The “depression”a term that has become almost banal, so common that it is often confused with the “depression”. A vagueness which clearly reflects the ignorance of the disease of depression. But then, what is the difference between the two terms? How to define depression? The answers.
What is depression?
There depressed where the fact ofto be depressed East a passing stateunlike depression which is characterized by characteristic and lasting symptoms. The difference between the two terms could also be compared to the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression in women after childbirth.
Anyway, it is completely normal to have the bluesof feeling sad and tiredofhave dark thoughtsofto be irritableofhave insomnia
or even a drop in motivation from time to time. So don’t panic if this state does not last.
Indeed, as the site info-dépression.fr (created by INPES and the Ministry of Health) explains, during their lives human beings experience a whole range of feelings, from the saddest to the most optimistic. Within this palette of emotions, sadness, discouragement and despair represent normal human experiences.
But be careful, should not be confused these
mood swings and dips with the
symptoms that people with depression experience.
What is depression?
Preconceived ideas die hard… Know that depression is not linked to a weakness of character And is not a matter of fate. It’s a real illnesswhich can affect everyone, at any age and which is defined by characteristic symptoms. It can be cured through professional care and appropriate treatment.
The symptoms of depression are:
- A intense and lasting sadnesswith a depressed mood that lasts most of the day and recurs throughout the days.
- A loss of interest for daily activities and other formerly popular activities
(hobbies, sex, etc.) - A severe fatigue (this fatigue is not improved by rest or sleep).
Please note: these symptoms taken in isolationdo not translate not necessarily depression.
They can also be associated with other symptoms such as:
- Changes in appetite or weight, impaired sleep: depression can affect the body in addition to the mind. Thus, some people may suffer from a lack of appetite while others will compensate by eating more and gaining weight. Likewise, some people will have difficulty falling asleep only to wake up in the middle of the night while others will tend to sleep excessively;
- Changing moods: In addition to the depressed state, the person may experience other emotional changes. Like an unjustified feeling of guilt, lack of self-confidence and incapacity. Some people will flee situations requiring them to take responsibility, for fear of doing wrong. Some may also become tense or irritable. This excessive nervousness and this feeling of uselessness are often accompanied by dark thoughts which can lead to suicidal impulses;
- Difficulty concentrating: These symptoms impact concentration and can make it difficult to study and work effectively. In extreme cases, trivial tasks can become insurmountable, with an inability, for example, to go to work.
Thus, according to Health Insurance, we can only speak of depression if:
- Symptoms of depression manifest themselves in a way (almost) permed for a period more than two weeks ;
- At least two symptoms of depression are detected;
- These symptoms lead to significant discomfort in daily life.
The causes of depression
Depression can therefore be compared to a series of symptoms of which sadness is the main one. This drop in morale can occur after a dispute with his entourage, a
destabilizing eventA stressful environment…So many reasons which can allow depression to set in for several consecutive days.
The differences between depression and depression
So how can we distinguish depression from depression? What are the main differences between these two states? We can list nine main differences:
- Duration of symptoms: depression will last a few days, we then feel less well, we may want to isolate ourselves… Depression, on the other hand, makes us enter a state of less well which lasts, and during which all strength or energy disappears;
- The function of the depressive state: depression is a psychological process that allows us to adapt to life events. Depression is a real illness that requires psychological support to overcome it;
- An unappeasable sadness: depression and depression have sadness in common. However, if it is temporary in the first case, it is completely invasive and long-lasting in the second;
- A massive loss of interest: In depression, the lack of desire is temporary and it only affects certain aspects of life. In depression, the lack of desire affects absolutely all areas, without exceptions;
- Specific symptoms: the main symptoms are similar but when you look more closely, they are more massive in depression and others are added: difficulty eating, migraines, sleep problems, etc.
- The extent of depressive symptoms:
the intensity of the symptoms is much greater in the case of depression, with a global impact on the body; - Self-depreciation: Depression, which can be seen as a person’s letting go and lack of motivation, is stigmatizing. It can be a source of devaluation and loss of self-esteem;
- Side effects: eating disorders, addictive behaviors, etc. Depression often leads to other co-morbidities, which are not found in depression;
- Fear and ruminations: finally, depression is accompanied by omnipresent fear. It can also lead to ruminations, negative thoughts and dark thoughts.
Who are the people at risk of depression?
People who suffer from flaws in self-esteem, those diagnosed with a personality disorder (borderline, paranoid or antisocial) are at greater risk of depression.
Can depression turn into depression?
Yes, a gradual transition from depression to depression is possible. This occurs when the ability to overcome an ordeal and regain mental balance is exhausted.
Depression: an illness that is difficult to detect
School case: Isabelle only finds
very difficult to sleep and wakes up frequently in the middle of the night. She has lost all interest for the writing of his latest novel and feels guilty not being able to devote more time to your children. She doesn’t have no desire to cook and eat without appetite. She has so hard to concentrate that even his favorite game show discourages herjust like the advances of her husband whom she abandons. Her condition saddens herit is more and more often prey to dark thoughts Since
more than two weeks. She judges himself worthlessin turn irritable or listlesswhen she was so energetic.
Like Isabelle, in 2010, almost 7.5% of French people from 15 to 85 years old (nearly five million people) experienced a depressive episode during the year. Figures which are far from decreasing today. Moreover, in a report published in 2017, the WHO considers depression to be the leading cause of morbidity and disability worldwide.
Often, those close to me have a hard time realizing the importance of this disease and more easily suspect slight depression that a little will and a few good words will allow us to overcome…
You should not feel fear or embarrassment about
tell your doctor about your condition. Only knowledge of all the symptoms will allow him to make an accurate diagnosis. Because, like all illnesses, willpower alone is not enough to get out of it. Also, if you wish to talk about it, do not hesitate to call specialized associations or listening centers. They can help you and direct you to professionals.
How to fight depression?
To fight against depression, you have to change your mind to make negative thoughts disappear. It is therefore important to practice activities that will boost feel-good hormones, such as endorphin, serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. We can cite for example:
- Laughing, dancing or singing;
- Practicing a hobby or physical activity on a daily basis,
- Get enough sleep;
- Stay optimistic and live in the present moment;
- Meditate;
- Do a good deed;
- Avoid alcohol and drugs;
- Keep in touch with loved ones.