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In a world where emotional ups and downs are normal, it can be challenging to distinguish between a temporary feeling of sadness and clinical depression. This article aims to guide you through self-reflection, helping you understand whether what you’re experiencing might be a sign of depression.

Understanding Depression:

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s a common but serious mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Key symptoms include a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

Self-Reflection Questions:

● Have you found yourself losing interest in activities you once enjoyed?
● Do feelings of sadness or hopelessness persist most of the day, nearly every day? ● Are changes in your sleep patterns or appetite affecting your daily life?

Real-Life Scenarios:

● John, a 35-year-old teacher, noticed he no longer found joy in his hobbies and felt constantly fatigued. This mirrors the common symptom of losing interest in daily activities and persistent tiredness.

● Sarah, a 28-year-old graphic designer, found herself feeling worthless and had difficulty concentrating on her work. These are signs of decreased self-esteem and difficulty in focusing, often associated with depression.

Dr. Sylvia Foster’s Approach:

In my experience as a psychiatrist, with some training in psychoanalysis in the past, I believe that psychotherapy can help in understanding each patient’s unique situation, helping them tell their story, gain insight about their life patterns, and helping them change their cognitive perspective. People tend to derive benefit from telling their story, from emotional catharsis, all of which can be found in the experience of the therapeutic relationship.

Treatment for depression often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. I believe in the power of personal growth through therapy, supplemented by medication, if necessary. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression is the first step towards healing. If you find yourself relating to these symptoms and scenarios, it may be time to seek professional help.