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What does a person with depression feel?

What does a person with depression feel?

Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 06/07/2023

This disorder does not measure socioeconomic levels, beliefs, place of origin, culture, or gender; although it is known that it affects a greater number of women than men.


depression in numbers

Depression is a mental disorder that affects more than 300 million people around the world and is considered to be directly related to 46% of the pathologies suffered today. Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that by 2030, it could become the leading cause of disability worldwide.


This disorder does not measure socioeconomic levels, beliefs, place of origin, culture or gender, although it is known that it affects a greater number of women than men. Despite the fact that there are effective treatments for the care of this condition, more than half of those affected globally do not receive them.


What is Depression?

Depressive episodes are characterized by the presence of sadness, feelings of guilt, lack of Self-esteem, Sleep or Appetite Disorders, loss of interest or pleasure, feeling tired and lack of concentration. This is how it affects the feelings, thoughts and behavior of a person, causing physical problems and difficulty in daily activities.


Among the most recurrent types of depression are: Major Depression, Dysthymia and Adjustment Disorder. The first presents severe depressive episodes; that is, difficulty in daily activities throughout the day, for at least two consecutive weeks.


Dysthymia is characterized by having less intense depressive symptoms, such as loss of interest, inability to enjoy, or reduced energy; however, despite the fact that it is usually milder, its condition is chronic (lasting up to two years). In the adjustment disorder, mild depressive symptoms occur for a short period of time, in this case the main cause is some difficulty that the patient is going through.


Main triggers

According to data collected by the Mayo Clinic institution, depression usually occurs to a greater extent during adolescence or early twenties; being women who mostly seek help from a Specialist, compared to men. Some of the triggers for depression are:

  • Certain personality traits such as: low self-esteem, self-criticism, pessimism and dependency
  • Risk situations such as physical abuse or sexual abuse, loss of a loved one or economic problems
  • Family history of other mental health disorders
  • Alcohol or drug abuse


Is Depression cured?

Medical specialists in the area of ​​psychiatry can offer treatments with antidepressants and mood regulators, which help alleviate depressive symptoms. Regarding the psychological area, it is usual to opt for Psychotherapy carried out in person, or online, either in a group or individually. It is advisable to complement both treatments so that the patient receives optimal treatment.


Although depression is not cured overnight, with professional medical assistance, psychotherapy and support from the people around the patient, promising results can be achieved. Because there are no safe methods for its prevention, Mental Health specialists recommend:

  • Reach out to family and friends when you are going through a problem of any kind
  • Seek medical and psychological help at the first sign of depression, in order to prevent it from getting worse
  • Take measures to control anxiety, for example, doing physical activities, going out with friends, going to the movies, etc.
Psychology in Las Condes