How does depression manifest?

Depression makes it difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to perform everyday duties and fulfill various social roles. Contrary to appearances, this is a very common problem that is still discussed too rarely. However, sufficiently prompt diagnosis and effective treatment make it possible to deal with the devastating effects of depression, protecting the sufferer from the worst decisions. Research shows that as much as a dozen percent or so of the population struggles with depression. Their example shows how serious this problem is. It is no wonder that depression is sometimes called the disease of the 21st century, and the need to take effective action in the fight against it is being mentioned louder and louder.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Symptoms of depression are very difficult to recognize, especially for someone who has not previously encountered this illness. The loss of all joy in life and the ability to take pleasure in things that previously caused such pleasant sensations comes to the forefront here. A person suffering from depression is unable to enjoy anything and nothing makes them joyful, even for a moment. This is an alarm signal to see a specialist as soon as possible. One of the specialists dealing with the treatment of depression is psychotherapist Katarzyna Stefaniak, who sees her patients in the Mokotów district of Warsaw. In her original radio broadcasts, she paid special attention to the sense of emptiness and meaninglessness that can accompany people with depression. Patients lose their previous interests and motivation to undertake any activities. Extreme cases are characterized by an inability to perform basic daily activities, such as getting out of bed or getting dressed. Deepening apathy and emotional passivity go hand in hand here with emotional instability and a rapid transition from despair to opposite emotions.

How to treat depression?

One of the most important factors is receiving psychological help as quickly as possible. Depression develops very rapidly, and subsequent days of delay can significantly prolong the recovery process. Depression treatment is also supported by pharmacotherapy, which is strictly controlled by a physician. However, pharmacological treatment should be combined with appropriate psychotherapy. By far the most commonly recommended is cognitive-behavioral therapy, combined with psychoeducation, which helps patients understand their fears and anxieties and shows them how to cope with them. Phototherapy is also playing an increasingly important role in the treatment of depression. It produces surprising results, especially regarding seasonal depression, which manifests itself in the winter-spring and autumn-winter periods. It is worth exploring its potential because, as research shows, it is a powerful weapon in the fight against one of the most dangerous diseases of the 21st century.