Depressed mood is unfortunately part of life for more and more people. If the mental illness, which expresses itself through exhaustion, sadness to feelings of weakness, was once considered a taboo subject, it came not least through some prominent affected people increasingly in the public perception. However, it must be distinguished from general depression. Depressive mood is curable, but it can also cause considerable suffering.
What are depressive moods?
Infographic on the causes and neural reasons for depression. Click image to enlarge. Depressed mood is a disorder that causes mental discomfort. Therefore, depressed mood is a disturbance of mental balance. As a rule, psychological or even psychiatric treatment of depressive mood will be necessary, usually accompanied by medication. Often, the symptoms do not occur continuously, but occur in episodes – not infrequently in connection with certain events or seasons. In this respect, depressive mood is often associated with a long winter (winter depression) without sunlight. But this is not quite correct, since depressive mood can already be triggered by stress, professional or private problems, as well as a lack of balance to everyday life.
Causes
The underlying causes of depressive mood can only be determined in individual cases. However, stressful situations of any kind are often involved in depressed mood. Financial hardships, professional situations with no way out, or other extreme situations are considered triggers of the disease. In addition, physical imbalance can also lead to depressive mood. For example, if the organism is not supplied with the necessary vitamins or minerals to function smoothly. Or if compensatory sport and exercise in the fresh air are not taken. The depressive mood therefore usually has more than one cause. It is not uncommon, moreover, for long-hidden fears or longings to emerge during therapy – they are considered the true core of depressive upset.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Depressed moods can manifest both emotionally and physically. Sufferers are often sad, depressed and feel an inner restlessness. Characteristic is constant brooding, from which self-doubt and feelings of guilt can develop – since the thoughts can not be turned off even at night, often set or sleep disorders. During the day, a leaden tiredness becomes noticeable, which is accompanied by concentration problems and a lack of performance. Those who suffer from a depressive mood are unable to get up the energy to do 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 can make themselves felt as a constant state of inner tension. The environment often notices a strong irritability and nervousness. A prolonged depressive episode not infrequently results in social withdrawal, which in the long term intensifies feelings of loneliness and sadness. Occasionally, hyperactivity up to work or sports addiction can also be signs of a depressive mood. The psychological symptoms are often accompanied by physical complaints such as dizziness, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders and a pronounced feeling of weakness. In contrast to normal mood swings, with which even healthy people react to stressful life situations, depressive moods also occur without a visible trigger and last for a long time.
Course
Normally, depressive moods progress insidiously. From the first mostly unnoticed phases of weakness, feeling upset or depressed, the depressive mood returns more and more frequently in episodes. It weighs heavily on the thoughts of those affected, blocks the view of ways out and seems to paint life in dreary colors. The depressive mood is not infrequently accompanied by a flight into alcohol or drugs. Since the affected person rarely speaks out about 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 illness, however, the depressive mood should be treated therapeutically.
Complications
Occasional depressed mood is normal if it can be attributed to recent events. If the depression persists, however, it may represent a condition that requires treatment. However, this is not always recognized or admitted by the person affected. A resulting complication can be suicide attempts or a dramatic escalation of the mental state. In this state, a depressive mood can lead to consequences that are just as dramatic. However, depressed moods can also themselves be a complication of certain illnesses. This can be the case, for example, with problems with one’s appearance after accident or burn injuries or with chronic pain. Postnatal or postoperative depression are also serious complications. Anxiety and depressive moods can also be found in cancer patients. The elderly often suffer from depressive moods or mood swings because of their age-related loneliness and painful infirmities of old age. These can lead to alcohol abuse or tablet abuse. Even the administration of antidepressants is not always immediately helpful in depressed mood. However, it is unavoidable in the case of full-blown depression. Depressive mood can be a secondary symptom, but also the underlying cause of burnout. Complications can also arise from interactions of antidepressants with other medications. Gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney failure, heart attacks, or muscle inflammation may result from such drug combinations.
When should you see a doctor?
People who are in a negative mood for several weeks or months should seek therapeutic help. If the tasks and activities of usual life can no longer be engaged in because of the existing emotional state, it is advisable to consult a doctor. In case of persistent withdrawal behavior, unusual avoidance to participate in social life or listlessness, the symptoms should be discussed with a psychologist or psychotherapist. If the affected person suffers from changed life circumstances, a separation, the loss of a job or has to cope with a fateful event, help should be sought. If, for no apparent reason, the affected person finds it difficult to exercise or to experience pleasure in existing activities, this is considered a cause for concern. If the existing sense of pleasure, the interest in activities that increase the well-being decreases or predominantly negative thoughts occur, a doctor should be consulted. If a pessimistic feeling about life is present continuously for more than two weeks, a therapist should be contacted. A visit to the doctor is necessary if the affected person needs mood-boosting substances in order to cope with everyday life. If increased conflicts occur within the social environment due to an existing mood, therapeutic advice and guidance will help.
Treatment and therapy
The treatment of depressive mood can be carried out in different ways. The decisive factor here is the stage at which the disorder was diagnosed. If it is diagnosed as not yet severe, the depressive mood can be remedied in outpatient talk therapies. Here, the focus is often on the current as well as previous life of the affected person: Fears, longings and distress are discussed. This release from the accumulated burdens can already alleviate the symptoms. However, if the depressive mood occurs with more severe suffering, medication is also possible. This involves blocking the patient’s unwanted thoughts, thus breaking the mental cycle of negativity. Only in the severe cases, inpatient treatment is necessary. These are often people who are affected by the depressive mood for a long time and take refuge in substitute symptoms – anorexia, alcohol dependence, self-mutilation. However, these stays in a clinic can also be taken up voluntarily. The situation is different, however, in the case of concrete danger to one’s own life or that of others: Here, the depressive mood is compulsorily treated as an inpatient.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of depressed mood depends on various factors. Basically, there is a chance of cure for the disease.At the same time, an unfavorable course of the disease can also lead to a worsening of the symptoms. Often, depressive mood is not recognized in time. The symptoms persist for years and thus have the possibility to manifest themselves. This worsens the prognosis, since without a diagnosis and subsequent treatment it can lead to a chronic course. The depressive 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 affective disorders, the potential recovery path can span several years. Some patients do not experience recovery over the lifespan. Depressed mood is curable with cognitive or behavioral therapy. Additionally, improvements in symptoms can be achieved with the administration of medications. The patient’s cooperation and willingness to heal are important in recovery. Spontaneous recovery can occur at any time. In addition, a sudden recurrence of the depressive mood is also possible. Many patients experience a long period of freedom from symptoms until stressful or traumatic life events lead to a renewed triggering of symptoms.
Prevention
Prevention of depressed mood lies first in a balanced diet, exercise (⇒ jogging helps wonders), and a balance to the daily routine of life. Fresh air and the abundant consumption of drinks are considered fuel for the brain – if it can work better, the depressive mood occurs less frequently. In addition, however, it can also help not to take all the problem cases too seriously and thus avoid the depressive mood.
This is what you can do yourself
Those who suffer from a depressive mood have often lost the joy and meaning in life. With some self-help tips, it can be possible to find your way out of the low 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. Exercise leads to an increase in serotonin levels in the brain, so that the metabolic disorder in the brain can be compensated. Endurance sports in particular, such as jogging, walking or cycling, ensure a release of endorphins in the brain and thus contribute to a euphoric mood. Sufferers 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 sufferers. An important factor in alleviating a depressive mood is also an adequate supply of light. Light minimizes the release of melatonin in the body and simultaneously increases serotonin levels. Anyone suffering from a depressive mood should incorporate regular walks in daylight into their daily routine. Walking results in light physical activity on the one hand, and also in an adequate supply of light on the other.