Stuck in a Vortex of Darkness: How to Get Out of Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by feelings of sadness, feelings of emptiness, loneliness and lack of enthusiasm in carrying out daily activities. These complaints have been experienced for at least 2 weeks.

Those who have depression usually have several other symptoms such as changes in appetite (can eat a lot or lack of appetite), sleep disorders (insomnia or hypersomnia), pessimism/lack of self-confidence, decreased/loss of concentration/focus. Up to severe symptoms such as  feelings of uselessness or hopelessness, and thoughts of hurting yourself or even attempting suicide.

Symptoms of Depression are divided into 5 Subs, including:

1. Social Symptoms, such as being alone, social isolation and difficulty communicating
2. Mood / Emotional Symptoms, such as Sadness, anxiety, emptiness, emotional blunting, lack of motivation, pessimism, thoughts of hopelessness
3. Behavioral symptoms, such as crying, wanting to run away, ignoring responsibilities, substance abuse
4. Physical symptoms, such as insomnia, pain, fatigue, weight loss, lethargy (a condition when a person feels very tired and does not improve after resting)
5. Cognitive symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, difficulty making decisions, and self-criticism (the act of judging oneself negatively by judging personal traits, such as appearance, abilities or personality characteristics)

Depression has risk factors (conditions or characteristics that can increase a person's chances of contracting a disease or disorder), including:

Genetic Factors

1. Personality Factors
2. History of serious/chronic illnesses (e.g. diagnosed with cancer/chronic diabetes mellitus)
3. Childhood Trauma
4. Sociodemographics (age, gender, occupation and marital status)
5. Experiencing pressure/conflict from family, workplace, etc

The ways to treat depression include:

1. Relieve symptoms by finding solutions to the  problem source of depression
2. Seek support from family, friends etc. to help yourself escape from depression
3. Do light activities such as exercise to get endorphins which can  make you happy
4. Have a new, useful hobby
5. If the symptoms do not decrease, immediately ask for help by consulting a psychiatrist / psychologist

For Hermina Friends, RSU Hermina Samarinda already has a Psychiatrist and Psychologist, the schedule is listed on the herminahospitals.com website. Don't hesitate to consult, before it's too late.

Review: Dr. Eka Yuni N., Sp.KJ

Bibliography:

Ministry of Health, 2024
Rosyanti Lilin, et al. Understanding Major Depressive Disorder. 2018