The prevalence of chronic depression does not make it any less serious, especially when it comes to addiction. People with depression often seek to self-medicate through substance abuse. Major depressive episodes can be debilitating, and drugs/alcohol temporarily mask those awful symptoms. Unfortunately, this quick fix approach almost always makes depression and overall mental health worse over time.
Sadness vs. Depression
While all of us feel sad sometimes, chronic depression is another matter entirely. It’s caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that are independent of life events. Although certain events can trigger a depressive episode, the neurological component is the main driver of chronic depression. According to the National Institute on Mental Health, depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. The severity of the depression is much worse than typical sadness; depending on the case, it can overwhelm a person to the point of being debilitating for months at a time.
Symptoms of Depression
BEHAVIORIAL SYMPTOMS
- Social Isolation
- Excessive Crying
- Unusual Irritability
- General Avoidance
- Agitation
MOOD SYMPTOMS
- Social Isolation
- Excessive Crying
- Unusual Irritability
- General Avoidance
- Agitation
COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS
- Slowed Thinking
- Lack of Concentration
- Suicidal Thoughts (800-273-TALK)
- Excessively Repeated Thoughts
- Dissociation During Activity
- Feeling Foggy
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