different than their ability to cope with stressful situations. Feeling down is normal but a depressive illness requires medical attention and can have negative effects on every aspect of a person’s life. The key is to recognize the signs of depression before it becomes a debilitating illness. You must also remember that your depression may not be the result of any one particular event or illness, and that it’s completely normal to experience periods of sadness and hopelessness. Depression can affect your work performance and the quality of your life.
For the most effective treatment of depression, your doctor will most likely prescribe an antidepressant that targets both the symptoms and the underlying causes of the disorder. Antidepressants may take weeks to start working, so it is important to stick to the regimen. Antidepressants are not habit-forming, and they have no stimulating effect on non-depressed people. But they should be considered only after your doctor’s advice. You need to understand that it’s important to have a good relationship with your doctor and work with them to ensure that you get the best treatment.
In addition to medications, there are many preventative measures for depression. Some preventive measures include getting regular exercise, setting priorities, and avoiding alcohol. During these times of depression, people need to spend time with friends and family, as this makes them feel better. Taking a look at one or two of these practices and implementing them into their lives can help you deal with the condition. They can also help prevent or reduce the symptoms of depression, which is often an essential component of medical treatment.
