Depression or not: how to tell and whom to turn to

Depression is often mistakenly used for low mood that arose after an unpleasant event — a loss, financial difficulties or illness. A better name for this state is “demoralisation” or “sadness”.

Signs of demoralisation

• bitter feelings come in waves when you think about the cause;
• the state eases as circumstances improve;
• positive emotions appear from time to time;
• there's no constant sense of your own worthlessness;
• it lasts a few days and gradually dissolves.

How to tell it's depression

Depression is a medical term describing a state in which the brain's ability to regulate mood is impaired. Three prominent symptoms: persistently low mood, reduced activity and increased fatigue, slowed thinking. Additionally there may be: distractibility, sleep and appetite disturbances, low self-esteem, heightened guilt, pessimism, thoughts of self-harm. It lasts two weeks or longer.

How to help someone with depression

Surround them with attention and care, don't leave them alone with heavy thoughts, gently persuade them to see a doctor. You must not reproach them for laziness, force them to “pull themselves together” or dismiss their feelings — this only worsens the state.

Treatment

Depression is not a flaw but an illness. The main methods: medication (only as prescribed by a doctor), psychotherapy (including psychoanalytic, for mild to moderate cases) and social support. It's important not to self-medicate and to consult a qualified specialist.

This material is for information only and does not replace a doctor's consultation.