Editorial Vere Álvarez N
More than 2 million people suffer from depression in Spain. Our psychologist Estefanía Villanueva explains that to combat this mental disorder, it's necessary to recognize that we have a problem when there's "a lack of desire to live or perform daily tasks" and to seek help from family members and professionals.
Our attitude is determined by our moods. Depending on this state, we perform a task with more or less energy, feel like going to the beach or staying indoors, have a meal or just have no appetite... countless everyday situations in which sadness and apathy overcome happiness and interest. The differences with emotions lie in duration and intensity, the latter being triggered at a specific moment by a specific situation, while a mood is long-lasting and persistent. When we suffer from a mood disorder that can be triggered by a traumatic stress event or a problem suddenly arisesWe are talking about prolonged sadness, a feeling of emptiness, irritability, feelings of guilt, changes in sleep patterns and appetite, loss of interest in activities that were previously pleasurable and even, in a more extreme case, repetitive thoughts of death or suicide as some of the symptoms that reflect people who have this condition. mental illness known as depression.
Relationship between healthy habits and moods
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects more than two million people in our country, making Spain the fourth country in Europe with the most cases, and it is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, genetic, social, and environmental factors. The psychologist Estefanía Villanueva It explains that people have a mood based not only on biological and genetic factors but also on how we relate to our environment."When our actions are not directed toward or in line with our vital values, they will lead to an unhealthy mood. Therefore, healthy lifestyle habits, in addition to ensuring adequate physical health, help our emotional stability be enriched by pleasant external events," Villanueva explains.
On the other hand, depression doesn't depend on age; the vulnerability to suffering from it depends on individual factors, life history, personal experience, and events (elderly people living alone, adolescents with family histories of poverty, exclusion, etc.). To the question of how or in what ways depression can be combated, the answer is clear: It is necessary to ask for help from people around us (family and friends) and specialized professionalsWhat's the first step? We must realize that "when there is a lack of enthusiasm and a reluctance to live and/or perform daily tasks, we have a problem." Depression doesn't have a single origin or trigger, but rather a combination of several. It's vitally important to identify the cause of the discomfort, work on the actions we take in our environment, and activate behavior to change this constant rumination and discomfort.
“You should always consult a professional”
The vast majority of people experience sadness, melancholy, unhappiness, depression, or depression at some point in their lives, or for periods of varying duration. When the discomfort persists, along with changes in sleeping and eating habits, and how we relate to others, we should consult a professional. Depression can lead to other types of pathologies or diseases if it is not treated well or in time. That's why "you should always consult a professional." Psychologist Villanueva states that the symptoms are similar to other mood disorders and even mental illnesses, so an evaluation involving a differential diagnosis by a specialized mental health professional is necessary.
As recommendations for people who live these situations of melancholy and sadnessIt's helpful to sunbathe, maintain healthy, pleasurable habits and routines, make an effort to connect with friends and family, find time to do things that align with your values and purpose in life, meditate, pray if you're a believer, get plenty of rest and sleep hygiene, and, don't forget, ask for help. At Dr. Mosqueira Clinic, we're at your complete disposal for any information you may need regarding this or any other problem. You can contact us at 951006638 with no obligation to let Estafanía Villanueva help you.
