There are days when life just seems difficult to cope with, the problems suddenly feel overwhelming and you would like to bury yourself under the covers instead of starting the day euphorically. Everyone has days like these, and the world usually looks different the next morning. But sometimes one day turns into several, until depression creeps into your life for weeks and increasingly spoils your enjoyment of hobbies and interpersonal encounters. The diagnosis is often: depression.
According to the German Depression Aid, every fifth to sixth person suffers from a depressive episode at least once during their life. And since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic a few years ago, the presence of mental illness in the public has been increasing. Nevertheless, many of those affected only realize late that they themselves are in a depressive phase. There are many reasons for this, but above all it is due to the individual appearance of the disease. Anyone who suffers from the corresponding symptoms for two weeks should contact a doctor – but the signs are often not as clear as you might think.
In addition to the two core symptoms of depression and loss of interest, there is a whole range of possible signs of a depressive episode. For example, there can be a reduction in drive, but it can also lead to an increase in drive. Some of those affected suffer from suicidal thoughts, hopelessness and problems concentrating, while others do not. Sometimes depression leads to a loss of appetite, sometimes to increased hunger. Sleep problems, fatigue, and unreasonable feelings of guilt are also possible symptoms of depression, as are physical symptoms such as pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Depression is a real chameleon among mental disorders. It is all the more important to recognize the warning signs early in order to be able to counteract the impending low as early as possible. Stiftung Warentest has therefore now published a new guide on the subject of depression. In it, the authors Jana Christina Müller-Flechtenmacher, specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, and Mirjam Weinstein-Riechmann, psychological psychotherapist, explain in detail about the disease.
In addition to the defining symptoms, possible causes and risk factors as well as treatment options, the two psychologists also provide concrete tips in the guide on what those affected can do themselves if they find themselves in an acute depressive episode. While it sometimes helps to rethink your own life circumstances – such as changing a stressful job or separating from a toxic partner – sometimes a little more care is needed. The two experts recommend talking to your family doctor if symptoms persist. Meanwhile, anyone who has suicidal thoughts can contact a psychiatrist directly.
The sometimes long wait for a therapy place can be bridged with self-care and online apps such as “HelloBetter” or “Selfapy”. These provide initial assistance with everyday problems and can help bring more structure back into everyday life. According to psychologists, self-help groups are also a good contact point for those affected – exchanging ideas with like-minded people offers new perspectives on dealing with the illness and can be healing.
Sometimes the family doctor also prescribes antidepressants for those affected. However, many people have respect for the medical treatment of mental illness. Nevertheless, Müller-Lichtenmacher and Weinstein-Riechmann plead in their guide: Don’t be afraid of medication! According to an analysis by Stiftung Warentest, the most effective medications against depression require a prescription and belong to the group of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. These are medications that are intended to rebalance the imbalance in the brain that can arise from depression. The study from early 2023 concluded that most of the 25 drugs examined are suitable for treating moderate depression.
However, the depression will not go away from the patient’s life without the patient’s help. That’s why the psychologists give readers valuable tips for self-help. It is particularly important to give everyday life a structure again. Why? It provides support from outside and ensures that those affected feel self-effective by completing small tasks such as brushing their teeth or cooking food. The experts also recommend exercise and a healthy eating plan. And the most important thing comes to the end here: Anyone who suffers from depression should involve the people close to their hearts and get help – including from family, friends or partners. Because together you can get through dark times better, even if it may not feel that way during a depressive phase.
You can find the link to the entire (paid) guide here.
Do you have suicidal thoughts? Telephone counseling offers help. It is anonymous, free and available 24 hours a day on (0800) 1110111 and (0800) 1110222. Advice via email is also possible. A list of nationwide help centers can be found on the website of the German Society for Suicide Prevention.
