It is worth (and necessary!) to seek medical help when the depressed mood lasts for more than two weeks, is accompanied by anhedonia (lack of feeling of pleasure) and a significant reduction of interest in previous activities. Depression is relatively often accompanied by anxiety disorders, difficulties with concentration and memory, which are also indications to talk to a specialist.
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Alarm bells should be sounded by emerging suicidal thoughts and plans to take one's own life.
How do you help yourself?
A person suffering from depression - just like any other illness - needs the support of those around them. That is why it is a good idea to talk openly about one's complaints, if necessary explaining to relatives what the illness means. There are many guides available on the market that can help you to better understand your emotions and recover from depression.
It is also worth looking at your lifestyle - physical activity, diet, amount of sleep. Today's hectic lifestyles often don't leave us time to take care of ourselves properly and it may happen that through illness, the body somehow "forces" us to stop and make changes. Psychotherapy can be of great help here, as it can shed new light on important issues in our lives. It is worth treating a visit to a psychologist like any other specialist you go to with a specific problem. It is important to gain understanding and support, which can significantly help in the fight against the illness.
Finally..
Experiencing an episode of depression allows some people to make many positive changes in their lives. They become more aware of themselves, their needs and their emotional states. They change their lives - to be fuller, more focused on their own well-being and important relationships. They discover "new" areas of themselves, hitherto unnoticed.
Let's remember that depression is an illness that - like others - can affect any of us. This awareness will help us better understand ourselves and others struggling with this difficult problem. Let's not be ashamed to seek help - there are many ways to get support and improve our wellbeing.
