Depression is not a superposition of depression

·The nature, cause, elimination method, and duration are all different

Compiled by Chen Xueying

There is a strange phenomenon in clinical practice, which is not serious in itself, but just a little "depressing" People claim to be depressed, but patients who are truly severely "depressed" are less willing to seek medical treatment. This misalignment seems to reflect the public's lack of correct understanding of depression and depression. Depression and depression may look very similar, but there are actually five important differences. The American "Psychology Today" website summarizes them as follows:

1. Normal emotions VS mental illness. Feeling depressed is a common emotion that many people experience when faced with adverse situations, and it is a normal part of human nature. In moderation, this feeling is not only natural but necessary, reminding you to "leave", "let go", etc.

In contrast, depression is not just a bad mood, it is a mental illness in which unusual and negative emotions reach destructive levels. Sufferers will exhibit the following symptoms (at least five or more): feeling depressed most of the day, loss of interest in daily life, lack of energy or feeling tired almost every day, change in appetite, weight loss for no apparent reason, difficulty concentrating Decreased ability to make decisions or think, decreased activity, excessive guilt, feelings of worthlessness and recurring suicidal ideation.

2. Specific events VS lack of incentives. Depression is usually triggered by specific events, and the cause is easily identifiable, such as job loss, breakup, dramatic life changes, rejection, homesickness, disappointment, illness, etc. Although specific events can also trigger depression, it is more of an overall and generalized negative psychological experience without obvious triggers. Patients have strong mental confusion and feel worthless.

3. Being able to cheer up VS being unable to enjoy happiness. Depressed people can eventually find ways to cheer themselves up, such as reading a good book, watching a favorite show, listening to music, or getting a pet. For patients with severe depression, none of the above methods are effective. They experience no joy at all, and nothing that makes ordinary people happy can cheer them up.

4. Decreased motivation vs. powerlessness. Depression can make people less willing to do many things, but it does not eliminate the ability to do those things. Patients with depression will find that they cannot do anything at all, even basic self-care tasks such as eating, dressing, bathing, and doing housework.

5. Short-term VS long-term. Depressed mood disappears just as quickly as it comes. In contrast, depression is a long-term negative experience that lasts at least two weeks; for some patients, the mood never goes away and the world always appears gray to them.

If you are just depressed, you can talk to yourself, be alone, have fun, etc. and slowly recover. If you are depressed, you must seek professional help.