The Difference between Stress and Depression, Recognize the Symptoms
Almost everyone has experienced stress. However, many people also feel they are depressed. Actually, what is the difference between stress and depression?
Stress is normal and can be good for you in certain situations. When you are under stress, for example because of a pile of work or because you are planning a wedding, you will be even more motivated to focus on problems and improve your performance. However, you need to be careful because if you are too stressed, you could end up suffering from depression. Even in some cases, depression can appear without being preceded by stress.
What is the difference between stress and depression?
Stress and depression are often used by the layman as interchangeable terms. In fact, stress and depression have fundamental differences. The way stress and depression work is not the same, so the handling will be different. If not handled properly, depression can endanger mental health, physical health, and even life. So, it’s important that you recognize the difference between stress and depression in order to treat yourself properly before it’s too late.
Stress usually starts from feeling overwhelmed due to a lot of pressure from outside and inside a person that has been going on for quite a long time. Stress can push you to be even more excited about challenges, but it can also discourage you. This is because everyone has different mechanisms for dealing with stress.
When you are under stress, your body reads an attack or threat. As a self-protection mechanism, the body will produce various hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine. As a result, you will feel a boost of energy and increased concentration so that you can respond to sources of stress effectively. The body will also automatically turn off body functions that are not needed, such as digestion. However, if stress occurs at unwanted moments, blood will flow to the parts of the body that are useful for physical response, such as the feet and hands, so that brain function decreases. This is why many people find it difficult to think clearly when under stress.
Unlike stress, depression is a mental illness that adversely affects a sufferer’s mood, feelings, stamina, appetite, sleep patterns, and concentration levels. Depression is not a sign of unhappiness or character flaws. Depression is not a natural state to encounter such as stress or panic. People who are depressed usually feel discouraged or motivated, continue to feel sad and fail, and tire easily. This condition can last for six months or more. Thus, people suffering from depression usually find it difficult to carry out daily activities such as working, eating, socializing, studying, or driving normally. Anyone can develop depression, especially if you have a history of depression in your immediate family. Research also shows that women are more at risk of developing depression than men.
Stress symptoms
Stress can happen to anyone, including children of school age. Look at the following symptoms of depression to find out if you are experiencing stress or depression.
- Hard to sleep
- Memory problems
- Distraction of concentration
- Diet changes
- Irritable and irritable
- Often nervous or restless
- Feeling overwhelmed with work at school or office
- Fear of not being able to complete tasks properly
Depression symptoms
The signs of depression are much more complicated than the symptoms of stress. The onset can also be gradual, making it difficult to really know when depression first hit. The following are various symptoms of depression that usually occur.
- Withdrawing from social and family circles
- Feeling sad as if there is no hope
- Loss of enthusiasm, motivation, energy and stamina
- It’s hard to make a decision
- Eat less or more than usual
- Sleep less or longer than usual
- Difficulty concentrating
- It’s hard to remember
- Feeling guilty, failed, and alone
- Constantly negative thinking
- Easily disappointed, angry, and offended
- Difficult to carry out daily activities
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Having suicidal thoughts
How to deal with depression
If you find that you have depression, you need to take immediate action. Depression is a disease that can be cured if handled properly. However, depression cannot be cured by you alone. You need help from others. Try going for a counseling session with a psychologist or psychiatrist. You may also be referred for a variety of therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychotherapy.
To help you deal with anxiety or drowning in prolonged sadness, treatment with antidepressants and sedatives can be a solution. Sleeping pills may also be offered for those of you who experience insomnia or have trouble sleeping. Remember that getting depressed isn’t your fault, but you can fight it. Tell the people closest to you your situation honestly so they can support you and help you heal faster.
What is the danger if depression is left untreated?
Don’t take depression for granted or take it for granted, as its effects are very dangerous. Various studies have found a very close relationship between depression with liver disease and heart failure. In addition, research also shows that people who suffer from depression are 58% more likely to develop obesity due to drastic diet changes and lack of exercise. If not treated seriously, depression at a young age can reduce brain power and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and stroke.
In some cases, those who were already stricken with major depression were more likely to try to end their life by committing suicide. Then, it’s time you take stress and depression seriously. Recognize the difference between the two and deal with stress and depression immediately before it’s too late.
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