Good day, my name is Evan.
From the questioner's account, it appears that he is uncertain about his condition and unsure if he is experiencing depression or if it is merely a matter of character. If you consistently feel low and this persists over an extended period, it may indicate depression. However, if the duration is shorter, it is more likely to be a transient depressive mood.
Depression is a condition that is related to the subject's own personality. In general, individuals who are introverted are more prone to experiencing depressive moods.
Depression is a prevalent mental disorder that can significantly impact an individual's daily life. It is important to note that depression is not merely a feeling of sadness or dejection. Those affected by depression may experience a range of mental, emotional, and physical symptoms that can rapidly overwhelm them, leaving them feeling uncertain about how to cope. In some instances, individuals may engage in self-harm, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts may arise.
However, prompt medical attention can facilitate timely treatment and prevention.
The following are some straightforward methods for determining whether an individual may be experiencing depression:
It is important to be able to recognize the manifestations of your symptoms.
Depression can manifest in three aspects: physical, mental, and emotional. The questioner has indicated that he has taken a self-assessment test, so he should be aware that if he has been experiencing certain symptoms for an extended period, he may be suffering from depression. If the questioner has exhibited most of the following symptoms in various settings (including home, school, and social environments), and the symptoms have persisted for two weeks or longer, a psychiatrist can diagnose whether he is suffering from depression.
A pervasive sense of sadness or depression.
Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, accompanied by the belief that one's actions are futile and will not make a difference.
A lack of interest and enjoyment in most activities, including those that were previously enjoyed.
A wide range of issues, including difficulties with studies, work, and everyday tasks.
Feelings of guilt (perception that an error has been made and that it cannot be rectified)
A sense of worthlessness, accompanied by the belief that one's actions are futile.
The individual may exhibit a persistent preoccupation with death or engage in suicidal ideation.
It is important to be able to recognize suicidal thoughts in yourself.
It is important to note that suicidal thoughts can occur in the context of depression, but they are not inevitable. In the event that an individual is experiencing suicidal thoughts or wishes to end their life, it is crucial not to remain passive.
Should you require assistance, we recommend contacting a friend or family member or seeking professional help. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we advise you to locate your local suicide helpline or call the China Psychological Crisis and Suicide Intervention Center Helpline at 400-161-9995, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Operators are professionally trained and will attempt to dissuade you from suicide.
It is important to understand the signals your body is sending you.
Depression can cause a series of changes in the body and behavior of the subject. Please list the behaviors and compare them with your past behaviors to identify any changes. When diagnosing depression, psychiatrists use physical symptoms as a reference factor. Like mental and emotional symptoms, if the subject has most of the following symptoms for two weeks or longer, they are likely suffering from depression:
Changes in sleep patterns, including excessive sleepiness or lack of sleep.
Changes in eating habits, including overeating or loss of appetite.
Sensory activities can result in a lack of motivation and energy.
The subject displays a lack of energy and a general sense of fatigue, which impairs their ability to complete daily tasks and even to get out of bed.
Recurrent recollection of traumatic experiences and past events.
It is not uncommon for stressful events, both positive and negative, as well as past experiences, to precipitate depressive moods. Similarly, transitions in one's work environment, marital status, or the addition of children can also contribute to a decline in mood.
Such changes require significant investment of energy to adapt, which can potentially lead to depressive symptoms.
Additionally, depressive moods may result from significant injuries. For instance, betrayal by a friend, involvement in a vehicular accident, or exposure to a natural disaster may precipitate depression.
Furthermore, prolonged exposure to negative experiences, such as physical, psychological, or sexual abuse, whether suffered in childhood or adulthood, can also contribute to the development of depression.
It is a common misconception that experiencing a stressful event will inevitably result in the development of depression. While such an event may act as a trigger for depression, there is no guarantee that it will cause it.
It is advisable to ascertain the family history.
It is important to note that depression has a genetic predisposition. As such, it is advisable to pay close attention to whether any immediate family members (siblings and parents) have experienced depression-related issues. Additionally, it is beneficial to observe the extended family (uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents, etc.) to identify any potential symptoms of depression.
It is important to be aware of whether any family members have committed suicide or have experienced mental health issues. Depression is a prevalent condition within families and is strongly influenced by genetics.
If you observe a high prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms in your family, you are at an elevated risk of developing the condition.
Please contact a mental health professional for assistance.
If you are uncertain about your diagnosis, you may wish to consult with a psychiatrist at a hospital or a professional psychologist at a mental health center. If you feel that your initial assessment was insufficient, you may request another at the aforementioned facilities.
A psychiatrist can assist you in understanding depression, identifying coping strategies, and preventing its recurrence. Professional treatment can effectively address depression.
It can assist in identifying potential causes of depression, overcoming negative emotions, and restoring normal feelings and behaviors. If a physician has prescribed medication, it should be taken as directed.
In addition to psychotherapy, the client may also receive supplementary psychological counseling. This can be an effective method for overcoming depressive mood.
Some psychological counseling techniques can assist the questioner in confronting negative thoughts and ways of thinking, and transforming them into positive ones. The questioner can interpret the situation at hand and the mutual influence between the parties involved from a more positive perspective.
It is recommended that you engage in regular exercise and confide in trusted friends about your concerns. As can be seen from the questioner's own account, it seems that the questioner's interpersonal interactions are limited to the Internet. It would be beneficial for you to try going out and making new friends and engaging in face-to-face communication.
It is advisable to seek the support of friends and family in order to combat difficulties collectively. The timely release of negative emotions can help to prevent the onset of depression.
It is my hope that this response will prove helpful to the questioner.
Comments
I can relate to a lot of what you're saying. It's confusing when you feel unable to focus on work but still find yourself able to get into games or videos. Depression doesn't always mean you're indifferent to everything; sometimes it's more about not being able to channel your energy in the right direction.
Sometimes, it feels like my brain just won't let me do the things I know I should be doing. Yet, oddly enough, I can get lost in activities that don't really matter. It's frustrating because it seems like I'm capable of focusing, just not on the important stuff.
It sounds like you've been carrying this heavy burden for quite some time. Even though you manage to make a living and have moments of interest, it's clear that something is holding you back from feeling fully engaged in life. Maybe it's time to seek a second opinion or different kind of support.
The fact that you can still find joy in traveling and sports is a good sign. It shows there are areas in your life where you can experience positive emotions. Perhaps finding a way to incorporate these activities into your routine could help improve your overall mood and motivation.
I understand how difficult it can be when you're dealing with these feelings. The symptoms you listed sound really tough to go through. It might be helpful to talk to someone who can offer professional guidance and explore coping strategies that can help you manage daytoday.