Let's check. Are these symptoms "depression" or not?

For some unknown reason, you want to be alone, don’t want to do anything, and feel that life is terrible and the world is unbearable… If you are having these thoughts, you may be experiencing “depression”.

Nowadays, we hardly know whether the people we pass by, work with, or even live with… have depression or not. Because if we don’t observe or pay enough attention to that person, we won’t notice their changed behavior. What’s more concerning is that you yourself may not realize whether you have “depression.”

Are these symptoms we have called “depression”?

Everyone should regularly observe themselves and those close to them for any behaviors indicating depression, starting by noticing “abnormal changes in mood or thoughts”. You can easily check with these 9 points:

• Often having negative emotions such as continuous sadness, discouragement, depression, hopelessness, crying for no reason, excessive worry or irritability that affects work and relationships with others.
• Disinterest in surroundings withdrawing, not wanting to meet or talk to anyone, losing interest in activities once enjoyed.
• Abnormal eating behaviors loss of appetite or increased appetite, eating too little or too much causing abnormal weight gain or loss.
• Sleep problems such as insomnia, restless sleep, or sleeping too much.
• Restlessness or lethargy feeling restless or overly agitated, or the opposite, lethargic and moving slower.
• Easily fatigued feeling tired, easily exhausted, lacking energy to do anything.
• Short attention span and poor memory reduced concentration in tasks and decreased ability to think and make decisions.
• Loss of confidence feeling worthless, thinking of oneself as a burden, losing self-confidence, feeling guilty and blaming oneself constantly for everything.
• Not wanting to live frequently thinking about death or suicide.
  This checklist is the criteria doctors use to diagnose depression. If you or someone close to you…

• • Have at least 5 symptoms
  • Have symptom number 1 or 2 along with at least one other symptom
  • Have symptoms all day long
  • Have symptoms almost every day for at least 2 consecutive weeks

You should consult a specialist doctor for a detailed diagnosis and to find solutions or treatment because you may be at risk of depression.

Preparing to cope with “depression” if you or someone close shows suspicious symptoms

We must regularly take time to observe the “body” and “mind” of ourselves and those close to us for any changes or abnormalities because the more we understand “depression,” the better we can cope with it.

1. If symptoms are still mild, seek correct knowledge and advice about depression from a specialist doctor to learn how to manage and handle emotions appropriately.
2. Regularly exercise or engage in activities with friends or family to refresh the body and boost energy, which helps prevent symptoms from worsening.
3. Find activities to help the patient relax and avoid dwelling on stressful past events. Encourage the patient to stay mindful of the present, which can gradually ease mental symptoms.
4. Close ones or family members should understand depression well to properly support and manage the patient, closely monitor symptoms, and most importantly, reduce triggers such as hurtful words, arguments causing tension, and avoid watching emotionally provocative media.
5. If symptoms of depression become more severe, see a psychiatrist for proper assessment and treatment.
6. If depression is severe, with self-harm or risk to others, the patient must be hospitalized immediately.

“Depression” can be cured, just understand the illness

Depression is a treatable illness if properly and appropriately managed. It starts with asking about symptoms, impacts, severity, underlying diseases, regular medications, and daily life. Then a specialist doctor will evaluate the appropriate treatment. If you suspect yourself or someone close has symptoms indicating depression, see a doctor immediately.

Talking and caring inquiries are good practices to regularly offer each other because we never know who is lacking encouragement, who is feeling down, or who is experiencing depression. Therefore, we must observe and monitor abnormalities carefully. Most importantly, always take care of your own and your loved ones’ “mind” to keep it strong.