Depression is a mental disorder characterized by a persistent state of low mood, sadness, and lack of motivation that impairs an individual’s functioning and disrupts daily life activities. Not every feeling of sadness is depression; however, in depression, symptoms are severe, persistent, and significantly reduce quality of life. The lifetime prevalence of depression worldwide is approximately 10–20%. In our society, it is often overlooked and perceived as a “temporary low mood.” Yet, in recent years, depression has shown a clinically significant increase. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders globally and ranks among the leading causes of disease burden. Due to the lack of motivation and hopelessness caused by depression, many individuals are unable to seek help or postpone seeking support with the belief that “it will pass.” This delay can lead to a deterioration in quality of life and a loss of functionality.
Factors Contributing To The Development Of Depression
The onset of depression cannot be attributed to a single cause; rather, it results from the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Clinical data indicate that depression occurs approximately twice as often in women as in men. This difference is associated with hormonal changes, psychosocial stressors, and societal roles.
Although depression most commonly begins during young adulthood between the ages of 20 and 40, it can also occur in childhood, adolescence, and older age.
Socioeconomic and environmental risk factors include chronic stress, low socioeconomic status, unemployment, loneliness, migration, and traumatic life events.
Beck’s Cognitive Triad
The way individuals with depression perceive the world differs from that of healthy individuals. These individuals tend to perceive:
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Themselves as inadequate, worthless, or guilty
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The world as unjust, threatening, or meaningless
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The future as hopeless and bleak
As a result of these negative and catastrophic interpretations, social withdrawal often occurs. Avoidance of social situations and withdrawal from interpersonal relationships lead to a reduction in positive social reinforcement, which in turn contributes to the maintenance of depression.
Symptoms Of Depression
Not every experience of sadness is depression. For a diagnosis of depression, symptoms must be clinically significant in severity and persistent in nature. The main symptoms include:
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Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
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Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities
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Significant weight loss or weight gain without dieting
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Insomnia or hypersomnia
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Psychomotor agitation or retardation
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Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
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Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
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Difficulty concentrating or indecisiveness
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Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Common Societal Beliefs About Depression And Anxiety
There are many misconceptions in society regarding depression and anxiety. Some of these include:
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“Everyone feels low sometimes; it will pass.”
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“If you were stronger, you would get better.”
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“You shouldn’t overthink things.”
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“People who have a job can’t be depressed.”
These beliefs trivialize mental health problems and delay help-seeking. However, mental health conditions are not personal choices. Like physical illnesses, they are disorders that may require professional support. Unfortunately, due to these misconceptions, many individuals struggle to express their distress, hesitate to seek help, and become increasingly isolated. This can cause symptoms to last longer and become more severe.
Small Steps, Big Impacts
For individuals experiencing depression and anxiety, some small but effective steps can make the process more manageable:
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Take it seriously instead of saying “it will pass.” Persistent lack of motivation, sadness, or anxiety lasting longer than two weeks may be a warning sign.
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Try not to isolate yourself. Even if you do not feel like it, talking to someone you trust can ease the burden.
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Do not blame yourself. What you are experiencing is not a weakness; many people go through similar processes.
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Do not try to solve everything at once. Even getting out of bed today is a step—and it is still a step.
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Try not to completely abandon sleep, nutrition, and movement. You do not have to be perfect; consistency is enough.
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Do not hesitate to seek professional support. Receiving help from a psychologist or psychiatrist is not a “last resort,” but rather the beginning of recovery.
It should be remembered that depression and anxiety are treatable conditions. Early recognition and seeking support are the most important steps in helping individuals regain their quality of life. If symptoms of depression persist for longer than two weeks, they should be taken seriously. Seeking professional support accelerates the recovery process. Depression is not a weakness, but a treatable mental disorder. Early intervention reduces the risk of chronicity and relapse.