Depressive mood

The depressive mood is unfortunately part of life for more and more people. If the mental illness, which expresses itself through exhaustion, sadness and feelings of weakness, was once considered a taboo topic, it became increasingly public awareness, not least because of some prominent people affected. However, it must be distinguished from general depression. The depressive mood is curable, but can also cause considerable suffering.

What are depressive moods?

In the depressed mood it is a disease that causes mental discomfort. The depressive mood is therefore a disturbance of the mental balance. As a rule, psychological or even psychiatric treatment of the depressive mood will be necessary, which is usually accompanied by medication.

Often the ailments do not occur continuously, but occur in phases - not infrequently in connection with certain events or seasons. The depressive mood is often associated with a long winter (winter depression) without sunlight. But that is not entirely true, since the depressive mood can be triggered by stress, professional or private problems and a lack of balance to everyday life.

causes

The underlying causes of the depressive mood can only be determined in individual cases. However, stressful situations of all kinds are often involved in the depressive mood. Financial hardships, professional situations with no way out or other extreme situations are considered to be the cause of the illness.

In addition, the physical imbalance can also lead to a depressive mood. For example, when the organism does not have the vitamins or minerals it needs to function properly. Or if you do without balancing sport and exercise in the fresh air.

The depressive mood is usually based on more than one cause. It is not uncommon for long-hidden fears or longings to appear during therapy - they are considered to be the real core of the depressive mood.

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Symptoms, ailments & signs

Depressive moods can express themselves both emotionally and physically. Those affected are often sad, depressed and feel an inner restlessness. Constant brooding is characteristic, from which self-doubt and feelings of guilt can develop - since the thoughts cannot be switched off even at night, there are often problems falling asleep or staying asleep.

During the day, a leaden tiredness becomes noticeable, which is associated with concentration disorders and poor performance. Anyone who suffers from a depressive mood cannot get up to anything, because on the one hand they lack the strength to do so and on the other hand the meaningfulness of every action is questioned.

Often there are fears that relate specifically to certain situations or that can be felt as a constant state of inner tension. The environment is often very irritable and nervous. A prolonged depressive epoch often leads to social retreat, which in the long term intensifies feelings of loneliness and sadness. Occasionally, overactivity up to work or sports addiction can be signs of a depressive mood.

The psychological symptoms are often associated with physical complaints such as dizziness, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders and a pronounced feeling of weakness. In contrast to normal mood swings, with which healthy people react to stressful life situations, depressive moods occur even without a visible trigger and last for a long time.

course

Normally, the depressive mood is insidious. From the first mostly overlooked phases of weakness, feeling upset or dejection, the depressive mood returns more and more often in spurts.

It weighs heavily on the person's thoughts, blocks the view of ways out and seems to paint life in dreary colors. The depressive mood is often accompanied by a flight into alcohol or drugs.

Since the person concerned rarely expresses his or her suffering, friends, family or other companions only recognize the depressive mood relatively late. Not infrequently too late. As soon as there are signs of the disease, the depressive mood should be treated therapeutically.

Complications

An occasional depressed mood is normal if it can be traced back to current events. However, if the depression persists, it can be an illness that requires treatment. However, this is not always recognized or admitted by the person concerned. A resulting complication can be suicide attempts or a dramatic aggravation of the mental state. In this state, a depressed mood can lead to consequences that are just as dramatic.

Depressive moods can also be a complication of certain diseases. This can be the case, for example, with problems with your own appearance after accidental or burn injuries or with chronic pain. Postnatal or postoperative depression are also serious complications.

Fears and depressive moods can also be found in cancer patients. Elderly people often suffer from depressive moods or mood swings because of their age-related loneliness and painful old age ailments. These can lead to alcohol abuse or pill abuse.

The administration of antidepressants is also not always helpful right away if you are depressed. However, it is inevitable in full-blown depression. Depression can be a sequela, but it can also be the underlying cause of burnout. Complications can also arise from interactions between antidepressants and other drugs. Such combination of preparations can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney failure, heart attacks or muscle inflammation.

When should you go to the doctor?

People who have been in a negative mood for weeks or months should seek therapeutic help. If, due to the existing emotional state, the tasks and activities of normal life can no longer be used, it is advisable to consult a doctor. With persistent withdrawal behavior, the unusual avoidance of participation in social life or listlessness, the symptoms should be discussed with a psychologist or psychotherapist.

If the person concerned suffers from changed circumstances, a separation, the loss of a job or if he has to deal with a fateful event, he should seek help. If, for no apparent reason, it is difficult for the person concerned to move physically or to have fun or enjoyment in existing activities, this is considered worrying. If the existing sense of enjoyment decreases, the interest in activities that increase well-being or predominantly negative thoughts occur, a doctor should be consulted.

If a pessimistic attitude towards life has persisted for more than two weeks, a therapist should be contacted. A doctor's visit is necessary if the person concerned needs mood-enhancing substances in order to be able to cope with everyday life. If there are increasing conflicts within the social environment due to an existing mood, therapeutic advice and hints help.

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Treatment & Therapy

The treatment of the depressive mood can be done in different ways. The decisive factor here is the stage at which the disease was diagnosed. If it is diagnosed as not yet severe, the depressive mood can be remedied in outpatient talk therapy.

Here, the current and past life of the person concerned is often referred to: Fears, longings and emergencies are discussed. This release from the pent-up burdens alone can alleviate the symptoms. However, if the depressive mood occurs with more severe suffering, medical support is also possible. This blocks the patient's unwanted thoughts, breaking the mental cycle of the negative.

In-patient treatment is only necessary in severe cases. These are often people who have been affected by the depressive mood for a long time and who take refuge in substitute symptoms - anorexia, alcohol addiction, self-mutilation. However, these stays in a clinic can also be voluntary. On the other hand, the situation is different with specific dangers to one's own life or that of strangers: Here, the depressive mood is forcibly treated as an inpatient.

Outlook & forecast

The prognosis of a depressed mood depends on various factors. Basically, there is a cure for the disease. At the same time, a worsening of the symptoms is possible with an unfavorable course of the disease. The depressive mood is often not recognized in time. The complaints last for years and thus have the opportunity to manifest themselves. This worsens the prognosis, since without a diagnosis and subsequent treatment it can lead to a chronic course.

The depressed mood can turn into a severe depression. This increases the patient's risk of suicide. If other mental illnesses occur, the prognosis also takes an unfavorable course. In the case of personality, anxiety, eating or mood disorders, the possible healing path can take several years. Some patients do not experience healing over the life span.

The depressive mood can be cured with cognitive or behavioral therapy. In addition, the administration of medication can improve symptoms. The cooperation of the patient and the will to heal are important in recovery. Spontaneous healing can occur at any time. In addition, a sudden recurrence of the depressed mood is also possible. Many patients experience a long period of freedom from symptoms until stressful or traumatic life events lead to the symptoms being triggered again.

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prevention

The prevention of the depressive mood lies first in a balanced diet, physical activity (⇒ jogging helps real miracles) and a balance to everyday life. Fresh air and copious consumption of beverages are considered fuel for the brain - if it can work better, the depressive mood is less common. In addition, however, it can also help not to take all problem cases too seriously and thus avoid the depressive mood.

You can do that yourself

Those who suffer from a depressive mood have often lost the joy and meaning of life. With a few self-help tips, you can find your way back out of your mood and perceive life as more worth living again.

In addition to an active lifestyle with sufficient exercise, a balanced diet is also recommended for those affected. Movement causes the serotonin level in the brain to rise, so that the metabolic disorder in the brain can be compensated for. Endurance sports in particular, such as jogging, walking or cycling, release endorphins in the brain and thus contribute to a euphoric mood.

Those affected should attach great importance to a rich diet that provides the body and mind with sufficient nutrients. A well-known mood enhancer is chocolate, which - consumed in small quantities - can have a positive effect on the health of those affected.

A sufficient supply of light is an important factor for alleviating a depressive mood. The light minimizes the release of melatonin in the body and at the same time increases the serotonin level. Anyone who suffers from a depressive mood should incorporate regular walks in daylight into everyday life. The walk results in light physical activity on the one hand and an adequate supply of light on the other.