Depression is a consequence of prolonged stress that can occur at any age, whether it be in children or adults. That's according to Harucha Tamblicha Aly, a psychologist from Bunda General Hospital in Jakarta.
Harucha says that depression can happen to anyone, but the behavior of each segment differs. Generally, someone who is experiencing depression will have certain symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and no longer enjoying activities they used to like.
Depressive behavior in men and women also differs. Women tend to blame themselves when faced with stressful situations, while men tend to behave more aggressively and destructively. In children, the response that arises tends to be physical, such as sudden headaches or stomach aches.
According to Harucha, at a certain level, if not handled properly, depression can be dangerous for the sufferer. At this level, they feel helpless and have a strong desire to commit suicide. Loneliness, feeling unwanted, or prolonged physical illness are conditions that trigger the desire of depression sufferers to commit suicide.
It is important for those who experience depression to seek help from mental health professionals. Treatment options include medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Additionally, it is important for individuals to engage in self-care practices such as exercise, healthy eating, and spending time with loved ones.
It is also crucial for society to break the stigma surrounding mental health and to create a safe space for individuals to talk about their struggles without fear of judgment. By doing so, we can help prevent the onset of depression and support those who are struggling with it.
For example, in married women, the response to prolonged stress may be constant anxiety leading to tears, whereas in men, the response may be prolonged anger, aggression, or reckless behavior such as driving without following traffic rules.
Here's the interview with Harucha Tamblicha Aly, the psychologist:
Is it a response to external stimuli?
No, I believe it is a response to a situation that makes one feel trapped in life. Perception of being trapped in life can vary from person to person.
Have you ever met someone who had a profile that didn't lean towards depression, but still experienced it?
I have seen that loneliness in unmarried individuals is assumed to be very high. This happens when they do not have the ability to socialize effectively. So, a high level of loneliness can trigger depression.
Is depression also influenced by age?
I don't think age profile matters. For example, a child who has experienced trauma due to their parents' divorce or being raped can become depressed depending on their ability to adapt to the stress that arises from within or outside of themselves.
In fact, depression can happen to anyone, but the response to the behavior varies in each segment. In children, the response is usually physical, such as sudden headaches or stomach aches. In men, the response is usually anger.
Are people who like to laugh less likely to be depressed?
Not necessarily, as depression can also be hidden. In mothers, it often manifests as anxiety or crying.
Is there indeed a difference in stress behavior based on gender because society often assumes that women are more prone to anxiety, while men are more carefree?
Yes, there is a gender difference. Women tend to blame themselves more when they are faced with situations that make them depressed. Men, on the other hand, tend to blame others more. Men also have lower anger control. They can become more aggressive and destructive, leading to domestic violence. In addition, domestic violence can occur as a response to prolonged feelings of anger.
What are the signs that someone is experiencing depression?
There are signs that can be observed generally, such as changes in sleep patterns. To confirm whether the change is due to insomnia or hypersomnia, it should be diagnosed by a doctor first. There can also be changes in eating patterns, such as eating too much or not wanting to eat at all. Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed is another sign. For example, if someone used to enjoy playing golf, but now hates it.
In school-aged children, they may refuse to go to school, have difficulty waking up in the morning, or complain of headaches or stomach aches. If these symptoms persist for more than six months, they can be categorized as clinical depression. They may lose concentration, leading to a decrease in academic performance. The first step in detecting whether we are depressed or not is by identifying whether we are overwhelmed by life situations. There are scientific symptoms, but the output may not be understood by laymen.
Identifying Depression in Children and Adults
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can have a significant impact on a person's life. It can cause feelings of hopelessness, despair, and sadness, leading to a lack of motivation and energy to carry out daily activities. Although it can affect anyone, it is often challenging to identify in children and adults. In this article, we will explore the difficulty of identifying depression in children and adults and how to recognize its symptoms.
Identifying Depression in Children
Identifying depression in children can be challenging because they may not have the verbal skills to express their feelings accurately. Therefore, observation of behavior is crucial. If a child suddenly stops doing something they usually enjoy, it could be a sign of depression. For example, if a child who previously enjoyed playing sports suddenly loses interest, it may be time to investigate why. It is essential to monitor how long the behavior change lasts and whether it affects the child's performance in school or social relationships.
If depression is left untreated, it can impact a child's academic performance and emotional development. Therefore, it is vital to seek professional help if you suspect a child is experiencing depression.
Identifying Depression in Adults
Identifying depression in adults can be just as challenging as in children. The symptoms of depression in adults can be vague and often go unnoticed. Adults may not even realize they are experiencing depression. Common symptoms of depression include a lack of interest in activities, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, depression can impact their professional and personal life.
If you suspect someone you know is experiencing depression, it is essential to address the issue sensitively. Try talking to them about their mood changes and how they are feeling. It is crucial to offer support and encourage them to seek professional help.
Is Depression Dangerous?
Depression can be dangerous and even life-threatening, especially when the person feels hopeless and helpless. When a person reaches this level of depression, they may begin to consider suicide. It is vital to look out for warning signs such as sudden apologies, giving away possessions, or saying goodbye.
If you suspect someone is considering suicide, it is essential to talk to them. Offer support and encourage them to seek professional help. If they express a desire to hurt themselves, it is crucial to contact emergency services immediately.
What Can You Do to Help?
If you suspect someone you know is experiencing depression, the first step is to encourage them to seek professional help. A doctor can rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing depression-like symptoms. Additionally, therapists and counselors can help a person work through their depression and learn coping mechanisms.
In conclusion, identifying depression in children and adults can be challenging. However, it is essential to recognize the warning signs and encourage those experiencing depression to seek professional help. Depression is a treatable condition, and with the right support, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.(*)
Harucha says that depression can happen to anyone, but the behavior of each segment differs. Generally, someone who is experiencing depression will have certain symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and no longer enjoying activities they used to like.
Depressive behavior in men and women also differs. Women tend to blame themselves when faced with stressful situations, while men tend to behave more aggressively and destructively. In children, the response that arises tends to be physical, such as sudden headaches or stomach aches.
According to Harucha, at a certain level, if not handled properly, depression can be dangerous for the sufferer. At this level, they feel helpless and have a strong desire to commit suicide. Loneliness, feeling unwanted, or prolonged physical illness are conditions that trigger the desire of depression sufferers to commit suicide.
It is important for those who experience depression to seek help from mental health professionals. Treatment options include medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Additionally, it is important for individuals to engage in self-care practices such as exercise, healthy eating, and spending time with loved ones.
Photo:pexel.com |
It is also crucial for society to break the stigma surrounding mental health and to create a safe space for individuals to talk about their struggles without fear of judgment. By doing so, we can help prevent the onset of depression and support those who are struggling with it.
Depression is a term that is often used to describe a state of prolonged stress. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, emptiness, or a loss of interest in things that were once enjoyed. In certain populations, the response to stress can manifest as feelings of aggression, anger, or prolonged crying.
For example, in married women, the response to prolonged stress may be constant anxiety leading to tears, whereas in men, the response may be prolonged anger, aggression, or reckless behavior such as driving without following traffic rules.
Here's the interview with Harucha Tamblicha Aly, the psychologist:
Is it a response to external stimuli?
No, I believe it is a response to a situation that makes one feel trapped in life. Perception of being trapped in life can vary from person to person.
Have you ever met someone who had a profile that didn't lean towards depression, but still experienced it?
I have seen that loneliness in unmarried individuals is assumed to be very high. This happens when they do not have the ability to socialize effectively. So, a high level of loneliness can trigger depression.
Is depression also influenced by age?
I don't think age profile matters. For example, a child who has experienced trauma due to their parents' divorce or being raped can become depressed depending on their ability to adapt to the stress that arises from within or outside of themselves.
In fact, depression can happen to anyone, but the response to the behavior varies in each segment. In children, the response is usually physical, such as sudden headaches or stomach aches. In men, the response is usually anger.
Are people who like to laugh less likely to be depressed?
Not necessarily, as depression can also be hidden. In mothers, it often manifests as anxiety or crying.
Is there indeed a difference in stress behavior based on gender because society often assumes that women are more prone to anxiety, while men are more carefree?
Yes, there is a gender difference. Women tend to blame themselves more when they are faced with situations that make them depressed. Men, on the other hand, tend to blame others more. Men also have lower anger control. They can become more aggressive and destructive, leading to domestic violence. In addition, domestic violence can occur as a response to prolonged feelings of anger.
What are the signs that someone is experiencing depression?
There are signs that can be observed generally, such as changes in sleep patterns. To confirm whether the change is due to insomnia or hypersomnia, it should be diagnosed by a doctor first. There can also be changes in eating patterns, such as eating too much or not wanting to eat at all. Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed is another sign. For example, if someone used to enjoy playing golf, but now hates it.
In school-aged children, they may refuse to go to school, have difficulty waking up in the morning, or complain of headaches or stomach aches. If these symptoms persist for more than six months, they can be categorized as clinical depression. They may lose concentration, leading to a decrease in academic performance. The first step in detecting whether we are depressed or not is by identifying whether we are overwhelmed by life situations. There are scientific symptoms, but the output may not be understood by laymen.
Identifying Depression in Children and Adults
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can have a significant impact on a person's life. It can cause feelings of hopelessness, despair, and sadness, leading to a lack of motivation and energy to carry out daily activities. Although it can affect anyone, it is often challenging to identify in children and adults. In this article, we will explore the difficulty of identifying depression in children and adults and how to recognize its symptoms.
Identifying Depression in Children
Identifying depression in children can be challenging because they may not have the verbal skills to express their feelings accurately. Therefore, observation of behavior is crucial. If a child suddenly stops doing something they usually enjoy, it could be a sign of depression. For example, if a child who previously enjoyed playing sports suddenly loses interest, it may be time to investigate why. It is essential to monitor how long the behavior change lasts and whether it affects the child's performance in school or social relationships.
If depression is left untreated, it can impact a child's academic performance and emotional development. Therefore, it is vital to seek professional help if you suspect a child is experiencing depression.
Identifying Depression in Adults
Identifying depression in adults can be just as challenging as in children. The symptoms of depression in adults can be vague and often go unnoticed. Adults may not even realize they are experiencing depression. Common symptoms of depression include a lack of interest in activities, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, depression can impact their professional and personal life.
If you suspect someone you know is experiencing depression, it is essential to address the issue sensitively. Try talking to them about their mood changes and how they are feeling. It is crucial to offer support and encourage them to seek professional help.
Is Depression Dangerous?
Depression can be dangerous and even life-threatening, especially when the person feels hopeless and helpless. When a person reaches this level of depression, they may begin to consider suicide. It is vital to look out for warning signs such as sudden apologies, giving away possessions, or saying goodbye.
If you suspect someone is considering suicide, it is essential to talk to them. Offer support and encourage them to seek professional help. If they express a desire to hurt themselves, it is crucial to contact emergency services immediately.
What Can You Do to Help?
If you suspect someone you know is experiencing depression, the first step is to encourage them to seek professional help. A doctor can rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing depression-like symptoms. Additionally, therapists and counselors can help a person work through their depression and learn coping mechanisms.
In conclusion, identifying depression in children and adults can be challenging. However, it is essential to recognize the warning signs and encourage those experiencing depression to seek professional help. Depression is a treatable condition, and with the right support, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.(*)
Harucha Tamblicha Aly, a psychologist from Bunda General Hospital in Jakarta. |