What Is Depression Essay Example
What Is Depression Essay Example

What Is Depression Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1134 words)
  • Published: August 21, 2021
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Depression is a mood disorder that is both common and serious, resulting in severe symptoms that impact emotions, cognitive abilities, and daily functioning. This includes disruptions in sleep, appetite, and productivity.

Depression can coexist with other mental disorders, substance abuse, and additional health conditions. Loved ones of individuals experiencing depression may offer encouragement by using phrases such as "snap out of it", "just be positive", "you can be happier if you try harder", "it's your choice to be this way, you can change the way you think", and "why are you so sad?". Ongoing research suggests that depression arises from factors like genetics, biology, environment, and psychology. Frequently, chronic mood and anxiety disorders in adults originate from high levels of anxiety during childhood. The symptoms of depression vary for each person.

People suffering from this disorder may not appear sad

...

to others. Sadness and depression differ, as sadness is a normal reaction to a loss or setback that passes with time. Depression can occur at any age but typically starts in adulthood. Symptoms of depression vary, and experiences differ between individuals. Instead of expressing sadness, individuals may express difficulties in getting motivated or finding the will to do anything.

Individuals experiencing depression face significant challenges in their daily life, even with seemingly simple tasks like dressing or eating. Their friends and family often want to help but are uncertain how. Unlike transient feelings of sadness, depression lasts for weeks, affecting work, school, relationships, and the ability to find joy in life. The associated sense of hopelessness creates a profound internal void.

Depression affects individuals of all age groups, including children and adolescents. Some people underestimate the severity o

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depression, suggesting that one can simply "snap out of it." However, managing depression is not easy, and patients cannot comply with such demands. Furthermore, there are those who may question why someone would experience feelings of depression by asking "What do you have to be depressed about?" It is impossible to rationalize another person's feelings of depression; however, providing support and acknowledging their pain can be helpful. Additionally, some individuals believe that depression is a fictional illness and that one can intentionally induce depressive thoughts by saying "It's all in your head."

The notion that depression is a product of the imagination is not helpful or accurate. Although it cannot be seen by others, depression is a valid medical condition that cannot be easily disregarded through thoughts or desires. It is an authentic disorder that we have no control over and often originates from feelings of isolation. We desire human connection, someone to listen to us, and guidance. Nevertheless, no matter how much support we receive, it never feels enough.

We experience a sense of isolation and loneliness despite having support from others. The missing element that contributes to this feeling is the lack of understanding of our thoughts and emotions. We feel completely isolated as others are unable to comprehend our perspectives. Consequently, we feel stagnant and powerless.

In the face of a lack of support, individuals must confront challenges on their own. Depression can lead to decreased energy levels and a low mood, which can have negative impacts on one's life. Several factors contribute to depression, including experiencing the death of a family member, struggling with adjustment, encountering loss or trauma and stress, having a family

history of depression, and chronic low self-esteem. It is important to note that depression does not indicate insanity and cannot be easily overcome by simply snapping out of it. Identifying signs of depression involves observing slow speech, lack of energy, irritability, difficulty concentrating, sadness, loss of interest in usual activities, crying episodes expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness; isolating oneself from friends; neglecting classes or academic work; decreased interest in past hobbies sports or family activities; and reduced motivation for homework. These initial warning signs may eventually escalate into behavior that raises serious concerns.

This behavior includes not attending school, sports, training, or work and frequently choosing to be in public places rather than at home or having a regular place to stay. It also involves showing high agitation or irritability and exhibiting mental health issues such as severe depression, paranoia, extreme irrationality, hallucinations, extreme social isolation or withdrawal.

Confidence can be undermined if you, he/she, or other respected individuals focus on the outcomes instead of the efforts made. If the result is perceived as a 'failure,' such as receiving a low exam score or losing an important game, it can feel overwhelming.

Teenagers' confidence can also be affected by physical changes during adolescence. If teenagers feel self-conscious about their bodies, it can impact their overall confidence and self-perception. They may refuse to attend school, have lower grades than usual, avoid socializing with friends and participating in typical activities, shy away from group gatherings, exhibit moodiness beyond their normal patterns with noticeable disruptions in sleep and appetite while displaying aggression at home.

Self-harm refers to intentionally causing harm to oneself as a way of dealing with intense emotions.

Self-harm is

a way to gain control or find relief from intense emotions. It can be viewed as a form of self-healing or a method to replace numbness with sensation. Generally, it signifies deep distress and manifests in different ways, some more noticeable and severe than others.

It is important to take self-harm seriously, regardless of the method used (such as cutting, scratching, carving, branding, or marking the body). Repeated acts of self-harming can lead to severe injuries, scarring, medical complications, and even unintentional death, even if there is no suicidal intent. People who engage in self-harm often try to hide their actions.

People who engage in self-harm often experience feelings of shame and fear rejection or misunderstanding. If you suspect someone may be self-harming, there are various signs to watch out for, including loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, avoidance of situations where their body might be visible, isolation from friends, and skipping school. They may also display emotional indicators such as sudden mood swings and disregard for personal appearance. The reasons behind self-harm can vary widely, ranging from the need to relieve stress or intense emotions to seeking attention or feeling a sense of control. It can also serve as an outlet for expressing hopelessness, low self-esteem, self-loathing, or a belief that they are beyond help.

If young individuals rely on self-harming as a coping mechanism for emotional pain or distress, it can develop into a habit or addiction. Although depression is now recognized in children and adolescents, it may manifest differently as irritability rather than persistent sadness. To assist someone in this situation effectively, providing continuous support and encouraging them to seek counseling are crucial steps.

Neglecting or subjecting them to bullying will only worsen their depression and intensify its severity.

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