From the author: Shcheglova Oksana Viktorovna Depression It is important not to confuse sadness caused by grief or loss and depression. Sadness often occurs as a reaction to a recent external event, such as injury, illness, or the loss of a loved one. It is conditioned by the situation. The vast majority of people experience it sooner or later; we go through it as a certain stage. But there are times when sadness can turn into depression. In what cases this happens usually depends on the person’s tendency to “chew” his condition. This "chewing" promises constant anxiety, giving rise to thoughts about how bad you are. True depression is not necessarily associated with obvious external events, such as death or job loss. It can be caused by genetic inheritance and chemical imbalances in the brain. It should be understood that depression is not just a bad mood that will pass in a week or two. People suffering from depression describe the experience as an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness and despair, as if they had no self. Everything they see, feel and experience is shrouded in a black cloud. Negative thoughts remain with a person day after day, and thoughts of death and suicide often arise. Depression doesn't always look the same: it can appear as a spectrum of emotions. People who are depressed may experience mood swings from anxiety to anger to withdrawal. Often, when a person is depressed, loved ones may not know about it. This happens because depression is hidden; the person suffering from depression often does not share what is happening to him or seek help. There is an element of self-preservation in such denial. We often think that we are strong enough and capable of solving any problems we face. Otherwise, it is a sign of weakness, and therefore we try not to admit that we cannot cope with something. Depression is a mood or affective disorder. This is a disease that directly affects the whole person. She undermines his mood, his thoughts, his body, his behavior. Mood. A person suffering from depression is prone to being in a bad mood. He may lose interest in activities that previously pleased him. Thoughts. During depression, persistently negative, hopeless thoughts about the present and future predominate. They may be mixed with thoughts of death and suicide. A depressed person feels lonely, worthless, hopeless, and worthless. In addition, a depressed person may have difficulty concentrating, paying attention, remembering, and making decisions. Depression can also be accompanied by excessive anxiety and horror of real events. Body. People with depression may experience problems with their normal appetite and sleep. Most people lose their appetite, but some start eating even more as a result of depression. Sleep and fatigue are also major problems. People with depression may wake up early, sometimes cannot fall asleep at all, or sleep much more than usual. Even if they sleep, their sleep is usually restless, dreamless, they have difficulty falling asleep, and are tormented by nightmares. Behavior. Lethargy, inability to complete work, and difficulty reading and studying are all symptoms of depression. Some people are beyond control, crying at every little thing. Some slouch and drag their feet, others, on the contrary, are excited and nervous. Some people with depression are able to function, but others are unable to do even simple, everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, cooking or eating, bathing, or going to work. Depression can strike at any age. Childhood and teenage depression often goes unrecognized. According to studies, among elementary school students, 2-3% of children are depressed, in middle school - 8-10%, among high school students - 15-30%. Symptoms.