In some cases, this depression can develop into a more entrenched state of gloom, low energy, passivity, pessimism, and an absence of desire and joy.
Depression is experienced as an almost constant sadness and dejection where it can be difficult to see the positive in life. Even though you are rationally aware that you are lucky in many ways, you can no longer feel it. You will have a pessimistic view of the future and experience a loss of joy and interest in things that previously engaged you. You may feel apathetic, paralyzed, and exhausted or irritable and restless. Anxiety and physical discomfort may also be prominent. Many with depression have thoughts about low self-esteem and a guilty conscience. Others have occasional wishes not to exist.
Many people will experience a depressive period during their lives. For others, it can be a recurring condition. Depression can be a temporary, mild condition, but it can also be a serious mental illness that requires long-term treatment.
If you suspect that you are moving into a depressive state, it is always recommended that you contact a professional. In therapy, you will uncover the degree of the condition, as well as what measures need to be taken to create improvement. This will involve deciding whether medical treatment should be considered. However, medical treatment is voluntary. You will also work existentially with your circumstances here and now, and with your expectations for life in general. Here, you will clarify what is important here and now, and set up concrete action points to gradually lead you back on the path to recovery.
10 questions to self-assess the extent of your condition
- Are you depressed and tend to think negative thoughts in most situations?
- Do you have changes in your digestion, such as a sluggish stomach or frequent diarrhea?
- Are you restless and have more difficulty than usual in sitting still?
- Do you have thoughts that it is your own fault that you feel bad?
- Do you have muscle pain or other diffuse pain in the body?
- Do you have difficulty falling asleep or wake up several times during the night and have difficulty falling back asleep?
- Do you have thoughts that everything would be easier, for yourself and for others, if you didn't exist?
- Do you have difficulty performing routine tasks at work or at home?
- Do you experience stomach upset, sweating and heart palpitations several times a day?
- Do you experience being anxious and worried much of the time, having difficulty calming yourself?
If you answer 'YES' to most of the 10 questions, your current condition has a significant impact on your everyday life. It is recommended that you discuss your condition with a professional. At Bemerk, you are welcome to call or write an email and have a non-binding conversation by phone. From here, we can work together to find out how you can best be helped.